I live in NYC tri-state area. So far we had 2 of somewhat "major" snowstorms. Last Sunday streets were nothing but a block of ice. Smart held up great. No issues. But then again, if you take it easy and don't drive like a maniac any car can be safe. However, much to be said for the electronic stability control. I think it gives a real advantage on icy roads.
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Originally Posted by Luke1robb
So I'm thinking about getting a smart and I want to know how they drive in the snow. I saw one the other night driving down the street in Cambridge, MA, my hometown. Can anyone give me any insights into what their like to drive through the snow and a comparison to a non-smart car? Better? Worse? Same?
Well if you are only going to go 30 miles per hr, you would get run over on our highways even in snow conditions. Go ahead and spend the money and get some Blizzacks and then your life and safety of others would be much better.Google d the autosock and it looks like it would be fine for slow roads. Probably would never leave the trunk in my case.
Steve
Well, I mean it's just a temporary fix, I wouldn't reccomend Autosocks on a freeway.
Yes, I know that they're designed for up to 30mph, but if the streets are unplowed then you have no business going over 30 in the first place!
Running stock tires actually amazes me how good it does. Ran in snow last winter(got Giant Killer in feb) and now this year. Yesterday made it out of my 395' driveway through about 8" 2"old slightly packed and 6" new no problem. Could you imagine how much better it would be with snow tires. It would probably be uncontrolable without traction control, abs, and esp. I did a little experiment yesterday on the road with ice base and 6" snow. Going about 35mph let off gas and threw it sideways. To see if trac control worked without being in the throttle. Little lighted ! came on and car straightened right out. I couldn't believe it.
Going about 35mph let off gas and threw it sideways. To see if trac control worked without being in the throttle. Little lighted ! came on and car straightened right out. I couldn't believe it.
You let off the throttle, so it was essentially decelerating, right? And then turned hard sideways and the steering corrected for the skid, or did the drive wheels change their behavior? Do you have power steering?
If that's true, then those CHP cops are gonna need a dozen Smart cars to practice PIT maneuvers. Wouldn't want criminals thinking they can get away from cops in this car.
I wrapped up to go home a few hours after yesterday's lunchtime post on winter driving. It had been snowing all day (light but steady). Cruising along, I see a black/black Smart ahead of me moving into the left-turn lane. I honked as I passed (55th and Carnegie intersection) and then what do I see coming the other way, moving into the oncoming left-turn lane but a blue/black Smart. Honked again and rolled on through snow and slush - three Smarts showing no fear. Guess we all reached the same conclusion about winter driving. No problem.
mdfortwoguy, I totally agree! There is nothing wrong with this tranny if you truely know how to drive. It's not your chaselounge bucket seated, coffee in one hand, butt in the other kind of car. It's you and the computer, once you learn how it thinks you can become one with the clutch (computer). It really hauls _ ss when you learn.
Snows are the only way to go thru snow. Stocks are fine for going to get milk. They'll get you there and back, but snows are made for driving.
For those of you who think that you have an automatic transmission, get over it, it is not a truly automatic. In fact I would rather drive my Smart in the manual mode because it responds better. I just wish that Smart would have made a manual with a clutch because I like going through the gears and if you have ever driven in deep snow an actual manual transmission is great. As far as snow tires, I am driving with the all weather originals and I am not having a problem. Just remember that taking it easy in poor condition is the best way to get around. If your stuck, straighten your wheels and go slow. Placing some sand bags over the rear wheels in the back may not be a bad idea.
Tires on cars are like shoes on your feet.
Having a dedicated set of snow tires is like wearing a pair of winter boots. Likewise a set of "performance" tires is akin to a pair of athletic shoes. I wouldn't wear my tennis shoes on a winter hike nor would I run a marathon in my winter boots.
"All-season" tires are a compromise and don't do anything well but do everything that most people need to do.
There is no comparison between an "all-season" tire and a dedicated snow tire. Sure you will probably get where you are going if you run all-season tires. This is especially true because of the traction control. However, If you are a true driving enthusiast and want to fully experience the limits of your vehicle in all conditions, a set of snow tires is a necessity.
Numerous car magazines as well as tire wholesalers have done research on the performance characteristics of different tires. This research has been done on different surfaces such as wet cold roads, packed snow, loose snow and even ice skating rinks. The research points to the fact that dedicated snow tires perform well above all season tires in winter conditions.
Lastly, a set of snow tires is cheap insurance. I would rather shell out the $$ for the tires and have some peace of mind. Accidents are expensive.
This was just my 2 cents worth. Everyone's situation is different. Here in NE Ohio, we have more than our share of snow. If any other Smarts here on the Northcoast want to have a side by side comparison, that'd be fun.
Whatever "shoes" your Smart is wearing.......drive safely and have fun!!
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