Just wondering if anyone has experience driving a Cayman (specifically Cayman R) in light snow using stock tires. Does it do OK? Looks like we have our first snow of the season coming soon.

 

I had my Boxster on summer tires on less than 1 inch of snow and it was a disaster.

Put 4 snows on the car and it is a blast and highly stable car in the snow....

Matt

 

With stock tires my 08 Boxster couldn't move anywhere in less than an inch of snow. I think both the type of tread and hardness of the summer tires in the cold weather created my problem. If was warm enough that the snow was melting you might do okay on slush but I wouldn't count on driving on snow. By the way my summer tires were new.

 

ALL vehicles should wear all-weather (at least) or snow tires in the snow. No exception. The Boxster platform (including Cayman) because of its mid-engine design and neutral handling does great in snow. Of course, the snow needs to be less than the ground clearance and you need snow tires. Remember, vehicles not equipped to drive in weather conditions generally violate most state's laws. In fact, some states require snow tires (or all-weather) between November and May.

 

not a good idea. i tries that in my old TT with summer tires... and even with AWD i couldnt get up the street.

 

I asked the same question regarding the 911, and there was agreement that summers tires don't work in snow at all, and a further issue is that summer tires become hard and lose grip at lower temps. Lower temp seems to mean below 40 F, but it's unclear how rapidly the performance worsens as the temp drops.

In my area, it often dips into the thirties during winter, so I'm wondering how feasible it is to continue using the summer tires during the winter (but not in snow or when temp is below the thirties).

A related question is how feasible it is to continue swapping winter or all-season tires with summer tires, using the same wheels. Some people have apparently done it without problems, while others express concern about damaging the tires by repeatedly removing and remounting them.

 

I would recommend another set of rims for the winter tires, either used or a cheaper set of new. Every time you mount and dismount tires, there is a risk of damage to the tire and/or the rim itself. If (or when) you sell the car, the rims can be sold to recoup much of the cost of the rims.

 

I've bought my Cayman S new in 2007 and have driven it virtually every day of the year (Pittsburgh, PA) and only got stuck once, in a 20" snowfall (with snow tires).

The Michelin PS2 or any other high performance street/track tires are terrible in snow. My car got stuck on my level drive way (literally!). The rubber in high performance street/track tires becomes very hard at temperatures below 50 degrees F. are are very unpredictable as you approach their limit. I would advise against their use for any spirited driving below 50 degrees and definitely no use in the snow.

I had great experience with Bridgestone Blizzak High Performance snow tires for the first three winters. Upon Bridgestone's discontinuation of the appropriate size I switched to Dunlop Winter Sport 3D which I like even better! With four snow tires mounted, you save the wear and tear on your more expensive summer street/track rubber. You also are able continue to drive your Cayman as it intended in sub-freezing temperatures and make it securely through the snowfalls with great control and road feel. Joe