To all those guys who've lowered their cars:
How does the max handle snow and ice lowered?

Also, I've heard of people getting rubber inserts for their coils to space them out and raise the car up a little. Anybody done this? Would this be worth while if I wanted a little more clearance in the winter? Where can I get this sort of item?

 

get coilovers... if u have nice rims, switch back to stocks, and pray if you have a front lip and hit a mound of snow in front of you... i'm going to look to see if i can buy an old 85 bronco to sport around in the winter

 

Buy some snow-shoes like they have in alaska. Most people I know have their toy car as a second car, but I know that its more common to everyday drive your toy, I would just suggest getting a movie or having friends over if it is snowy and icy out. i.e. don't drive when the weather is bad. If there is so much snow out that you are worried about your lip, the roads probably are probably unsfe to drive on anyhow.

 

i took my car up to the slopes twice last season and it was fine. i have stock wheels so putting chains on wasn't big deal. the ride was really jerky because of my suspension setup. this coming season, i plan to switch with my dad's 2001 pathfinder for those snowboarding trips i'll be making.

 

The issue is about the low clearance....it could be a problem. That is why I never lowered my car. I put a full set of 15" steel rims with Blizzaks-works great! All winter I out did most SUV's in Vermont, I was frame deep a couple times. I hit bottom way more than they did though!

 

I bought my Maxima for rainy days, snow, going to the store, etc. I also took it on vacation to the East coast this summer and must say it was quite nice for that as well! The only modifications I have is an air intake, Y-pipe, H&R springs, and a rear swaybar. I plan to use 15" steels with snow tires for winter.

 

Whenever there is foul weather, make up excuses about your car being "in the shop" or "out of commission" and have your friends drive you around.

 

I'm also curious about this. How many drivers in the snowy states drive on lowering springs? Do those couple of inches make a big difference?

I live in Wisconsin and suffer through some pretty snowy commutes. I had a full set of steel wheels and Blizzaks the last two winters and were amazed at the difference they made. Where some cars with supposed all-season tires could barely start or stop, I can pass SUV's and even some AWD sedans & wagons with ease. I highly recommend a set of snow tires & rims to anybody who has to commute through the snow.

Regards,
TOM

 

I used to ahve a lowered Acura CL with groundfx. I never had a problem, even with the really heavy snow in Utah. But, I didn't have a real lip like the stillen has. I had more of a skirting in the front.