winter driving
#16
Its been in the 20's here so not sure about your statement about mild temp is about. Also the first minute I get the indication my tires are inadequete for winter driving I'll buy the Snow. If you can afford a 150K car you can afford $1400 Snow Tires.
That aside I have been driving in Snow for 20 years without winter tires Lexus LS 460, Acura RL and never had any problems. I keep good distance and am always aware of my surroundings. I think its not fair to try and scare people into thinking if they don't have snow tire they will get into an accident. Most people on the road here don't have snow tires much less AWD.
It also depends on where you live. In Rochester the snow gets cleaned really fast and the roads are generally good. I also have my Mercedes GL 350 SUV as backup if it gets really bad.
That aside I have been driving in Snow for 20 years without winter tires Lexus LS 460, Acura RL and never had any problems. I keep good distance and am always aware of my surroundings. I think its not fair to try and scare people into thinking if they don't have snow tire they will get into an accident. Most people on the road here don't have snow tires much less AWD.
It also depends on where you live. In Rochester the snow gets cleaned really fast and the roads are generally good. I also have my Mercedes GL 350 SUV as backup if it gets really bad.
Prophetic words "JUST WAIT" until January my friend. I got the same false since of security last year until we got hit with a snow storm and the DOT couldn't keep up with the roads. Lexus 600hL on all-seasons was pretty decent until then. Can't tell you how many times I had that thing sideways. The wife had Nokian R's and never missed a beat.
#19
Two words: air suspension
I bought my P4S specifically as my ski car, to replace my prevous Audi S4 Avant. I have the Panny equipped with 18" wheels and Pirelli Sottozero snow tires for winter. No car will ever have the ground clearance of an SUV, but for slow speeds <20 mph or so, you can raise the car up an extra inch or so for additional clearance. That gets me at least as much clearance as I had with the S4, and I never had any problems with it. There does come a point, of course, where NO car will have enough clearance to deal with an unplowed road after a major dump.
DMoore
'09 C2S
'10 P4S
DMoore
'09 C2S
'10 P4S
#21
Panamera 4S is a Reindeer
I have a Panamera 4S with the 19 inch Michelin Pilot Alpin 3 snow tires. We got a nice shot of snow, ice and bitter cold yesterday, and today, I drove to work in the snow and ice. The car was fantastic, better than any others I have owned including a BMW 325xi, X5, and 535xi, all of which with all season tires. The snow tires make a big difference, I will never not have them for winter here in the great lakes. I actually look forward to driving in the slop now.
#22
As long as you keep enough time at hand to reach wherever you have to, it’s a great vehicle to drive! Came across some winter driving tips which I’m sharing here…yes I know we all know everything, but it doesn’t hurt to refresh your knowledge
http://hartfordauto.thehartford.com/Safe-Driving/Car-Safety/Driving-Safety/winter-driving-tips.shtml
http://hartfordauto.thehartford.com/Safe-Driving/Car-Safety/Driving-Safety/winter-driving-tips.shtml
#23
I see accidents here all the time so what. Do they use salt on the roads in Sweden? I've lived in Colo Spgs for 3 years while in the Army at Ft. CArson and I remember I drove a Monte Carlo with All seasons and rear wheel drive. Never had any problem. And these were the days before traction control. All I'm saying most important off all is driver exerience in bad weather driving. Much more so than type of tire and electronics.
I will be getting Snows when I'm good and Ready.
I will be getting Snows when I'm good and Ready.
#26
My PTT is pretty good in the snow with 20" Pirelli winter tires, but not as good as my RS6 was with Dunlop M3 Wintersport tires. The RS6 was simply phenomenal. The Panamera is good, but not phenomenal. I don't know if the difference is the extra weight of the PTT over the RS6 or tires (wider for the Panamera, different compound and construction), or both, but I have no complaints.
#28
Drove my PTT with 19" Michelin Alpin PA3 tires today in 4 inches of snow. No problem whatsoever. Powered right up my steep driveway.
Much better than my GL320 with all season Continentals.
It's all about the tires....
Much better than my GL320 with all season Continentals.
It's all about the tires....
#29
Wheel size for winter ?
Does the wheel size matter taht much as far as a winter set? i have 20" turbo IIs on my car now but found a cheap set of 18s, problem is i hate how 18s look. id like to have a winter set but is there big spread between running 18s in winter vs the 19s or 20s as long as i have winter tires? im in chicago so potholes are an issue as well.
#30
The smaller the wheels, the narrower the width, and the better the snow performance. The smaller wheel will also have a taller profile and be more pothole resistant. I am running my 19s with snows, its working great and is a good compromise, as well as sparing me the expense of new wheels. The 20s will work with snow tires, I think I would try that first if in your position and see how it works. I do hear that the 20 inch snow tires are hard o get and very expensive...nothing’s easy these days.