How does your FWD GT handle in winter conditions?

[forlornb4]

If you have a FWD GT and drive in snow and ice with it, could you share with me if you use all season tires or snow tires? Do you have 16's or 17 inch rims?This will be my first winter with a FWD and I'm a sissy with winter driving. I'm trying to decide on all season's or snows. Finances are an issue.

[vibenvy]

My mom and I got 16" steel wheels for our '09 GTs last winter (to protect the factory 18s). We decided to go with all season tires because we don't get too much snow here in Chicagoland and any snow we do get is typically cleared off the streets pretty quick. Winter tires would wear down faster on dry or wet streets and would be noisier so we ended up getting Kelly Explorer all season tires (205/55/16). We had no problems getting around. I was always trying, to no avail, to get the wheels to spin and they wouldn't unless the traction and stability control were turned off. I know there was one day last winter where all the roads around here were solid ice, again, we had no problems getting around. It matters what kind of tires you have, but in my opinion, what matters more is how you drive. If you drive like an idiot, you'll end up in the ditch, if you take your time and drive carefully, you'll be fine.

[09vGT]

We don't get too much snow around here.. a couple few times in the winter, and when it snows.. its normally a blizzard .. When I do drive in it, it seemed to handle really well, compared to my Mustang with no traction or ABS lol.. But no need for snow tires here, so can't really help you on opinion with that..

[DressedInBlack]

well, the South Florida winters are mild and we have to bust out our winter coats when it hits 50 so i suppose this thread is not intended for me.

[star_deceiver]

If you have to deal with snow more then once a year GET WINTER TIRES!!!!! Once you drive in the snow with dedicated winters you'll wonder how you lived without them!!!Here's an example!!!http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id ... d?id=39909

[JetBlack09VibeGT]

I got a set of tires and 16" alloys last winter before I moved down to New Mexico. Now they are just sitting in my garage. Nonetheless, they were the best investment for winter driving in Michigan. Traction was awesome and knowing that I wasn't going to ruin an 18" factory rim on some bad pothole was an added bonus. http://forums.genvibe.com/zero...80474

[areles]

Last winter wasn't too much fun with the stock 18"ers. I followed J_TO_ENVY's advice and got 16" Toyota steelies and some winter tires for this coming season.

[midnighthunder89]

I dont have a gt but have the 2.4l and 17" rims. we get alot of snow here but the biggest problem is the steep hills with the snow on them. I did just fine last year when driving around the steep slope in the snow with the factory tires. This year I am hoping to have 16" steels and winter tires.

[keithvibe]

Quote, originally posted by forlornb4 » I'm a sissy with winter driving. then for the sake of everyone, please stay home.If you value your life, your loved ones, and those around you. Either bite the bullet and spend the money and correctly equip your car for the road conditions or please stay off the road, so you don't kill yourself, anyone in your family that might be riding with you or a stranger that you hit because Quote, originally posted by forlornb4 » Finances are an issue.

[forlornb4]

keithvibe, Thanks for your right to the point comment. You're right, I shouldn't be on the road without snow tires. I will buck up and spend the money. It's worth it. Hurting anyone would be the last thing I would want to do.Thanks everyone for the input, it's much appreciated

[ponta2147]

I drove with the stock 17" tires on my non-GT 2.4L through ice and snow. Never had any problems, drove cautiously and paid attention to how the car was handling. Traction control only beeped at me a couple times when I took the turn onto my street a little too fast (which they never plowed). I never had any issues otherwise. I agree that tires can help (especially in rougher terrain or really deep snow) but for the average driver it is really about being an aware driver and listening to your car for what it can and cannot handle.Full disclosure: my reference point is Chicago winter. Some places are better and some are worse, but we have our share of nasties.

[keithvibe]

Now that I've got your attention, my next suggestion is to take your car to an empty parking lot the next time it snows and give the car a run for the money. See where the edge of control and your white knuckling take over. Then you can better understand your car. It's about how you control your car. It's not always about the money upfront, but how much it "might" cost you or someone in the long run. Spending about 600bucks you can get a set of steelies and cheap snow tires. If you were in an accident you most likely, like everyone have a 500 or 1000 deductable on your insurance. So you would end up paying that anyways.I currently have 16" stock alloy rims that came stock on some vibe models and including the rims I spent less than 500bucks.My first set up, (my wife now uses on her Kia soul) cost me less than 800 with custom aftermarket rims.I hope my "tone" as being to the point didn't come across as being mean, this wasn't my intention. There are a lot of us struggling with money these days and before someone convinces you that you will be ok with allseason tires I felt the need to point out your already not comfortable driving in bad weather, so why would you handycap yourself further by not having the best money you can afford to make yourself safer than most others on the road.One last thing... get FOUR snow tires... not two please. All snow tires now on the market will out perform any and all allseason tires in the snow and what will happen say if you put the two snows on the front two tires (as old thinking would dictate) you would find yourself in a 360 spin very very quickly because the front tires are gripping and the rear allseasons are slipping and sliding.

[forlornb4]

Great idea! I haven't done that since I was 16. It sounds like fun. Bring on the snow. Your tone was fine, that's how my dad used to get my attention. Thanks a bunch.

[midnighthunder89]

Quote, originally posted by keithvibe »Now that I've got your attention, my next suggestion is to take your car to an empty parking lot the next time it snows and give the car a run for the money. See where the edge of control and your white knuckling take over. Then you can better understand your car. It's about how you control your car. I do this every year. I feel that everyone should. It helps people to remember they dont have the same traction as the summer. This would greatly decrease the number of accidents at the beginning of the season.http://www.mtukrc.org/school.htmI have wanted to do this class. or even just a class that is similar to snow rally closed course and high speeds

[Sublimewind]

If you are the sissy winter driver you say you are, GET WINTER TIRES PERIOD.. do yourself the favor and get a set of steel "take off" wheels to put the winter tires on... Get Bridgestone Blizzak tires.. They make the worst conditions seem, manageable.. Don't waist your time or money on all seasons..

[Blue Turtul]

I have a '04 with the stock 16's all season. I'm 32 and have been living in MI my entire life, so winter driving is nothing for me. My first vehicle was a 78 Ford Courrier pickup with NO power steering and it was a 5 speed. I love my 6 Speed GT! I had no issues with it in the winter. I am worried about my wife driving it this year since we are down to 1 car, so I am changing out the tires soon!