[Rosa's keeper]

We have had a mix of rain and freezing rain, and snow and blowing snow...for the last few days. Roads have been horrible, but the X2 with snow tires may be one of the best, if not the best winter car in recent memory. The weight over the front wheels helps with the initial push (or pull) out of a stop, and any slip brings in the rear wheels to help. For those with the pedal tuner, it really helps you accurately modulate the throttle on slippery surfaces instead of the too little...too little, (oh snap!) - way too much...pedal experience we have all had.

[//TMT]

I had a chance to try the stock Continental all-seasons (19") in snow just now and even with those, I agree! The front Torsen diff and X-Drive rear mean it can put torque to all four, and the car really feels it. I didn't go nuts, but it's very sure-footed.

[billnchristy]

That’s great news. I won’t need it very often in Georgia though.

[rice_rocket88]

Our first big snow is happening now.. Can't wait to get out tomorrow to test my nokkians.

[mplsx2m35i]

I pick mine up this week. I will likely keep the all seasons on this year. Did you get a chance to get into any deep snow?

[//TMT]

Nope just some slick stuff, an inch or two. No plans to go out tonight for another test.

These "all seasons" are not raising my expectations much though. They're a straight-on tread pattern, pretty much a touring tire. And they're ... runflats. I don't expect to keep them for an extended time.

[billnchristy]

They’ll wear out in 20k miles or so

[spdandpwr]

The all seasons have yet to give me trouble. Feel very similar to what I'm used to in my performance snows. I haven't challenged them in deep snow but so far they're okay. I'm not a huge fan of all seasons but I've only used high performance all seasons in the past and not grand touring tires...which I'm assuming may be better in the snow?

[//TMT]

Yeah, the A/S stock Contis are decent. But only decent. Good for now though!

[//TMT]

Ok, an update on the stock A/S in deeper snow (about 8"). I'll still give them a "decent", but only because the M35i chassis is so good at applying torque. They have enough forward traction, at least as new. The car made it out of the driveway no problem, in other words.

But they aren't doing as well in side force, it's quite easy to drift across the lane in a messy situation. If you're going to be in snow every day, you'll have to lay off the sport modes a bit.

[dianebrat]

meh... it's ok but it's no Focus RS with snows


(there are days I really miss that car)

[c-m]

We got about 4-5” of snow a few weeks back. My X2M35i with the upgraded 20” wheels on P Zero run flat performance tires handled it like a champ. Not need for all-season with the AWD. It’s fantastic. 😂

[Rosa's keeper]

Originally Posted by c-m

We got about 4-5” of snow a few weeks back. My X2M35i with the upgraded 20” wheels on P Zero run flat performance tires handled it like a champ. Not need for all-season with the AWD. It’s fantastic. 😂

When you get frozen ice and snow - summer tires are worthless. If there is snow that is melting and there is no ice, then summer tires may be an option, but summer tires are dangerous when the weather gets below 35 - 40 degrees and even when there is no ice.

[Destroya]

I knew about snow and ice but the better stopping distance on dry pavement was impressive.

[c-m]

Originally Posted by Rosa's keeper

When you get frozen ice and snow - summer tires are worthless. If there is snow that is melting and there is no ice, then summer tires may be an option, but summer tires are dangerous when the weather gets below 35 - 40 degrees and even when there is no ice.

I just got new wheels in today. Plan on throwing Pilot Sport A/S 3 on them. Trying to figure out if I want 255/35/20 or 235/40/20. It’s on 20x9, so I’m thinking the bigger ones.

[Rosa's keeper]

Originally Posted by Destroya

I knew about snow and ice but the better stopping distance on dry pavement was impressive.

A couple of panic stops with my summers on trying to eek out a couple more weeks before putting on the winters taught me that lesson many years and cars ago in these MN winters.

[billnchristy]

Yeah the Michelin guys told us that summer compounds are too hard when it’s cold. On top of that, winter tires are built to pack snow and actually give better grip when they’re loaded due to the extra friction, opposite of mud tires which try to channel it out.

[//TMT]

Originally Posted by billnchristy

summer compounds are too hard when it’s cold.

They become hockey pucks, hard and slick. And when the insurance adjuster sees them on the car after the crash, be prepared to be deemed at fault.

[billnchristy]

Yup, hockey pucks is exactly how he described it too.

[Rosa's keeper]

Freezing rain this morning - side streets looked like a skating rink with cars pulled over with their flashers on...and the salt trucks losing traction on the roads...The X2 just drove around the unfortunate cars and suvs that were either pulled over or in the snow banks already. More rain and snow to come later today...and I have to go out one more time at least...

[//TMT]

Awesome! But don't get too overconfident ;-)

[Rosa's keeper]

I'll admit, I did feel a bit smug, lol!