Hello,

Has anyone driven their P5 in the snow? I was wondering how these expensive/exotic/rare Dunlops are in snow/ice/rain.

I'm picking up my new car tonight during a storm.

I REALLY don't wan't to buy snow tires. If I did, I would get 15" with steel rims and covers. But I have no place to keep a spare set, and I don't want to spend the money!!

So, I just want someone to tell me that the Protege 5 is GREAT in the snow, and that I shouldn't worry about it!

Anyone?

 

Those tires simply suck in the snow, I drove them for a few days and went out to buy winter tires

Nokian Hakka1 Yeah Baby !!!

Simply put they have very little grip and the ABS is going crazy

 

Don't pick it up in the storm today. I just posted about this in the wheel and tire section. I've driven lot's of cars with and without snow tires in all kinds of foul weather. We just had a storm early this morning. Simply put, the Dunlop all seasons that come standard on the P5 are the very worst tires I have ever driven in snow with. Do yourself a favor, order some steel wheels and snows from the Tire Rack. Money will be well spent.

 

The P5 with stock Dunlops is not GREAT in the snow. If you want GREAT then you want winter tires, no question. Some tire shops will store your rims and tires in the opposite season for you if space at home is a problem.

That said, I've been pleasantly surprised by how well the Dunlops perform in loose or packed snow conditions. We had a lot of snow last weekend and with a light touch on the controls I had no issues at all with how well my P5 handled braking, cornering or accelerating, even from a stop on a snow-covered hill. Before you rush out and buy winter tires, I say take the car out in the snow to see what you think.

 

Of course winter tires are going to be a lot better, but if you're a good driver, you should feel confident with the Dunlops. I haven't had any problems with them to date.

 

Thanks for the info. Rats

I'll give it a shot. If they're really that bad, I guess I'll get snows. But I have to pick it up today. No choice. Those idiots at the dealership would probably misplace it if it hung around any longer.

What about the engine block heater? For $30, is it worth it?
And I thought there were all-weather mats available for the P5, but netither the website or the accessory catalog at the dealership lists any. Does anyone know which kind will fit well? (I hate the kind you have to cut to fit- they all suck).

Thanks.

 

Block Heater? Get it! It is a good piece of mind to have. As for the mats dunno. Get the heater though...

 

I am from Boston too (Somerville) I just came in from the snow, wait until tomorrow!!! the tires SUCK!!! I have the same problem-no place to keep the other set of wheels (my parental storage unit moved to Arizona). I had snows last year on my old car, only needed them once all year, so regretted having them on. This year it snow storm #2 and we just started the season, so I am getting worried. Keep in mind that the city roads produce more surface oils that appear when the roads are wet (I found the tires suck in the rain around here but are ok in the country), so these guys saying the tires are ok in the snow may be in different conditions. I just skidded across a parking lot and almost hit a parked car, when the car went straight instead of turning, I was going 15mph, fortunately I have taken some winter driving and rally schools
If you go slow you may be ok, but it would be a shame to wreck on the way home from the dealership. Also there are other idiots in SUV's who think they can drive fast in the snow, until they have to stop or turn
If you bought the car from 128 don't fill out the survey!
Oh, and those tires are exotic and expensive, I puntured a sidewall, it took a week and $200 to replace it

 

Hi,

I was driving through a heavy mix of sleet/rain storm last weekend when I was coming back from day of skiing up in New Hampshire, and felt pretty confident with the OEM tires. Two weeks prior to that, I was driving on snowy highway in Vermont with few accumlation. Though it did not have the excellent bite you get from snow tires, it was still performing fine, I thought.

Like other poster said, if you know how to drive in the snow condition, you should be fine. Don't drive too fast, no abrupt steering/accel/shifting, use engine brake at the curve (just step off from the pedal to slow down) etc. If you need to step on brake at the curve to slow down, you're probably going too fast. You're gonna slide & crash!

Regarding the mats, I'm using a set I got from Target. They're thick rubber mat from Car and Driver brand ($9.99 each). They fit very well. Only trim you may want to do (I didn't) is around the gas filler lid release section.

 

No offense meant, but I'm laughing at the "If you know how to drive in the snow comments" seeing as how the average age on this board is probably around 25 years old, if not lower.

Keep in mind, I'm not saying a young driver can't be a good driver, I'm just saying experience counts for an awful lot. I have been driving for a long time, in very foul conditions, and I think I know how to handle a car in the snow fairly well, including attending a winter driver's school.

Are the stock tire manageable in the snow when new? Let's just say they are almost adequate. In a front wheel drive car if I'm stopped at the bottom of a very slight grade, and I can't go up it, when starting in 2nd gear, and quickly shifting to 3rd, well let's just say something is terribly wrong. I have driven this road dozens of time in the same conditions in different cars, with and without snow tires, and NEVER had a problem. The closest thing I can relate it to was driving a car with summer tires in the snow. You are not really in control, especially when braking or turning.

Tread depth only counts for so much in the snow, the compound the tire is made from and the tread design are what count the most. The Dunlops lose their grip because they become hard in the snow, and the tread design has little or no sipes to "bite" into the snow.

Please don't let overconfidence bite you. As stated above, slow down, make slow deliberate movements with the steering wheel, brake pedal and gas, and most importantly, give plenty of room to the person in front of you.

Bottom line...if you can swing it, snow tires are a great investment!

 

Crap.

Ok. Next question.
If I get snows, which ones should I get.. I don't want to lose all the fun on dry roads...

This really sucks. I wish the Impreza wasn't so uncomfortable in the front seat, and unusable in the back. I would have gotten one of those... Just too damn small, though...

So, which ones.. Blizzack LM- somethings or what?

 

Kris
I agree with you about the age thing, I have just stayed away from saying it to avoid being flamed. I don't care how good a driver you THINK you are, experience is the major factor to driving in bad weather and most people on this forum are not old enough to have a fair amount of snow driving experience. It is REALLY BAD ADVICE to tell this guy it is ok to drive home in a big snow storm with his BRAND new car that he has no experience with. It won't kill him to wait another day, it might kill him if he doesn't.

 

Blizzacks are the best for our roads, they make a high performance version but they are expensive and likely not worth it. The Hokkas are better for deep snow, but most of the time we have ice.

Your better off waiting until tomorrow, the dealer will have the car all nice and clean for you, the roads will be clear so you can enjoy the car a little more. And you don't have to worry about some schmuck running into you or the snow plow hitting the car while it is parked

 

Well, like I said, I must pick it up tonight. I only live a few minutes from the dealership, so it should be fine.

Why do they use such expensive, crappy tires?
That pisses me off.

Now I have to find some place to buy tires from AND keep them there... ?!?

This may seem out of left field but- are you guys generally happy with your cars?

 

Love it!