Handling in Snow & Icy roads?

[TomB1952]

Hello,
We have our reservation in and the lead time I have not idea.
Just was thinking we live in Northern Nevada where in January & February the snow and ice on the roads could be very heavy.
Anyone have experience in driving the Smart Car Passion in these kind of conditions.
Thank you for your time to answer.
Tom

[Dunerunner]

Oh, I got this from search Winters in MI?

[GiantKiller]

I drove mine this winter in Wisconsin. I had expected to be doing non stop 360's on the highway, but I never felt it even start to slide, and I always go 5-8 mph over. I even went out and found some unplowed side roads after the last bad snow storm. Just to see how it handled big drifts and it surprised me by just sliding over them. Pretty controlled. I think the smooth under carriage helps it stay straight over the drifts. All with stock tires, Canadians say snow tires are a must. (now that I have my summer 17'' rims I'll put snows on the stock rims for next winter)

[bsnyder100]

skinny tires = better traction on snow and ice

[DFDureiko]

Believe it or not, I drove an '87 Citroen 2CV in CT for a couple of winters, the tallest narrowest tires you could ever find, and had NO traction...could be because the entire car was so light?
At any rate, I've owned a SMART for going on two years now in FL..don't get down there now so much so going to get it in Jan, swapping my Beetle TDI from CT to FL, as I miss driving it so much. I can drive a Volvo Cross Country in bad weather, and the SMART on nice days.....I just might get caught in weather on the way north though

Dan

[badwolf]

I live in the "Snow Belt" south of Buffalo,NY and this is my first year of driving my Smart in the winter. I can honestly say I have been pleasantly surprised how well it handles in the snow. I have the Blizzak WS60 tires on her and so far no problems what so ever. The ESP has kicked in once or twice when I was on ice, but it kept me from sliding around and on my way down the road.

[Little John]

The smart with snow tires handles my winter driving in all conditions in New Hampshire. The "Will Robinson" light does flash when the control systems kick in and remind me that I should drive with a little more caution! It goes many places where front-wheel drive cars should not tread.

[jimvw57]

This winter I added the Blizzak LM18's (Last year's model) and for the first snowfall I was caught before I got them put on. Driving to work, I was on a stretch of road that was less than desirable... First time I ever went sideways with a smart. The next day I put the Blizzaks on. The next storm I was at work so the drive home was in 5-8 inches of snow, no snowplows and 43 miles of driving. The car handled completely different. It went straight through the snow, and worked well on the icy stuff. The snow tires made a big difference.
I should add that the Conti tires had 37K miles on them and are well worn which is most likely why I had trouble with them. They will be replaced in the spring.

A smart is NOT a 4wd vehicle. In snow it does a good job with the snow tires. All cars have their limits and to take a smart out in say 18 inches of snow most likely would not be a good idea. however I'd say 95% of the time, it would work just fine.

[Brabus007]

Originally Posted by jimvw57

This winter I added the Blizzak LM18's (Last year's model) and for the first snowfall I was caught before I got them put on. Driving to work, I was on a stretch of road that was less than desirable... First time I ever went sideways with a smart. The next day I put the Blizzaks on. The next storm I was at work so the drive home was in 5-8 inches of snow, no snowplows and 43 miles of driving. The car handled completely different. It went straight through the snow, and worked well on the icy stuff. The snow tires made a big difference.
I should add that the Conti tires had 37K miles on them and are well worn which is most likely why I had trouble with them. They will be replaced in the spring.

A smart is NOT a 4wd vehicle. In snow it does a good job with the snow tires. All cars have their limits and to take a smart out in say 18 inches of snow most likely would not be a good idea. however I'd say 95% of the time, it would work just fine.

+1
Good Review Jim...

[dimmusmart]

I live in Cincinnati OH, not sure what your weater is like. Unless the snow is especially bad, i wouldnt worry about even getting winter tires. I drive a Pure and last year was my first winter. Had no problems with traction or sliding at all, and didnt get stuck in the snow. Since your tires are new, i really wouldn't worry about it. Save your $$$. Maybe get snow tires next year or the year after.