I searched but there doesn't seem to be a thread for winter driving tips so here it goes (feel free to add, delete, ignore, or disagree):

-if you can, park the Z for the winter and drive a beater, preferably FWD, 4WD, or AWD

-if not, get a good set of winter wheels and tires; if this is not an option, get a very good set of all season tires and make sure to get a set of four (sure, you could try just putting two on the back but remember, you still need decent grip up front if you want to brake)

-if you don't have a garage, get a car cover (it's better than nothing)

-clear snow/ice from your ENTIRE car, not just the windows

-if you do lose grip, STEER TOWARDS THE DIRECTION OF THE SLIDE, NOT AWAY

-carry a small shovel because chances are, you will get stuck somewhere

-make sure your car is in good mechanical condition, specifically brakes, radiator, battery, climate control, defroster, wiper blades, wiper fluid, tires, etc.

-if you have VDC/TCS, TURN IT ON; the only circumstance you would want to turn it off is if you're stuck and need to spin the wheels to get unstuck

-when starting from a stop, start in second gear (for manuals, of course); whichever trans you have, ease on the gas, don't stomp on it

-try to drive in the middle lanes where snow/ice buildup is minimal and try to avoid lane changes

-let some air out of the tires; I usually go down to 30-32 psi from 35 if I know that snow is coming

-avoid areas with lots of hills and overpasses; when parking your car, try get a space that's on level ground

-weigh down the rear axle by putting your spare back in, putting a sandbag in the hatch (make sure it's tightly sealed), etc.

-most of all, increase following distances and GO SLOW

 

Good list! I won't be driving my 07 in the snow, but I have some great experiences from driving my 03 through 2 winters... nightmarish the first time around, the second year not so bad.

Some tips I will add to the list:

-Turns, or any deviation from a straight line of travel, is your worst enemy in the snow. Don't make any sudden, sharp turns; turn nice and slow in a looping arc, and STAY OFF THE GAS until you are pointing straight in the direction you intend to go.

-Same goes with braking: don't slam your brakes in a corner, as it will upset what grip you have. In fact, any sharp braking at all even in a straight line will cause you to lose grip. Like Galvi noted: greatly increase the distance for stopping prevents you from braking suddenly.


Have fun in the snow

 

I especially think:

- INCREASE FOLLOWING DISTANCES
- SMOOTH THROTTLE APPLICATIONS
- SLOW AND STEADY
- STAY OFF THE BRAKES
- CARRY A SHOVEL AND A ICE SCRAPER/DUSTER

and some gloves... gloves rule.

 

putting a car cover on in the snow is not such a great idea. Most car covers are not water resistant which will trap moisture really quickly in rain or snow. this will cause the paint to dull. I believe the OEM car cover is really meant for interior use only(IE: garage).

 

Quote:"let some air out of the tires; I usually go down to 30-32 psi from 35 if I know that snow is coming"


question since im new to driving the z in snow and I will have to do it:
-letting air out to give more surface grip, how come people recommend to choose smaller tire size/width for winter?
-The panel in our car indicates that we have to air UP to 35 when its colder(assuming it should be that cold during snow), so what are we doing to let air out????

any input is appreciated!

 

I'm not sure what the theory behind going a size down in tires is but a lot of people here do it with success so I guess it works for some people.

Another benefit of letting air out of the tires is that it forces the car to go slower and it makes the car less responsive to sudden moves, i.e., acceleration, braking, turning the steering wheel, etc.

 

Tip: move somewhere where snow is not a problem

 

But floods are. Living below sea level + flood damaged Z FTW!

 

^ lol i was gonna say that

 

Letting air out is good for situations when your are in deep snow or stuck. The smaller tires are made to cut into the ice to provide traction.

 

Bring heat-pack, gloves (if you don't like wearing it), extra boots, and a blanket. Have a cell phone nearby and charged up. You can call up 2-3 people to help you push your car when you happen to be stuck in a ditch. Might want to have some flares in case you get stuck on the hwy.

Other advice given above are great too.

 

why dont we tow a trailer while at it, just in case the 2-3 people who show up to help are other 350z owners?

 

If you can't get sandbags

4 bags of 50lb rice!

If you are going up a hill, you will probably have to drive sideways if the back is not weighed down. I had to turn off tcs, keep going up to around 4krpm, and drive sideways just to get up a hill, not fun, good thing there was no other cars.

 

If the situation permits, as you're driving lightly apply the brakes occasionally to check how the vehicle's going to respond on a particular road with a given amount of ice coverage. There will be times that the tires will stop spinning, but the car will continue moving over the ice.

 

Sticky this?? Really good info for people..

 

Fill up w/ gas. The extra weight is helpful.

 

Good winter tires and extra weight make the Z a super teriffic happy fun car.

Just drove to work this morning in 6" of fresh Alberta clipper snow. Saw many slide-off's but my Z was phenomenal.

215/45/18 Michelin X-ice. Can't recommend them enough for those of us in the rust belt.

 

always carry 3-4 neighborhood children in the hatch. They will weigh down the rear and if you get stuck they can push you out. They are on vacation and have nothing else to do.

 

My recomendation is to get on it and slide every turn so you wont have to deal with an unexpected tail slide... you will know its coming.

 

Another good thing to do is getting a second car. So then you wont be made fun like the mustang I was laughing at that couldn't get up a low hill.

Haha but really, more than 3 inches of snow and your screwwd. Z's are too low.