Sc430 Snow Traction

[debrogan]

I have a 2002 SC430 and for the past year and a half have driven it in the balmy sub-tropics of Florida. However, I will be moving to Ann Arbor Michigan for the next 3 years. Everyone tells me I should trade it in for a 4 wheel drive vehicle. I love my car and am loathe to give it up! Does anyone have any experience driving it in the snow? How does it handle? What should I look out for? Are the tires ok for the snow?

Thanks!

Denise Brogan

[GuyTelefunken]

Well Denise, take a look over at the SC Forum you may find your question already answered. As far as any RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) in the snow, it requires a little patience and a light foot. Snow tires on all four wheels are a 100% necessity, if you want to put the odds that you will get there and back in your favor.

Here in Pennslyvania, I have a GS300 with Hakkapeliitta Q's on all wheels and it goes pretty well in the white stuff; certainly better than my previous BMW 325i toboggan.

For the most part, the onboard VSC and Traction Control will do the thinking for you, but steep hills are the killer. If you start slipping too much while going up, you might just stop. The computer is thinking, jeeze, my wheels are slipping, I'd better lower the power to them. They keep spinning, computer keeps lowering, you stop. In this case, turn off the VSC and spin those babies carefully until you start moving again. Turn the electronic genie back on and enjoy the slopes. Good luck!

[debrogan]

Thanks for the reply. Actually, I'm so ignorant I didn't even consider that I could put snow tires on the car! I have already had to replace the run-flats once (ouch, that's expensive!).

Still, I love the car.

::swaying in indecision::

[bbsal]

yes you will without a doubt need snow tires if your moving to a place like that.even with them its till not going to be easy getting around in a rear wheel drive sports car in the winter!

[SW03ES]

I'd look into getting some sort of winter beater car. Have you experienced Michigan in the winter? I have, and Ann Arbor specifically. I wouldnt want to subject any car I cared about to that ;)

Beautiful area.........in the summer.

[debrogan]

::sigh:: That is pretty much the conclusion I've come to as well. I am going to be in law school there for 3 years (mostly during the winters!), and I can't really have two cars. So, I guess I'll sell my SC430 and get some sort of 4 wheel drive vehicle. :( Thanks, everyone, for helping me to make my mind up!

[SW03ES]

You could try snow tires and see what it does for you, the problem is going to be the depth of the snow in relation to the ride height of the car, they're good about clearing the roads up there though...

[UCF3]

::sigh:: That is pretty much the conclusion I've come to as well. I am going to be in law school there for 3 years (mostly during the winters!), and I can't really have two cars. So, I guess I'll sell my SC430 and get some sort of 4 wheel drive vehicle. :( Thanks, everyone, for helping me to make my mind up!

I have to agree with SW03Es. Ride height is the key.

I don't think you'll need to sell your car. You can get a $1k Car like a Chevy Cavalier or Ford Escort, something with FWD will do the job. I used to live in Syracuse, NY where snow can reach 3-6ft.

Besides you'll be driving the car for 3yrs until you graduate.