Second Generation Winter Driving Question

[h0sti1e17]

I am thinking about getting a 3.8 V6 RWD. I live in Northern VA so we obviously get snow. Generally I would not be driving in deep snow, since nearly everything is plowed quickly. Usually slush, fresh snow, or some packed snow on the street I live on.

So my questions are these

1-How does it handle with All-Season tires in the snow? With all the stability control and all the other things like that, if I am soft on the pedal, how does it handle?

2-Should all 4 tires be changed, or just rear?

3-If I get tires, should I get wheels, or just change them on and off the same rims?

3-What about something like Snow Socks? We aren't in snow all the time here, and last year probably have 10-15 days of snow a season.
http://www.autozone.com/snow-chains/tire-snow-sock

This will be a lease, so I don't really want to invest a full set of wheels for a car I will have for 3 years.

Thanks for the help.

 

[84FordMan]

Came from a 3.8 Coupe, ran All-Seasons all the time. NC isn't as prepared for winter weather as VA is and whenever it happened, the Coupe was pretty much disabled.

Had the 4.6 Sedan for this last winter blast, it had All-Seasons on it and again, it got through some but just was not stable/safe. In fact had to slide it back down a hill and into a middle school parking lot, and I walked home from there.

If anytime it snows and your job does not allow you to call out, have a set of (4) winter tires mounted on spare wheels and put them on a few days before any potential winter weather.

I've heard mixed reviews on the Auto Sock, by nature, it's a better alternative to chains/cables. I would still prefer a set of winter tires.

- Alternatively you can run Continental ExtremeContact DW-S tires, they are rated for snow, but the downside is the part of the tread that is rated for snow is gone within 10,000 miles.

 

[iSOBigD]

Before I bought mine, I watched videos to see how it handles in the snow. I haven't tested it myself yet, but I can't imagine "all season tires" (called "summer tires" in Canada) gripping anything on ice at -40 degrees here. They're not legal here in winter because even with winter tires you're just sliding around half the time so you have to be careful especially with powerful cars.

Here's a French guy testing a Genesis WITH snow tires:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhco57iRF2Q

This guy also shows the ESC/Traction control does a good job of keeping the car moving slowly and not spinning out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GAPv46IACY

I'm a little worried about going up any inclines, but I'm hoping if my Maxima can do it, so can the Genesis...only time will tell.

 

[kn5owa]

I am thinking about getting a 3.8 V6 RWD. I live in Northern VA so we obviously get snow. Generally I would not be driving in deep snow, since nearly everything is plowed quickly. Usually slush, fresh snow, or some packed snow on the street I live on.

I have lived in Northern VA for 50 years - as you said, we get snow, not usually deep, and they plow quickly. ***

The Genesis - mine at least - is a heavy car (4500 lbs +), and I would not even consider using anything other than the factory tires - (now Continentals).

*** They also put down an unbelievable amount of salt and sand at the slightest hint of snow - but's that another story.

 

[iRick]

I live in southern california but snowboard alot so I plan to be prepared for winter.

Do yourself a favor and get some 18x8 inch wheels along with some highly reviewed snow tires. All seasons probably won't get it done with such a heavy rwd car.

 

[kn5owa]

All seasons probably won't get it done with such a heavy rwd car.

Heavy rwd cars go great in snow.

I started out with a '53 Olds @4000 lbs, and since then I've had enough buicks, oldsmobiles & caddies to know what they will do.

We are only talking about No. Va here. Six inches is a big deal here anymore.

Bottom line - get what you think you need. A bag of cat litter in the trunk is the most I'm gonna spring for.

 

[iRick]

Heavy rwd cars go great in snow.

I started out with a '53 Olds @4000 lbs, and since then I've had enough buicks, oldsmobiles & caddies to know what they will do.

We are only talking about No. Va here. Six inches is a big deal here anymore.

Bottom line - get what you think you need. A bag of cat litter in the trunk is the most I'm gonna spring for.

Ah you're right I forgot. I always think about weight in the rear, not overall weight.

 

[Leoneaj33]

I live in MN and use my Genny as my DD. I just put 4 Blizzak tires on in the winter an have no problem. The thing handles great and I actually prefer it to my AWD Lexus GS. I can't move with my summer tires on in the snow so I always try to put them on mid October.

 

[Big_tugg]

Hey guys, also northern VA here. Somehow I was out in almost every snow storm since 2012 in my genny traveling between VA and PA. Pirelli has treated me more than good! The only times I've seen that traction light was on slush. I was able to go uphill from a dead stop on slush, even get out of the tire tracks of a 18 wheeler as it flipped/lost control in front of me. I got a good 30k miles out of tires before I decided to retire them. My suggestion is to get a winter/snow tire! I haven't had any experience with any other snow tire but Pirelli which I highly recommend. I wouldn't run an all season in our area!

 

[losboricua]

I live in Northeast Ohio, right on the snow belt. Last year I drove my rwd with the Hankook during the first snow fall(3-4inchs) and I was amazed how well the Snow mode worked. I bought a used set of wheels with Blizzak LM32 and I was passing AWD vehicles during heavy snows. I traveled 30 miles each way to work with no issue.

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[5AM]

Hey I just moved to Indiana and lived in California all my life. So I am planning to buy snow tires and was wondering since the coupe had staggered tires if I needed to do that setup for winter tires. I am planning to buy 4 blizzak ws80 and was wondering if I can buy 4 blizzak 225-45-18s or do I need to get a staggered pair but I couldn't find blizzak having the staggered.

 

[losboricua]

Hey I just moved to Indiana and lived in California all my life. So I am planning to buy snow tires and was wondering since the coupe had staggered tires if I needed to do that setup for winter tires. I am planning to buy 4 blizzak ws80 and was wondering if I can buy 4 blizzak 225-45-18s or do I need to get a staggered pair but I couldn't find blizzak having the staggered.

No need for staggered setup. I don't remember the rear tire size for your car but you want something that will match your tire height and that will fit in your car without rubbing.