Wet/snow behaviors?

[imgntht]

Hi all, new forum member from Chicago. I don't yet have a Camaro, doing my homework first.

I've tried doing some searches on the forum for this, but wasn't having much luck. I'm looking to go the 1LT automatic route (2013 MY). This would be my first RWD vehicle, having come only from FWD imports and currently an AWD Acadia. This next car would be my daily driver rain, snow, or shine. My commute is extremely short at only 5 stop and go miles and limited turns. My lack of RWD experience has me a bit hesitant, but I really want a sportier vehicle (hitting my mid-life crisis at 34! ), and want to stay with GM.

So I'm looking for some insight/experiences from current owners driving on wet roads, and various depths of snow.

• Are the stock tires on a 1LT good enough, or should I expect to buy some winter tires or the stock heritage rims/tires from an LS?
• Does the traction control help get you rolling from a stop in the snow? Up to how many inches of snow?
• Do any of you find it more manageable to manually shift gears with the automatic trans? I do this on my Acadia to help with braking.
• How prone to breaking loose on turns does the car feel in rain? Do you lose confidence in turns, or does the car have to be pushed hard to break loose in the rain?

I really appreciate everyone's thoughts on this subject. I'm sure I would adjust to whatever it has to offer after I drive it for awhile. But before I plunk down all the money on a new car, I want to make sure I'm making a good decision. I'll make sure to get some test drives in as I get closer to the time of purchasing. Thanks!

[CWI]

Originally Posted by imgntht

Hi all, new forum member from Chicago. I don't yet have a Camaro, doing my homework first.

I've tried doing some searches on the forum for this, but wasn't having much luck. I'm looking to go the 1LT automatic route (2013 MY). This would be my first RWD vehicle, having come only from FWD imports and currently an AWD Acadia. This next car would be my daily driver rain, snow, or shine. My commute is extremely short at only 5 stop and go miles and limited turns. My lack of RWD experience has me a bit hesitant, but I really want a sportier vehicle (hitting my mid-life crisis at 34! ), and want to stay with GM.

So I'm looking for some insight/experiences from current owners driving on wet roads, and various depths of snow.

• Are the stock tires on a 1LT good enough, or should I expect to buy some winter tires or the stock heritage rims/tires from an LS?
• Does the traction control help get you rolling from a stop in the snow? Up to how many inches of snow?
• Do any of you find it more manageable to manually shift gears with the automatic trans? I do this on my Acadia to help with braking.
• How prone to breaking loose on turns does the car feel in rain? Do you lose confidence in turns, or does the car have to be pushed hard to break loose in the rain?

I really appreciate everyone's thoughts on this subject. I'm sure I would adjust to whatever it has to offer after I drive it for awhile. But before I plunk down all the money on a new car, I want to make sure I'm making a good decision. I'll make sure to get some test drives in as I get closer to the time of purchasing. Thanks!

I can't speak much for the LT but can share my experience with the SS. I have hit snow a couple time while on long trips. It was only sluchy snow and was already rolling so didn't have any problem. This was with the stock Pirelli"s that come on it, not winter tires at all. As for rain it will lose traction accelerating even moderately but I also have 450 RWHP. It will hydro plane on standing water but again, these are summer tires.

I have seen discussions on thsi forum over the last few years and there are many people that drive their Camaro year round up north and in the NE. Many say it is not a problem, they just have an extra set of wheels with winter tires and go back to the summer tires in the spring. most say it is very good if you already know how to drive in snow and in your mid 30's in Chicago i'm guessing you have seen some snow before. If you aren't worried about teh salt and rinse it off now and then I think you would do fine with a LT equipped with snow tires.

[imgntht]

Thanks for the reply. I'm certainly used to snow, just not snow AND RWD. Trying to guage how much of a wrestling match it will be to handle turns and standing stops. I'll try posting in the NE section as well. I appreciate your response.

[Agent WD-40]

I use my car year round I have zero problems in the snow. I do run snow tires though- these make all the difference. With snow tires and stability/traction control I think the Camaro handles better than my previous 4x4 truck did on all season tires. I cannot comment on how the car does without snow tires because I've never tried.

I can drive through any amount of snow as long as it is below the front bumper. I've never had an issue getting started, going up hills, going through several inches of snow etc. My wife actually thinks my Camaro is easier to drive in the snow than her FWD car with all-season tires.

[imgntht]

Thanks Agent WD-40. I'm hearing similar on the NE regional forum...winter tires are a must. Considering you (and your wife) are so confident in the car AND you have an SS, I should be just fine with the 1LT.

[Agent WD-40]

You will be just fine.

I was skeptical too and never would have considered a Camaro practical for the winter until I drove my friends Camaro with winter tires. I was blown away at how big of a difference they make. That is a big reason I have one now.

[meissen]

I drove my 1LS through the "winter" last winter. Detroit only got hit with a few real big snow storms, but I drove through them all with my 5th gen... You'll have to go slow, and you'll need to be careful but it really isn't that bad at all. I used to daily drive my 1994 Camaro year round and I think the 5th gen drives a lot better.

[Macrackie]

You might want to consider the lack of a posi rear end in the auto version of the v6. I have the manual v6 which has the same limited slip as the v8 cars. I have been through two winters with the stock 18 inch bfgs on heritage wheels with no problems.

I will however grab the 4wd truck if more than 3 inchs of snow hit the ground. This is only due to me not wanting to smash one of the giant windrows our local plow drivers leave at the intersections. With a 3800 pound car and 52/48 weight bias there is roughly 1900 lbs on those rear tires to make traction with. I was very please with the snow performance. To much go pedel makes all the traction lights turn on in the snow.

As for rain yep you can end up facing the wrong dirrection if you turn off the nanny's and get to agressive. This can also be done on dry pavement if really pushin the little 6. Leave the big brother stabilitrack on and everything is rock solid.

Find a big smooth parking lot on the first snow day, turn off all the nannys and find out what you and the car are capable of before hitting the road.

[stlrammer]

If you Don't get the RS and stay with either the 18 inch or 19 inch wheels you are set for moderate winter driving. They (18/19) come with great all season tires. If you get the RS version you will need to mount an all season tire as the 20 inch wheels come with summer only Pzeros and they turn to stones/rocks below 30 degrees. I recommend General GMax AS 03.

[TastyBake]

I get deep snow in the winter.

I got a set of winter tires and I've never gotten stuck or slid. Those are the key.

[merlin803]

Originally Posted by Macrackie

You might want to consider the lack of a posi rear end in the auto version of the v6. I have the manual v6 which has the same limited slip as the v8 cars. I have been through two winters with the stock 18 inch bfgs on heritage wheels with no problems.

I will however grab the 4wd truck if more than 3 inchs of snow hit the ground. This is only due to me not wanting to smash one of the giant windrows our local plow drivers leave at the intersections. With a 3800 pound car and 52/48 weight bias there is roughly 1900 lbs on those rear tires to make traction with. I was very please with the snow performance. To much go pedel makes all the traction lights turn on in the snow.

As for rain yep you can end up facing the wrong dirrection if you turn off the nanny's and get to agressive. This can also be done on dry pavement if really pushin the little 6. Leave the big brother stabilitrack on and everything is rock solid.

Find a big smooth parking lot on the first snow day, turn off all the nannys and find out what you and the car are capable of before hitting the road.

I drove my 1LT year round for a couple years with all year tires and it wasn't too bad.

Now I have a SS and I got the same year round tires for it so hopefully it will be ok.

On the posted comment on the SS Posi vs the V6, will that make a noticeable difference? Enough to say that the SS is at least as good in snow as the V6?

[2xSSRS]

Originally Posted by TastyBake

I get deep snow in the winter.

I got a set of winter tires and I've never gotten stuck or slid. Those are the key.

Spent many a winter in the Windy City. If you get the stock Pzero, do not even think about pulling the car out of the garage. You won't get 10 feet. Get a set of winter tiers or better yet, get a winter car. Leave the Camaro parked. I'm in Ohio, and mine is parked and covered in the winter. Also, as much snow as you get up ther, you'll be pushing more snow the driving in. As low as this car sits.