I just purchased my new RX8 in April. I'm having a blast but am wondering how this car is going to handle in the winter. I've driven my 2 former sports cars all winter with snow tires (I live in Buffalo and have to drive to snow country every day) and had no problems at all. They were front wheel drives. Any suggestions on what sort of set up I need to make this a year round car?
By the way, it's the weather is beautiful here now. Best place in the country to be. Just thinking ahead.

 

Do a search. Plenty of discussion around here on this topic.

Short story: Put snow tires on and you'll be fine. Leave the summer tires on and you'll be gettin' friendly with your insurance agent.

 

With snow tires no problems at all. TC/DSC is your best friend.


FWD sports cars?!?! Never heard of such a thing.

 

He isn't exaggerating . . . especially seeing that you live in Buffalo. Get a set of dedicated snow tires. The stock tires are not to be used in even the slightest snow. I have first hand experience with this. I didn't crash, but a 180 spin where my car stopped about 6" from hitting a parked car was enough for me - this was in less than an inch of snow and literally driving like a scared grandma. This is just one of a few close calls in snow for me, but you get the idea. I'll never drive the 8 in snow again . . . but then I have a Toyota 4x4 for that now!

 

do you guys recommand buying a set of new rims + 17inch snow tires or just 18inch snowtires? if thats even possible/make sense.

 

ko sorry for my stupid question, just read the sticky snow thread. all clear now. thanks

 

ok I have another question now, I read through the whole snow tire thread and didnt find any answer, so this might not even be a valid question, but here it is anyway.

I'm already keeping an eyes out on Used 17inch rims for snow tires and it was mentioned that some 17s wont clear the brakes? how will i know which 17inch rims will fit

thanks

 

If the rims you are looking at are listed as a fitment for your car on Tire Rack, you are all set. Otherwise, post the exact brand, style, and measurements here and hope that somemone has used them and can chime in.

You will save a lot of money in the long run with 17", in case you hadn't discovered that yet. I just bought mine for this winter. The cheapest 18" winter tires that I would use were about $190 each. You still have to get them mounted (not cheap with low profile and TPMS to deal with) and will be switching twice a year. You can get 17" wheel and tire combinations MOUNTED and ready to go from tire rack for less than $250 per corner if you go without TPMS. That made it a no brainer for me.

 

That is the way that I went. Bought 17" rims and tires from tire rack for $300 a piece. I would recommend buying them now, the longer you wait the slimmer the pickings get. When I was getting my rims last year, they were literally selling out while I was purchasing them over the phone. People were grabbing them faster than I could have imagined.

 

you need snow tires on the 8? wow, that's amazing.

 

o rly?? no wai!!