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Daily Driving through Winter

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Old 12-22-2003 | 01:12 PM
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Slac11's Avatar
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From: Chicagoland Area
Default Daily Driving through Winter

Anyone out there driving an S2K through the winter months in the Midwest or any other location with unfavorable weather? Just took ownership of an 04 and interested in hearing others experiences.

Old 12-22-2003 | 01:19 PM
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From: Montreal & Redding, CT
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im drivign my 01 in winer right now....
but not when it snows in the morning.... after the main boulveards are clean.

but the other i was shopping and there was tons of snow outside ..... so i had no choice but to drive it home.

Mind you im using Falken rears tires that i bought to last me till this winter and not the S-02's.

i touch the pedal very lightly .,.. hit it hard and ull feel the loss of traction in back
Old 12-22-2003 | 01:28 PM
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From: North Dallas area
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I purchased my S in September, and since that time, Dallas has had its share of cold - mid/high 20s, low 30s - weather and it has created a new rule of thumb for me:
If it's cold enough to have to put the top up (~40ish), then no messing around or playing in the S. I have learned already that cold temps, S-02s, a little gravel, and a lead foot are not good.

For me, so far it's been proven that as long as I'm not driving like an idiot, the car will do just fine. Lose that tenuous grip on impulse control in the cold and you're in for some trouble.
Old 12-22-2003 | 01:40 PM
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I'm in Northern VA and I'm driving my 03' through the winter. If I had the resources I'd buy an alternate car for the winter months, but not all of us are born rich. So instead I bought a used set of OEM rims w/ Dunlop Winter Sport D2's. I just put them on this weekend so I'll let you know how they hold up in the snow. Of course if we get more than a few inches I don't think I'll be making it into work.
-j
Old 12-22-2003 | 02:04 PM
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I live in NY so I definately encounter snowy winters here.
My car is a daily driver and I invested around $500 in snow tires. (Blizzaks are the recommeded tires for winter)

Keep that puppy in garage or parked if it starts snowing. You are seriously risking damaging the car or yourself if you try to drive in the snow without snow tires. With snow tires you can definately manage getting around in the snow but you have to accelerate very slowly. Enjoy your 04 ...im jealous

and mine is only an 03.
Old 12-22-2003 | 04:10 PM
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A set of blizzark LM22 has been on my for a little over 200 miles now. I remember first snow fall this year caught me off guard. I drove 7-9 mph, and I was still spun facing backward twice that night with S-02!!! People looked at me like I'm an idiot...

Snow tires is A MUST for our S in snow, no question. I couldn't afford another car, so this is the best way to go. On the clear winter day, running on snow tires, your S is a different beast, though. It still not half as good as S-02 in summer. Just easy on the gas and turn. After install your snow tires, thinking as you're driving a 6 speed, soft-top Civic through out the winter, and you'll be alright.

Be save out there.
Old 12-22-2003 | 04:34 PM
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Quite a few of us drive the S all winter. Here are some vids:
http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.p...threadid=156779
MOST IMPORTANT: Get snow tires.
Old 12-22-2003 | 04:41 PM
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From: Milwaukee, USA
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I do a lot of daily driving on Chicago/Milw corridor. This is my 2nd winter. **DO NOT DRIVE IN SNOW WITH S-02's** This is dangerous to you and anybody on the road with you. My neigbor insists on driving his Goodyear EagleGT equipped 02 Mustang in snow. He thinks it's funny when he spins all over the road. I think it's stupid.

TireRack (and other S2KI members) recomended Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22's and I have had no problems. Just use common sense. I do not drive in deep unplowed snow. Well ....even with my Civics/Preludes/Accords I never did either.

Also, I keep about 100 lbs of sand tubes (50x2) at work and and home. You may need that extra weight when the rear end wants to break loose.

I have 15 winters experience driving (commuting) in snow...with Blizzaks and added weight in trunk, I'm just as comfortable driving the S as when I was driving my last FWD Blizzak equipped car (99 Prelude).

Drive safe.
Old 12-22-2003 | 04:43 PM
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From: Arlington
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Too many unfortunate accidents w/ OEM S02's or any summer only tires... Please be careful.

Definitely get some all season or if in a lot of snow definitely snow tires.

I'm also in Mid-A, we had some crazy snowy season last year, but usually not too bad, so I got me some Continental ExtremeContiSport (or something like that) all season tires instead of blizzak winter tires. Much better ride than blizzaks IMO, but I would not want to use these on Spring, Summer, or Fall. I have my summer only for those seasons.

Good luck, but please use winter or all season tires on our S. If not, get a beater. Better to get some new tires for about $500-$1000 (some you can get w/ new wheels) than to lose your new lovely S...
Old 12-22-2003 | 04:44 PM
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Agree. Once you hit 40 degrees, the S02s are getting very hard and un-responsive. I remember driving to a dealership in Chicago last January, a day after we had some snow, and I was afraid to go any faster then 25 mph. Car started fish-tailing and was very hard to control.

If you get decent winter tires, you'll be fine, though.


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