So, I'm curious... How is it in the snow?

DragonEye · 07-16-2008, 10:24 PM

I live in IL and I will be using the smart car as my primary vehicle. If I am it will be used in the winter time I need to know how the car handles in the winter time. I'd immagine well but i dont know. If anyone has any experience with it in the snow it would be a great help.

blackbeagle · 07-16-2008, 11:24 PM

It was 91 and super humid here in MN. The last thing on my mind is snow but from what I've read on here, those that have encountered snow have NOT had any issues. Being that the tires are somewhat narrow, they go through the snow pretty easily.

With that said, here are reasons why I WILL look into snow tires this fall:

1. Stopping ability-These Continentals are not the best rated tires for all-season traction. They are stock tires means they are usually not the greatest. I don't see a lot of sipes in the tread so I can't imagine stopping on ice will be its strong point.
2. Lateral grip-Imagine going on an icy bridge at 50mph. A gust of crosswind hits the side of the Smart (or a big semi going by). What will that do the the lateral grip of the tires? Will it cause and uncontrollable slide? After all this car is pretty lightweight and doesn't react well to crosswind.

My main fear is ice not snow. Ice, especially black ice will decimate any 4x4 and will do the same with any car including this one. That is why when the Tire Rack offers Blizzaks and 15" steel wheels for this car, I'm ordering 4.

DragonEye · 07-17-2008, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackbeagle

It was 91 and super humid here in MN. The last thing on my mind is snow but from what I've read on here, those that have encountered snow have NOT had any issues. Being that the tires are somewhat narrow, they go through the snow pretty easily.

With that said, here are reasons why I WILL look into snow tires this fall:

1. Stopping ability-These Continentals are not the best rated tires for all-season traction. They are stock tires means they are usually not the greatest. I don't see a lot of sipes in the tread so I can't imagine stopping on ice will be its strong point.
2. Lateral grip-Imagine going on an icy bridge at 50mph. A gust of crosswind hits the side of the Smart (or a big semi going by). What will that do the the lateral grip of the tires? Will it cause and uncontrollable slide? After all this car is pretty lightweight and doesn't react well to crosswind.

My main fear is ice not snow. Ice, especially black ice will decimate any 4x4 and will do the same with any car including this one. That is why when the Tire Rack offers Blizzaks and 15" steel wheels for this car, I'm ordering 4.

Great, thanks. Yea definately going to pick up a set of blizzaks for the car, I was just wondering. I live 2 miles from work, and when i do drive places, i happen to live in one of the most hilly places in the state of IL (go figure) and was kind of curious how it would handle in the snow/slushy conditions. I figured it would be pretty decent, but one doesn't know till one drives it in those conditions...

I might just take my chances and see for my self

BandSofC · 07-17-2008, 05:46 AM

Hi from Massachusetts,

I had my smart this past winter. I could hardly make it move in 3 or 4 inches of fresh snow. If you drive in snow regularly (in the winter) I can't see how you won't get stuck at least once. There is no way to control the torque to the wheels with this stupid (smart) transmission. Especially in reverse, the "creep" speed is so high, it just spins, and spins, and spins. You have no control of it!

I have another vehicle I will drive this winter. I will consider snow tires to allow me to move the thing around my driveway.

jefferios · 07-17-2008, 07:02 AM

I looked into the major tire companies, No company sells our stock tire sized in a SNOW version. so you would have to get new wheels and new tires to complete this task.

BTW Front Tires are $86, Backs are $103 each

blackbeagle · 07-17-2008, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jefferios

I looked into the major tire companies, No company sells our stock tire sized in a SNOW version. so you would have to get new wheels and new tires to complete this task.

BTW Front Tires are $86, Backs are $103 each

You're right Jeff. No one yet, but I'm betting that later this year, Tire Rack and perhaps Discount Tires will add a few options to their line up. After all, the car is becoming more and more popular.

Worse case scenario is to go with four 195/50r15 all the way around (you'll need to upgrade rims as well). The overall diameter is not too much different than the stock tires. You'll be affected by a little less MPGs due to rolling resistance but your handling should be increased significantly. Also there are more choices for tires in this size.

DragonEye · 07-17-2008, 03:30 PM

oh ok i gotcha so basicly all in all its not a winter car...

Rmichael1 · 07-17-2008, 03:32 PM

I'm watching this thread because my mother wants a smart but she lives in Michigan and she too is worried about driving it in the snow.

DragonEye · 07-17-2008, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rmichael1

I'm watching this thread because my mother wants a smart but she lives in Michigan and she too is worried about driving it in the snow.

yea, I have a few people intrested in the car and that was one of their major concerns. its kind of hilly where i'm at and for them to be driving arround the area, they would need to know how it drives.

In my town they plow all the snow to the end of my drive way and usually i just run it over with my car so i dont have to worry about it... but i have a feeling the smart would get stuck...

blackbeagle · 07-17-2008, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DragonEye

yea, I have a few people intrested in the car and that was one of their major concerns. its kind of hilly where i'm at and for them to be driving arround the area, they would need to know how it drives.

In my town they plow all the snow to the end of my drive way and usually i just run it over with my car so i dont have to worry about it... but i have a feeling the smart would get stuck...

If you live in hilly areas, then snow tires are a must. I'm talking about ALL cars and not just the smart car. Can you imagine going down hill and then seeing a car stopping or slowing down and the helplessness you'll feel when you hit the brakes and it's still sliding? No thanks.

I talked to the Tire Rack a few weeks ago. They said they should get some Pirellis snows in that fits the Smart this fall but I'm still going to wait for the Blizzaks-the best ice/snow tires ever made.