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Old 08-14-2012, 02:26 PM   #1
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Wet/Snow traction

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

I originally posted this message in the Midwest Regional forum, but thought I may get some great responses from this area of the country as well.

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!
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Old 08-14-2012, 03:03 PM   #2
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  • 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?
I forget which stock tires they use if it's the BFgoodrich A/T's they run fine in light snow anything 3 or 4 inches deep and they don't grip well at all.
  • Does the traction control help get you rolling from a stop in the snow? Up to how many inches of snow?
Traction control is a safety feature for slow speeds it helps but using common sense driving in your camaro on snow is still best ex. don't slam on the gas peddle when your starting out in snow. "Unless your like me and have a huge driveway and wanna spin around some."
  • 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.
I tested this idea this year, granted the northeast had a very light to non-existent winter and manually shifting in my area helped alot but i live in the boonies surrounded by hills and obnoxius 90 degree turns on those hills. On normal city roads i found just using drive without the manual shifting to be easier. So flat areas automatic no manual in winter and in the hills you can adjust your gear for the appropriate circumstance i found even with the traction control having it in drive caused way to much tire spinning on the hills.
  • 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?
Rain Rain Go Away. I've never had an issue with the car breaking loose on wet corners even in our summer downpours. Your camaro has a pretty sick stock suspension and traction system. I've taken close to 90 degree turns at a little more then appropriate speeds in new england summer downpours you may know what i mean the 10 min storms that drop so much water the drains get backed up and leave massive ponds on the roads. I've never even felt the car swing around behind me and as long as your tires aren't balled you shouldn't have an issue with is. Don't go testing it in slushy weather i tried that and was happy it was 2 am and no traffic almost hit the stoplight poll though. "stupid ABS can really give you a heart attack sometimes."
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Old 08-14-2012, 09:56 PM   #3
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I'll agree with KD. I have an LT automatic with the 20" wheels and the sport tires. In the winter, I switch over to my Perrelli Scorpion Snow and Ice tires on my 18" wheels. I drive carefully but I have full confidence in my car. Last winter wasn't bad at all. The winter before, that was a different story. I pushed the car in an empty parking lot with about 1" or 2" of fresh fallen show, and I had a difficult time getting it to break free. The same was free on my home street on a different occasion.

On the other hand, during the really bad storms we had in 2010-2011, I didn't go anywhere...not that many people were driving on those days

As for the rain...I'm driving a RWD car? Are you sure??? The car is amazing!

Get good snow tires!
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Old 08-14-2012, 10:16 PM   #4
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Thanks KDimond and Molloni. Great responses from both of you and gives me much more confidence. Of course as KD noted, common sense would prevail in all situations. I'm pretty cautious in bad weather as it is.

The 1LT has 18" all season tires according to the Chevrolet website, but no mention of specific brand/model.

I suppose if the weather is bad enough, I'll simply call in sick or take a vacation day and go sledding with the kids (or steal the wife's Traverse and leave her stranded for the day ).
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Old 08-15-2012, 12:27 AM   #5
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you know something...I have a FWD Grand Prix GXP..its nice in the snow but I tell you I have had Mustangs and Camaro's and all you need is a good set of snow tires and some sandbags in the trunk over the axles.
You will do fine. I personally like RWD in the snow better. I get what people talk about with FWD. But having steering and power in the same 2 wheels it is missing something I liked about having a RWD car in the snow. But get some snow tires and do not fear. Where I lived and grew up it was up hill both ways! lol..but really it was hilly and well, had no issues with my Camaro and Mustangs. Just gotta know how to drive and WHEN to not drive.
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Old 08-15-2012, 12:30 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Z28 Autobot View Post
you know something...I have a FWD Grand Prix GXP..its nice in the snow but I tell you I have had Mustangs and Camaro's and all you need is a good set of snow tires and some sandbags in the trunk over the axles.
You will do fine. I personally like RWD in the snow better. I get what people talk about with FWD. But having steering and power in the same 2 wheels it is missing something I liked about having a RWD car in the snow. But get some snow tires and do not fear. Where I lived and grew up it was up hill both ways! lol..but really it was hilly and well, had no issues with my Camaro and Mustangs. Just gotta know how to drive and WHEN to not drive.
haha i get what your saying but there is never a bad time to not drive a camaro. No no wait if there's a hailstorm outside thats about it.
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Old 08-15-2012, 01:05 AM   #7
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ohh there is..black ice..
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Old 08-15-2012, 02:51 AM   #8
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ohh there is..black ice..

But that stuffs fun to drive on there's nothing like casual driving and then your rear end deciding it wants to go first. All kidding aside black ice effects every car the same AWD, FWD & RWD it's a hazard any person lives with in the snowy regions be lucky we don't live in western montana where they get fog that freezes your windshield in 5 secs like you get when it rains and then freezes here in the winter.
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Old 08-15-2012, 11:06 AM   #9
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best option IMO...buy a beater and save your very important investment from the troubles of winter....i take my car out in the winter on only TWO occasions...inspection (january) and if the road is salt free and dry

The Pirelli's that come stock on the 20'' option are HORRENDOUS in cold weather...remember these are SUMMER tires and are not designed for sub-50 degree weather...wet or dry...here are some issues:

1: They throw TPMS lights when below 40 degrees
2: The cold makes these tires rock hard...and traction suffers
3: Cold weather + Summer tires = quicker wear....i noticed a huge jump in wear last winter because I drove my car more due to the lack of snow
4: The wear on the Pirellis is bad anyways...i mean come on 27k on a set of tires from the factory?

I have General GMAX AS01 All Seasons on my car now and I can tell you the summer performance matches if not exceeds the Pirellis in dry AND wet conditions. I also don't have to worry about driving in cold weather and if I get caught in a freak snowsquall. New England is notorious for winter surprises.

Reminder IMO...cold weather and summer tires are not a combination you want to run with...not only will it cost your wallet...it could cost you your life or your cars life
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Old 08-15-2012, 11:31 AM   #10
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What everyone else said - WINTER TIRES.
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Old 08-16-2012, 04:41 PM   #11
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You might need some practice driving a rwd car in poor conditions. If you can ask a friend with a rwd car or truck and have at it in an empty, snowy parking lot. Its good practice to learn how to counter steer and power out of a fish tail.

I used to drive a rwd S10 with bald tires, no weight, and an open rear in the snow. I got stuck a couple times but I quickly learned from my mistakes. I will say that once I learned how to drive it properly, I rarely had an issue.

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Old 08-16-2012, 11:19 PM   #12
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IMGMT, I purchased two extra Heritage rims and installed Falkin 235/18's in the rear, I was amazed how well the Camaro handled in the snow, I left the BF Goodridge in the front. ( the reason I chose the falken was becausre the tread pattern was very simular to the BF Goodridge.














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