A storm is coming

[MRV99]

I have driven in snow with summer tires. Not by choice but because we had a freak snow storm and I did not get my winters on. Here is what I experienced.

I was driving on a snow covers road with a slight decline going about 10 mph. I was about 75 yards from a stop light when it changes to yellow. I hit the breaks and ended up sliding into the intersection and almost got hit.

This is only my experience. I am sure you will be able to drive in the snow with your summers and will not have an accident. You come back and tell is that it was not that bad and you don't understand what the big deal is.

[sburke91]

I survived 3 central Ohio winters in my '98 M3 with summer tires on it. I drove like I had an egg under each foot and between each hand and the steering wheel. Stopping required long advance planning to account for the slide. Startups required a tricky balance of traction control on and off. The last of the 3 winters I had to be pulled out of a ditch when a freak snow storm popped up on my way home. I was in my mid-20s at the time and not very bright At that point I decided from my next vehicle on, I was going to be the puller, rather than the pullee.

Now I have 333's in the summer and 210's with Michelin Alpins for the winter. Winter driving is much more relaxed, and I know, unless the road is a solid sheet of ice, that I'm not going to slide into someone. A winter setup doesn't make you invincible, but it brings a peace of mind that far outweighs the investment needed.

[boogakb24]

Originally Posted by sburke91

I survived 3 central Ohio winters in my '98 M3 with summer tires on it. I drove like I had an egg under each foot and between each hand and the steering wheel. Stopping required long advance planning to account for the slide. Startups required a tricky balance of traction control on and off. The last of the 3 winters I had to be pulled out of a ditch when a freak snow storm popped up on my way home. I was in my mid-20s at the time and not very bright At that point I decided from my next vehicle on, I was going to be the puller, rather than the pullee.

Now I have 333's in the summer and 210's with Michelin Alpins for the winter. Winter driving is much more relaxed, and I know, unless the road is a solid sheet of ice, that I'm not going to slide into someone. A winter setup doesn't make you invincible, but it brings a peace of mind that far outweighs the investment needed.

Thanks for sharing your experience, well I have decided to sell my summer tires and get all season tires. I've read great stuff about the Continental DWS but I need runflat, any recommendation?

[dnvrdrvr]

Originally Posted by boogakb24

Wow!!!!!! a lot of negativity is it that bad? Trust me no repairs needed.

Sorry, didn't mean to be so snarky. I've just seen so many people assume their summer tires have good tread on them so they'll work.. and then end up sliding into curbs, barriers and/or other cars. Not only does it suck for them, but now you've involved innocent bystanders into your decision. Sounds like you've already decided to get some all-seasons, which will serve you FAR better than what you're on now. In the meantime, good luck getting around. And again, apologies for being so mean-spirited about it when you're here looking for advice - not my normal M.O.

[boogakb24]

Originally Posted by dnvrdrvr

Sorry, didn't mean to be so snarky. I've just seen so many people assume their summer tires have good tread on them so they'll work.. and then end up sliding into curbs, barriers and/or other cars. Not only does it suck for them, but now you've involved innocent bystanders into your decision. Sounds like you've already decided to get some all-seasons, which will serve you FAR better than what you're on now. In the meantime, good luck getting around. And again, apologies for being so mean-spirited about it when you're here looking for advice - not my normal M.O.

Hey no love lost!!!!!! thanks for your advice and good pointers.

Be thankful be something and happy holiday.

[sburke91]

Originally Posted by boogakb24

Thanks for sharing your experience, well I have decided to sell my summer tires and get all season tires. I've read great stuff about the Continental DWS but I need runflat, any recommendation?

It looks like the options in 255-50-19 all season runflat are pretty slim:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...ing=XL&tab=All

The all-season Latitude Tour HP's are passable in the snow (I had them in 18" size on my 2011 when I first bought it last year).

That said, if you can stomach the risk of non-runflats over the winter, sets of 18" wheels with decent winter rubber pop up in the classifieds for $1000 or so fairly often, which would be cheaper than tires, mounting, etc.

[3X3=5]

Since we're on the top of driving in snow, anyone used cables? I've searched the forums and I didn't find anyone using cables. I also searched Amazon and found only one set that said it would fit the OEM 20"s. I've never used cables on any vehicle I've had, but I assume there is a risk of damage to the face of the wheel?

Looks like Continental DWS are available in 275/40 and 315/35 for only $1000, which is very reasonable. Might go that route to avoid dealing with switching from a summer to snow tire each year or having a second set of winter wheels.

[604nguyen]

Seriously... Driving with summer tires in snow? Yikes
Is sacrificing the safety of yourself and others .... really worth the savings of a few bucks?

Shoud not be cheaping out on something like this. Honest opinion.

[boogakb24]

Originally Posted by 604nguyen

Seriously... Driving with summer tires in snow? Yikes
Is sacrificing the safety of yourself and others .... really worth the savings of a few bucks?

Shoud not be cheaping out on something like this. Honest opinion.

30 mile ride from the city to home was not bad, I was very cautious doing like 40 to 45 mph on the highway. Any time I caught myself doing 50 plus I pulled back, the only place I got stack was my hilly driveway after I pulled up. I had to shovel the snow on my driveway before I could garage the car.

I guess it's good that the county takes care of the snow as its coming down so the road was not bad.

[particulardude]

I spent my first winter w/ the E70 on the summers and it was an f'ing toboggan- don't do it.

Picked up some Conti DWS for this winter and the remainder of the time I have this truck.

[007_e350]

Originally Posted by boogakb24

Thanks for sharing your experience, well I have decided to sell my summer tires and get all season tires. I've read great stuff about the Continental DWS but I need runflat, any recommendation?

DWS is still all season, you're better of getting blizzaks off craigslist, the difference in rubber compound is where the money is

[mweisdorfer]

Drove mine with Goodyear Assurance Triple Tread All-seasons last year in the worst winter in Michigan history for most snow fall and record number of days below 20 degrees.

No issues

The AWD supplements the need for dedicated winter tires for an non-turbo I - 6.

Turbo charged e90 like a 335i. Yes, you need snow tires.

[Poppyboy]

I've had my winter setup on for about two weeks now (replica 214s with like new Pirelli Scorpions, 275 all around, even on rear staggers-lightly, but not too stretched, bought in June on Craig's List for $1000, including one like new spare tire). While we haven't been dumped on (snow-wise) yet here in Chicago, grip is great on the cold pavement (due to the softer compound), and last week up in slightly snowy Wisconsin was a piece of cake. I expect there to a night and day difference in traction once the 4+ month period of crap weather sets in.

[Flying Ace]

OP, did you get your answer yet? lol. FWIW, I accidentally drove on summer tires on my e90 M3 once in light snow, simply b/c I haven't had time to swap to winter tires.


You'll learn that, even with AWD traction, your car will just constantly spin the tires with summer tires on. Stopping distances are probably twice the needed length than WITH winter tires on, which is already about 50% longer with winter tires on the snow. So what I'm saying is with summer tires, you'll need almost 150% MORE stopping distance in the snow, AND your truck will likely kick its rear end out when you hit the brakes due to weight transfer issues stopping on a slight curve, and that's very scary.

I've had extensive experience driving AWD in the snow as I used to own an Evo8. With winter tires, traction actually works, and stopping distances are much much improved.

All I have to say is, don't drive with summer tires, and swap them out this winter.

With my X5d, even though I live in sunny SF, CA, with my trips to Tahoe and such, I plan on running all-seasons (Conti DWS) all year round.