Smart in NY snow

[LorbeerTLC]

I think there needs to be a definition of certain classes of “snow”. The stock Continental ContiProContacts do fine in “snow”. They are really, really, awful on packed ‘glazed’ snow that reflects like white ice. Even when I installed chains, my smart would fishtail on that packed glazed ice. It’s the same snow… only packed hard by traffic. Overtime it will turn into this glazed ice or ‘white ice’ and it can really be treacherous on long stretches of highway driving, especially when the roads are crowned. Last week I had a set of BLIZZAKs installed and it eliminated the fishtailing that I had with the stock conti’s. So if you don’t encounter the ‘white ice’ in your area, I don’t see any need to change tires. But where I live, it’s unavoidable.

-Tom L.

[blackbeagle]

Originally Posted by LorbeerTLC

I think there needs to be a definition of certain classes of “snow”. The stock Continental ContiProContacts do fine in “snow”. They are really, really, awful on packed ‘glazed’ snow that reflects like white ice. Even when I installed chains, my smart would fishtail on that packed glazed ice. It’s the same snow… only packed hard by traffic. Overtime it will turn into this glazed ice or ‘white ice’ and it can really be treacherous on long stretches of highway driving, especially when the roads are crowned. Last week I had a set of BLIZZAKs installed and it eliminated the fishtailing that I had with the stock conti’s. So if you don’t encounter the ‘white ice’ in your area, I don’t see any need to change tires. But where I live, it’s unavoidable.

-Tom L.

I agree with you 100% Tom. A little over a month ago, it was in the mid 30s in MN. We had our first snow fall and I went on here to ask everyone how it did in the snow. Then I had a chance to drive it myself. A few inches of slush and 'sticky' snow....didn't seem to have a problem. It drove 'fine' for me. But I knew old man winter was just rubbing his hands together. I knew it would get worse. I've lived here long enough to know the hardest stuff to drive on takes place after December.

So I got the snow tires. Winter have arrived early here in MN. Now not only is there packed snow on the roads, but a think layer of ice on top if it. You cannot drive the Smart in this weather w/o snow tires. I didn't buy this car to have it sit in the garage (even if I work from home) when it gets bad outside. Now, when it snows/rains/sleet, I'm going out and I'm not going to even worry about it. I'm sure those that have the Blizzaks have the same sentiments.

I can't justify snow tires to anyone that lives outside of MN/IA. I've never driven there on that 'type' of snow conditions so I can't say how well your stock gets around. For those that live in IA and especially in MN, if you have a Smart, it's a MUST buy.

[HiBeamsOn]

I'm in Chicago and the weather has been down to -3F. The dealer filled my washer fluid bottle with green water and when I hit the washer the front and rear wipers and the heated seats blew out! Driving in the slush, ice, and snow with stock tires hasn't been a problem EXCEPT when trying to drive over packed snow from a parallel parking space - it just can't do it. Granted other people in all sorts of vehicles were having similar problems but the traction control didn't seem to help in this one situation. Otherwise winter driving has been great.