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2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

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Old 01-21-2007, 01:01 AM
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CRAZZD
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Default Snow Driving

I drove my Z in a snow storm yesterday for the first time. It was not by choice. I had been out of town and got back to the airport in a snow storm so had to drive home. Do not drive that car in the snow unless you have a death wish. I made it home but if the snow had been any deeper then 2 inches I would have been stuck. The TCS works good and the slip light help you know when to let off the gas but even the All season tires cannot handle the snow. I will say that the car is one of the best wet surface cars I have ever owned. Be Careful.
Old 01-21-2007, 05:13 AM
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MyZ4U2C
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I drove mine in 1/2 inch of snow the first season i got it...what a horrible car in the snow!! I was stuck...on a slight incline and coulnt go anywhere. Everytime i tried to take off, the TC would kick on and prevent me from going anywhere. Guy in a Corvette pulls up next to me and rolls down the window and says "turn off your traction control". Well i did and that worked, but the thing still doest handle well on the slick stuff!
Old 01-21-2007, 06:41 AM
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Zya123
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I have a winter car but a couple days ago i was at the gym with my Z and when i came out side i had about half an inch on my car, driving it home wasnt that bad untill i got on the side streets, i have stocks in the front and winters in the rear but it did slide a little
Old 01-21-2007, 08:17 AM
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Jyoder7
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I really don't understand the point of these threads. Everyone knows that the 350Z is helpless in the snow without the right tires. Put on a good set of snow tires and you're fine otherwise stay off the roads.
Old 01-21-2007, 08:23 AM
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davidv
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Originally Posted by CRAZZD
Do not drive that car in the snow unless you have a death wish.
Many of us with 30 years experience driving in snow agree.
Old 01-21-2007, 08:34 AM
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davidv
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Originally Posted by Jyoder7
Everyone knows that the 350Z is helpless in the snow without the right tires. .
Not true.

I have more than 30 years experience driving in snow. I figure that with my experience and superior skills that I cold drive any vehicle in the snow. Wrong. I got myself on a slight downhill in about 2 inches of packed snow. The car did a 180, and ended with the passenger side in a snow bank.

I had to learn the hard way.
Old 01-21-2007, 08:50 AM
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pss350z
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last year drove my z all year round with dunlop winter sport m3s and the car was totally fine as long as snow depth wasn't 4" or greater. On stock tires which are suposedly high performance summer tires it would be a nightmare no doubt. I can't believe that people mount winters only on the back on this car, if anything just put them on the front, atleast you'll be able to stop.
Old 01-21-2007, 09:27 AM
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drivenCSZ
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Originally Posted by Jyoder7
I really don't understand the point of these threads. Everyone knows that the 350Z is helpless in the snow without the right tires. Put on a good set of snow tires and you're fine otherwise stay off the roads.

+1000
Old 01-21-2007, 12:10 PM
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shushikiary
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I just got back from driving about 30 miles in 4-6 inches of snow... also drove the car the day we had 3 feet of snow in 12 hours... as long as the car has clearence and a good set of snow tires, and you dont do something like pop the clutch, floor it, brake hard, pulle the e-brake, or anything else that will cause sudden large amounts of acceleration (not just forward, but in any direction) it does just fine.
Old 01-21-2007, 12:33 PM
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Barmats
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I have snow tires on my ZR and have driven it in 3-4" of snow - it's fine as long as you don't encounter significant inclines/declines or unexpected situations. The worst vehicles I ever had in the snow were a Mazda 626 ES and Dodge Caravan Sport -- both FWD vehicles -- but it was solely due to the tires, which were "summer performance" types.

With the ZR and snow tires, I've had to adjust my expectations and driving style, but I think overall, it has probably made me a more cautious driver.
Old 01-21-2007, 12:42 PM
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Asmodeus
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My Z is a daily driver. I mount winter rims and tires on it and go. This car is fine in the snow with the right tires and knowing how to drive it in these conditions. When you know what you are doing winter becomes 5 months of drifting practise.
Old 01-21-2007, 01:09 PM
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oclor
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Yeah I have winter tires too and it's a huge difference. Feels like i'm driving a FWD with them on. A must for anyone who drives the Z in cold winters
Old 01-21-2007, 01:22 PM
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CRAZZD
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Originally Posted by oclor
Yeah I have winter tires too and it's a huge difference. Feels like i'm driving a FWD with them on. A must for anyone who drives the Z in cold winters
What kind of winter tires are you using?
Old 01-21-2007, 01:44 PM
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Looks like I will be staying in tonight.
Old 01-21-2007, 02:58 PM
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HighwaySpeed
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No, I refuse to mention how warm it's been here. I do remember snow and I feel sorry for you.
Old 01-21-2007, 03:04 PM
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98sr20ve
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Originally Posted by CRAZZD
What kind of winter tires are you using?
Blizzaks will do you just fine. I have them on my G35 6MT. It comes with 18 inch Summer only tires like several of the Z's. With those tires it would barely move in the snow. With these tires it better then my 4wd truck with M+S tires. Smaller is better for the winter so I am running 17's for the winter.
Old 01-21-2007, 03:07 PM
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s31t8n8
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Just don't drive your Z in snow. Walk if you have to.
Old 01-21-2007, 03:16 PM
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Jyoder7
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Originally Posted by davidv
Not true.

I have more than 30 years experience driving in snow. I figure that with my experience and superior skills that I cold drive any vehicle in the snow. Wrong. I got myself on a slight downhill in about 2 inches of packed snow. The car did a 180, and ended with the passenger side in a snow bank.

I had to learn the hard way.

What tires were you using?
Old 01-21-2007, 03:21 PM
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98sr20ve
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I parked my 240 on a driveway in a fresh dusting of snow. 1/2 and hour later it was in the street. Just slide right down. Summer only tires and snow just don't mix.
Old 01-21-2007, 03:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Jyoder7
What tires were you using?
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3


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