Snow Driving in Massachusetts - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

l008com · 10-27-2010, 01:10 PM

I got my Camaro at the end of last January. I then went away for 3 weeks. And when I got back, there was no significant snow before spring. So I have no idea what my car is like in the snow. I know that both of my RX-8s could NOT be driving in the snow with their factory tires. They were summer only tires, and you'd just sit there and spin even on level ground. But once I put my Blizzaks on there, it became the best snow car I've ever driven, better than awd's. So how are camaro's in the snow? Mine's a 2SS with 19"s. The tread doesn't look as "summer-only". Plus this car is heavier, so it might be better in the snow. But at the same time, this is my daily driver. I'm not going to leave it in the driveway if the weather looks a little too rough. If I'm leaving the house, it's going to be in my camaro.

If you live in the Boston suburbs, I specifically want to hear from you!

67 Convertible · 10-27-2010, 01:29 PM

If you 19's on the car they're not the "summer" Pirelli tires. You probably have all season radials (should say that on the sidewall) and should be OK for the winter.

I have an RS with the summer only tires and it too is my DD. Although it's not recommended, I drove on the summer tires all last winter with no issues at all. If the roads were clear, I drove my camaro. If snow was predicted, I drove my truck.

I have over 17,000 miles on it now and waiting for the summer tires to wear out so I can put some all season radials on.

Why does it say you have a 2LT and you picture an LT in your sig, but in your post you say you have a 2SS?? (just curious)

Slowhawk · 10-27-2010, 01:33 PM

I would just be safe and get snow tires in the rear.

My car is parked for snow,thats for the truck.

efpardo · 10-27-2010, 01:38 PM

Snow tires are a great idea. I got a set of 4 19" Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow last year. It made a world of difference.

hoffmk2003 · 10-27-2010, 02:29 PM

get 4 snow tires if you want to turn.

2010CamaroRS · 10-27-2010, 02:51 PM

get a beater....much better money spent on a 1000 dollar 4 or all wheel drive vehicle than snow tires for ur sports car....your thin camaro paint and undercarriage parts will thank you

hoffmk2003 · 10-27-2010, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2010CamaroRS

get a beater....much better money spent on a 1000 dollar 4 or all wheel drive vehicle than snow tires for ur sports car....your thin camaro paint and undercarriage parts will thank you

Amen!

1998 Brickyard · 10-27-2010, 05:23 PM

I bought a set of take-offs from an LS; 18" Heritage steel wheels.
I drove it all winter through snow and ice.
No problems at all; never spun out or lost control.
If I wanted to have some fun, I had to turn off the traction control.
I have the 20"s for summer; they felt like squares when the weather was cold.
I will probably be putting the 18s back on in a few more weekends.

SRM · 10-27-2010, 05:51 PM

snow/ice tires on all 4 corners. Had my Camaro since Dec of last year, no problems. Before that, drove my 2000 Z28 for almost 7 years, daily driven with snow/ice tires for winter.

Trust me, the traction is unbelievable. The blizzaks on my Z28 were "just as good" as my 2 AWD subaru's with all season tires.

l008com · 10-27-2010, 06:55 PM

i had blizzaks on an RX8, i know how great they are. But do you really need them on the camaro, with the tires it comes with? But you can get those scorpion tires on tirerack for less than $700 for a set, which is a good deal. And hopefully, with all the sidewall these giant tires have, I won't have to pay as much to get them mounted.

JMM1181 · 10-27-2010, 10:07 PM

I have a set of blizzaks waiting in the basement to be put on my 350z which will be driven through the winter, with the right tires you will be fine. You may want to head up to BJ's in Nashua, NH and see what they have on sale (I realize you have one in Stoneham/Woburn but you'll end up paying $100 in taxes). I picked up some Michelin all seasons that did just fine last winter. The good new is that being in Stoneham, you're right next to both 93 & 95 so that most of the major roadways will be relatively cleared for you. You'll really just have to watch for ice and avoid hills with red lights.

For some people, buying and insuring a winter beater can get too costly. My loan requires that I maintain comprehensive insurance at all times on my car, so I wasn't going to entertain paying for full insurance for two cars (beater and Z) and invested instead in some Blizzaks.

l008com · 10-27-2010, 10:10 PM

Yeah buying a winter car is a dumb idea for a whole bunch of reasons. I don't know what BJ's prices are, but I betcha tirerack is cheaper. Plus no sales tax with them either, and I think the shipping is free. Thats what I did with my RX8, then I just head over to Wakefield Tire to get em mounted and unmounted every season.

v6sonoma · 10-27-2010, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMM1181

I have a set of blizzaks waiting in the basement to be put on my 350z which will be driven through the winter, with the right tires you will be fine. You may want to head up to BJ's in Nashua, NH and see what they have on sale (I realize you have one in Stoneham/Woburn but you'll end up paying $100 in taxes). I picked up some Michelin all seasons that did just fine last winter. The good new is that being in Stoneham, you're right next to both 93 & 95 so that most of the major roadways will be relatively cleared for you. You'll really just have to watch for ice and avoid hills with red lights.

For some people, buying and insuring a winter beater can get too costly. My loan requires that I maintain comprehensive insurance at all times on my car, so I wasn't going to entertain paying for full insurance for two cars (beater and Z) and invested instead in some Blizzaks.

Just an FYI you don't need full coverage on both cars just the camaro. In fact if you get a beater you might lower your payments as the camaro can be listed as a "part time" or "weekend" car and they will lower the rate since it's driven less. (even if it's not, but with a winter car it still kinda gets less mileage)

As for tires. Most have no problems with good winter rubber. Anyone with factory RS summer tires will need to change. They suck when it gets cold out. Let alone in the snow!

SRM · 10-28-2010, 06:45 AM

I run scorpion winter tires on my stock wheels. Not as good as the blizzaks on my 2000 z28, but they work fine.

10-27-2010, 01:10 PM	#1
l008com Drives: 2013 1LT Crystal Red/Beige Manual Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Stoneham, MA Posts: 735	Snow Driving in Massachusetts I got my Camaro at the end of last January. I then went away for 3 weeks. And when I got back, there was no significant snow before spring. So I have no idea what my car is like in the snow. I know that both of my RX-8s could NOT be driving in the snow with their factory tires. They were summer only tires, and you'd just sit there and spin even on level ground. But once I put my Blizzaks on there, it became the best snow car I've ever driven, better than awd's. So how are camaro's in the snow? Mine's a 2SS with 19"s. The tread doesn't look as "summer-only". Plus this car is heavier, so it might be better in the snow. But at the same time, this is my daily driver. I'm not going to leave it in the driveway if the weather looks a little too rough. If I'm leaving the house, it's going to be in my camaro. If you live in the Boston suburbs, I specifically want to hear from you! __________________ FS: 245/50R19 Snow Tires

10-27-2010, 01:29 PM	#2
67 Convertible Drives: 67 Camaro Convertible Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: MA Posts: 1,721	If you 19's on the car they're not the "summer" Pirelli tires. You probably have all season radials (should say that on the sidewall) and should be OK for the winter. I have an RS with the summer only tires and it too is my DD. Although it's not recommended, I drove on the summer tires all last winter with no issues at all. If the roads were clear, I drove my camaro. If snow was predicted, I drove my truck. I have over 17,000 miles on it now and waiting for the summer tires to wear out so I can put some all season radials on. Why does it say you have a 2LT and you picture an LT in your sig, but in your post you say you have a 2SS?? (just curious) __________________ _____________________________________________ 2LT/RS RJT, Blk Rally Stripes, Beige Interior, Sunroof Placed order at dealer 4/24/09 1100 - 4/28/09 2000 - 5/01/09 2500 - 5/05/09 3000 - 5/05/09 3300 - 5/30/09 3400 - 6/05/09 3800 - 6/18/09 4000 - 6/18/09 4B00 - 6/18/09 4200 - 6/22/09 5000 - 7/01/09 6000 - 7/01/09 It's Home!! 0000 - 7/14/11 Traded in with 24,000 miles. Currently 5th Gen less

10-27-2010, 01:38 PM	#4
efpardo Deep6 Drives: 2016 Camaro #182300 \| 2SS \| HBM Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lansing, MI Posts: 1,203 View My Garage	Snow tires are a great idea. I got a set of 4 19" Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow last year. It made a world of difference. __________________ My Journals: Erick's Mistress - Violet 2016 2SS #182300 \| 2SS \| HBM \| Erick’s Mistress - 2010 2LT #8212 \| 2LT \| RS \| CGM \| Litho #165 \|

10-27-2010, 02:29 PM	#5
hoffmk2003 The Hof Drives: 2010 IOM Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Jamestown, RI Posts: 825	get 4 snow tires if you want to turn. __________________ #6 Bolt on Fast List...best ET 12.01@117 mph http://www.streetfire.net/video/best...ro_2240734.htm

10-27-2010, 02:51 PM	#6
2010CamaroRS Driver of the Blue Demon Drives: '15 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Westfield, MA Posts: 2,550 View My Garage	get a beater....much better money spent on a 1000 dollar 4 or all wheel drive vehicle than snow tires for ur sports car....your thin camaro paint and undercarriage parts will thank you __________________ New England Camaro 5 The Few, The Proud, The Hyper Blue Metallics DT shorties.BBK Intake.FlowMaster AT.Eibach 1'' drop.Hurst Short Throw (44% reduction).Unrestricted Motorsports Gen 1 Style Rear Spoiler.Custom Aqua Blue Metallic Interior Panels.RS Embroidered Head Rests.Interior LED by Oracle.Illuminated Bowtie by Oracle.Footwell LED by Oracle.Grille LED by Oracle.Functional Headliner Console Toggle Switches for LED Lighting.Aqua Blue Engine Cover.RotoFab Radiator Cover.Aqua Blue Fuse Box Cover from RPI Designs.Much More

10-27-2010, 01:33 PM	#3
Slowhawk Drives: 1999 Trans Am Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bridgewater,Ma Posts: 2,017	I would just be safe and get snow tires in the rear. My car is parked for snow,thats for the truck.

10-27-2010, 05:23 PM	#8
1998 Brickyard Drives: 2010 RS & 1998 Brickyard SS Join Date: May 2009 Location: Concord, NH Posts: 140 View My Garage	I bought a set of take-offs from an LS; 18" Heritage steel wheels. I drove it all winter through snow and ice. No problems at all; never spun out or lost control. If I wanted to have some fun, I had to turn off the traction control. I have the 20"s for summer; they felt like squares when the weather was cold. I will probably be putting the 18s back on in a few more weekends. __________________ 1LT/RS, Rally Yellow, Black Interior, Auto, Convenience Pkg, Black Rally Stripes. 1100 2/26/09 2000 3/26/09 3000 3/26/09 3100 4/30/09 3300 4/30/09 3400 5/7/09 3800 5/14/09 - 2G1FB1EV3A9110149 4200 5/23/09 4800 6/2/09 Almost here... 5000 6/3/09 6000 6/4/09

10-27-2010, 05:51 PM	#9
SRM New England Daily Driver Drives: 2010 2SS RS CGM Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: RI Posts: 290	snow/ice tires on all 4 corners. Had my Camaro since Dec of last year, no problems. Before that, drove my 2000 Z28 for almost 7 years, daily driven with snow/ice tires for winter. Trust me, the traction is unbelievable. The blizzaks on my Z28 were "just as good" as my 2 AWD subaru's with all season tires. __________________ Current: 2012 Wrangler Previous: 2010 2SS RS, 2007 WRX, 2000 Z28, and a few 2nd gen Fbodies...

10-27-2010, 06:55 PM	#10
l008com Drives: 2013 1LT Crystal Red/Beige Manual Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Stoneham, MA Posts: 735	i had blizzaks on an RX8, i know how great they are. But do you really need them on the camaro, with the tires it comes with? But you can get those scorpion tires on tirerack for less than $700 for a set, which is a good deal. And hopefully, with all the sidewall these giant tires have, I won't have to pay as much to get them mounted. __________________ FS: 245/50R19 Snow Tires

10-27-2010, 10:07 PM	#11
JMM1181 Drives: '07 350z Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 139	I have a set of blizzaks waiting in the basement to be put on my 350z which will be driven through the winter, with the right tires you will be fine. You may want to head up to BJ's in Nashua, NH and see what they have on sale (I realize you have one in Stoneham/Woburn but you'll end up paying $100 in taxes). I picked up some Michelin all seasons that did just fine last winter. The good new is that being in Stoneham, you're right next to both 93 & 95 so that most of the major roadways will be relatively cleared for you. You'll really just have to watch for ice and avoid hills with red lights. For some people, buying and insuring a winter beater can get too costly. My loan requires that I maintain comprehensive insurance at all times on my car, so I wasn't going to entertain paying for full insurance for two cars (beater and Z) and invested instead in some Blizzaks.

10-27-2010, 10:10 PM	#12
l008com Drives: 2013 1LT Crystal Red/Beige Manual Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Stoneham, MA Posts: 735	Yeah buying a winter car is a dumb idea for a whole bunch of reasons. I don't know what BJ's prices are, but I betcha tirerack is cheaper. Plus no sales tax with them either, and I think the shipping is free. Thats what I did with my RX8, then I just head over to Wakefield Tire to get em mounted and unmounted every season. __________________ FS: 245/50R19 Snow Tires

10-28-2010, 06:45 AM	#14
SRM New England Daily Driver Drives: 2010 2SS RS CGM Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: RI Posts: 290	I run scorpion winter tires on my stock wheels. Not as good as the blizzaks on my 2000 z28, but they work fine. __________________ Current: 2012 Wrangler Previous: 2010 2SS RS, 2007 WRX, 2000 Z28, and a few 2nd gen Fbodies...

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