Does anyone actually LIKE driving in the snow in their smart car?

[jefferios]

I agree, having the Blizzak's did a great job in the traction. I love it when we get Lake Effect here in Duluth, when its over a foot deep the car cuts through it and some even floats over the top of the car! Its amazing!

[smart fortimo]

I made it through a lot of snow and ice last winter with the OE Contis @ 15,000 mi. This winter, not so good with 27,000 mi on them.

I put the Blizzack W60's on AFTER all the precip and used them for a month on bare roads for 1700 mi and took them off hoping for no more slippery stuff.

So I can report that the OE all seasons will suffice when they have fresh tread, but I have back up now when I need it.

[smart fortimo]

Originally Posted by sunnyokanagan

Enjoying the 5th year of smart-in-the-snow. Hankook W440 snowies all 'round. In fact I'm driving delivery up to Big White tomorrow... can't wait!

Up, up, up >5,000 feet elevation above town, along 35 miles of sweet winding mountain highway. Love it!

LINKY

Looks like a fun spot to be... hope you enjoyed the drive.

Timo

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by GHammerly

.....The only thing I would do different is having the skinny 145's all around......

Now would be the time to buy; closeout at $39

[smart fortimo]

Originally Posted by GHammerly

///
The only thing I would do different is having the skinny 145's all around, now I have 145's front and 175's rear.

145's not recommended for rear app

[PerryA]

Originally Posted by WhiteNBlack08

I enjoy driving mine in the snow, but I will warn you, the stock Conti tires aren't the best in the snow new, and once you get below half tread, they flat out SUCK!

I can't say I "look forward with enthusiasm" to driving in the snow, but I don't have a problem taking the Smart out and actually like to demonstrate my long-held belief that it is more about the driver than the car - think about those skinny little tires and light weight of the Model Ts, and they managed.

But to your point on the tires. . .completely agree. Wish automakers would put real tires on cars from the factory. I had a Toyota Rav4 with 4-wheel drive and factory Continentals and in no time I was feeling the tires slip. First winter was OK with the new tires (I picked the Rav up in September), but the second season - probably 15,000 miles on the tires - like day and night.

Same with the Smart. I was doing OK with the original tires, but bought snows when I saw a special and it was better. This year (16,000 miles on the car - most of that on the original tires, not the snows) I haven't switched over yet and I've been getting around fine. But I do see a lot more tire slip and the stability /!\ flashes as me a lot more, so I'm off to have the snows put on, just in time to put an end to the snowfall - you can thank me later.

Moral of the story - don't judge a car's performance by the OEM tires. Most of us can't afford to ditch them when we first pick up the car, but if I could, that would be the first upgrade I'd make in any car.

[smartduude]

I know the 145's are not what is suggested for the rear but is sure made a big difference on my 09 pure w/13,000 miles over the stock tires. The hardest part was finding extra set of rear wheels(steel).

I also have a 1968 Toyota fj40, when I used run the stock skinny tires it was unstoppable in the snow. I later went with 10" wide tires all around but it did not have the traction of the skinny tires, but was a lot more fun!!!!

As I remember from my physics class, the amount of friction is dependent on the mass(weight of vehicle) and the surface area of the contact point.

With the load rating of the tires in the rear at about 1700lbs I am not worried of overloading the 145's.

[SusieQ]

Hi there,
This is my first post. Which would be the best snow tires to buy?

I have a Mini Cooper with snows that handles amazingly well, bur I miss having my Mini who is named Miss Lily, on the road.

Advice, please!

SusieQ

[jkjahobbs]

We got our snow tires on the car today. Now if it will just snow. No ice or freezing drizzle just snow. My hubby is groaning "no, no, no"

[GetSmrt28277]

Originally Posted by SusieQ

Hi there,
This is my first post. Which would be the best snow tires to buy?

I have a Mini Cooper with snows that handles amazingly well, bur I miss having my Mini who is named Miss Lily, on the road.

Advice, please!

SusieQ

Below is a link to the subforum dedicated to wheels and tires. there are many threads on winter tires and wheels. Take your time and browse.

smart Wheels & Tires - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

the thread may have some more information too

Handling in Snow & Icy roads?

enjoy your stay with us!