Just got my new first Max (ok, its used but new to me!!) and I love it! However, being in Minnesota I am quickly getting introduced to driving it in the winter weather. We go about 4 inches last night and did a decent amount of driving today on poorly/unplowed roads and it seems that the car doesn't grip nearly as well as the Probe GT I had before this. I know this car is heavier, but i figured having 15" 205's vs the probe's 16" 225's and similar tire wear I should notice an improvement???? Granted I'm not used to the car yet(had it for 2 days now) but I was wondering if anyone else could comment on their experiences in the snow??

By the way thanks to all here- although I've been somewhat of a lurker the past few months while shopping around, the wealth of information I picked up browsing the forum has helped me tremendously in choosing the right max!!

Thanks!

 

I am starting my third New England winter with my Max. I run the stock Toyos in the snowy months. I have lots of traction problems. I don't think that these tires are good for snow. Plus, you factor in the Max's low-end torque and light weight, and you don't really have a good winter setup. Heck, I lose traction when the roads are just wet. When there is the frozen stuff, forget about it. I always think about getting some snow tires, but I really only run into awful days a few times during the winter. Being in Minnesota, you probably have worse winters than I do. Snow tires might be a good investment for you.

Have fun with your new ride

 

Well dont use them period. But if you must use them, use them only in the summer. They are very bad in the snow, ice and slush.

I live in Canada and i upgraded the tires to Michelin Artic Alpins all around. These are much better.

I've heard Blizzaks are good too, but when i used them they weren't nearly as good as the Michelins, and they jumped my engine speed about 200rpms.

Also, when you drive in the snow you have to drive differently than you would under normal conditions anyways. So you have to expect to drive very slowly and take turns slower.

If you have an auto, downshift etc...

 

Couple of hints- If you have snow all winter long you need snow tires on all 4 wheels during the winter. The stock, (or any HP tires for that matter, just are'nt made for those conditions.
u can get steel wheels if you have 15"ers, if u have 16s u'll probly have to buy mags.
Also try starting off in 2nd gear,u'll get less wheel spin.
Keep it easy, no sudden control inputs.

Good luck with your car, come spring all will get better!!!

 

This is my 4th winter in Colorado with my Max. I have
Yokohama GuardEX 600 studless snow tires. I love the
way the Max cruises in snow with these tires. I have
snows all around not just in the front. I had a Integra
before the Max with studded snow tires for the winter
months and that car still sucked during snowy icy nights.

A good set of stock steel 15" wheels and a good pair of
snow tires makes all the difference in the winter months.

Snow tires and steel wheels are cheaper than claiming
your deductable when you slide into someone or bounce
one of your nice alloys off a curb on a icy nite.

Tmeyers-Colorado
97 Maxima SE 5sp

 

hey there! What area are you from? SOuthwest MN here. We recieved 7" on blowing drifting snow here...WEW its 12:08a.m and we are still under a Blizzard Warning. 45mph+ winds. I didn't drive the Maxima today. But weeks earlier during another storm, I did drive it. I have a 5th generation one. Traction Control was great. Tires were great, but I did feel they could grip better. I never did loose control or did the rear end come around.

 

I live in Canada and we get snow all winter long. Last week we got 10 inches of snowfall. I don't have winter tires and I didn't get stuck that day. I have the stock 16" Goodyear's and they work great in the snow. The key to driving in snow is to drive in low gear. Putting it in drive will just make things worse.

Congradulations on the new ride!

 

I live in Canada and we get snow all winter long. Last week we got 10 inches of snowfall. I don't have winter tires and I didn't get stuck that day. I have the stock 16" Goodyear RSA's and they work great in the snow. The key to driving in snow is to drive in low gear. Putting it in drive will just make things worse.

Congradulations on the new ride!

 

I misspoke - I looked and I actually have 15" 215 yokohama's. After skidding around some more yesterday in Minneapolis(they do a crappy job of plowing around here), I'm wondering if the car really is any worse in the snow than what I'm used to. The ride is softer so maybe its just the sensation that will take getting used to???

Either way when I'll probably look into some all weather tires when these get low on tread- probably before next winter.


-Brad

 

I definetly agree, I have a 95 MAXIMA SE with Cooper Cobras on it and i get awful snow and wet traction. I live up a steep 800 foot driveway that the town doesn't plow and after this snow that we had i have a heck of a time getting up it. I've never got stuck but definetly isn't easy going up. I had a Beretta that i just got rid of and it went up my hill no problem.
________
Web shows

 

HA I had a 93 probe gt, that thing sucked! In the rain not bad, but in the snow I was all over the road. The maximas tires blow too. Get chains! or a truck

 

You should invest in a good set of snowtires. Make sure you get them in 15" with a thin (205) track width. And if possible, have them mounted on a set of steel rims...for more addes wieght. Maximas are horrible in the snow...especially the 4th gens. They are light and if stock, have a fairly high CG.

 

The more rubber the better.
And your Ford Probe weighed about the same.
This is a light car. a hair over 3,000 lbs.
Even when it's wet the traction suffers because there is so much freaking torque.
And also, it's easy to go fast and not feel the effects of the speed until its too late.
This car masks speed very well.
It'll sneak up on you at any speed.

 

Couldn't have said it better myself. I'd also like to add that a thinner tread will help. I recently finshed "winterizing" my wheel setup. I took off my 17x7s with 225 rubber on them and slapped on a set of 3rd gen 15x6.5s wheels with 195 rubber. I went from skating to solid braking now. Oh, and the ride is cushier now.

DW

 

We got a freak snowstorm the other day where I live and it dropped 13" of snow on us! The max was useless. My efforts to go anywhere were seriously hindered by the amount of snow my front end was trying to plow. Needless to say, I just stayed home for awhile. VB Mod didn't help either. Everytime it shifted I would lose traction. Maybe I need to move south.

 

I am from Chicago and we have been getting snow storms like twice a week. At first it was a little rough driving the Max through the snow but after I got used to it it's a piece of cake. Also, I am driving to Colorado in a week and don't think I will have any problems. My buddies and I drive every year and it's all good!