How do these cars handle in the Winter?
#1
How do these cars handle in the Winter?
This is my first winter with my Maxima and I am a college student going to school in NH. Last winter I didn't even attempt to drive up here with the Max because of the crappy Potenzas. Finally got rid of them and bought new Falken ZE 512 tires. Do you guys think my car will be ok for winter driving, or should I take my fathers subaru Outback up(which i really don't want to do). O ya, I have the 17" stock rims too if that helps, thanks
#4
No matter what tires you put on the Maxima, it won't be as good in the snow as the 4wd Outback. However, you should be fine in all but very deep snow with the Maxima and the Falkens.
I live in NJ and have driven many times in 6+ inches of snow with the Max (using Michelin Pilot A/S, which should be similar in snow to the 512's), having no problem even going up steep hills.
You should be fine with the Maxima and the 512's.
I live in NJ and have driven many times in 6+ inches of snow with the Max (using Michelin Pilot A/S, which should be similar in snow to the 512's), having no problem even going up steep hills.
You should be fine with the Maxima and the 512's.
#8
Originally Posted by jnovember
No matter what tires you put on the Maxima, it won't be as good in the snow as the 4wd Outback. However, you should be fine in all but very deep snow with the Maxima and the Falkens.
I live in NJ and have driven many times in 6+ inches of snow with the Max (using Michelin Pilot A/S, which should be similar in snow to the 512's), having no problem even going up steep hills.
You should be fine with the Maxima and the 512's.
I live in NJ and have driven many times in 6+ inches of snow with the Max (using Michelin Pilot A/S, which should be similar in snow to the 512's), having no problem even going up steep hills.
You should be fine with the Maxima and the 512's.
#9
Speaking Of Tires I Have The Stock Potenzas And They Are Crap I Went Around A Curve At 45 And Almost Lost It What Are The Best Aftermarket Tires Ive Heard Michelin And Falken Whats A Good Price? Im Sure Once I Get A Rsb And New Tires Ill Take That Curve No Problemo
#10
The thing that could go against you is torque. Like if your in heavy snow and just tap the gas, your wheels go spinning. I spent last winter with the potenzas, they didn't do too bad. I never spun out. I got stuck on an uphill though and alsmot got hit by a plow.
#11
Traction Control would also help out... I had my car running ok in the snow ok last year... I don't think it's that bad if you drive safe...
The e-brake idea is great if you have room.. go to empty parking lot and try it out..
The e-brake idea is great if you have room.. go to empty parking lot and try it out..
![jump](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/jump.gif)
#12
Originally Posted by 2k2wannabe
With any tires but the stock potenzas you'll be fine.
........but you'd have more fun in the snow in the outback![Nervous](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/nervous.gif)
........but you'd have more fun in the snow in the outback
![Nervous](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/nervous.gif)
#13
Originally Posted by 2K3MAX2NV
Speaking Of Tires I Have The Stock Potenzas And They Are Crap I Went Around A Curve At 45 And Almost Lost It What Are The Best Aftermarket Tires Ive Heard Michelin And Falken Whats A Good Price? Im Sure Once I Get A Rsb And New Tires Ill Take That Curve No Problemo
#14
Originally Posted by GBAUER
If you have a spare grand to throw away, or, as I prefer to tell my fiance, invest, get the michelin's (I'm on my second set). You'll love them. If not, then look here for advice: http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=331724
#15
Originally Posted by 2K3MAX2NV
Speaking Of Tires I Have The Stock Potenzas And They Are Crap I Went Around A Curve At 45 And Almost Lost It What Are The Best Aftermarket Tires Ive Heard Michelin And Falken Whats A Good Price? Im Sure Once I Get A Rsb And New Tires Ill Take That Curve No Problemo
www.tirerack.com
Internet + Google does wonders... you should try it sometime... along with our Tires and Wheels forum...
#16
Originally Posted by bostonmax84
This is my first winter with my Maxima and I am a college student going to school in NH. Last winter I didn't even attempt to drive up here with the Max because of the crappy Potenzas. Finally got rid of them and bought new Falken ZE 512 tires. Do you guys think my car will be ok for winter driving, or should I take my fathers subaru Outback up(which i really don't want to do). O ya, I have the 17" stock rims too if that helps, thanks
#17
Originally Posted by GBAUER
If you have a spare grand to throw away, or, as I prefer to tell my fiance, invest, get the michelin's (I'm on my second set). You'll love them. If not, then look here for advice: http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=331724
Thanks for reminding me
![ThumbsUp](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#18
snow driving is all about the driver's skills...but....
my 512's did fine last winter, even driving up into some gnarly snowstorms in the mountains. The maxima has great ground clearance stock...That said, since I lost ground clearance with my LTB and springs, I'm gonna be running Dunlop Wintersport M3's this season.....
![](http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/442000-442999/442543_18_full.jpg)
![](http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/442000-442999/442543_16_full.jpg)
my 512's did fine last winter, even driving up into some gnarly snowstorms in the mountains. The maxima has great ground clearance stock...That said, since I lost ground clearance with my LTB and springs, I'm gonna be running Dunlop Wintersport M3's this season.....
![](http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/442000-442999/442543_18_full.jpg)
![](http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/442000-442999/442543_16_full.jpg)
![](http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/442000-442999/442543_17_full.jpg)
#20
the energy MXV4 is so-so in the snow...I had them on my previous car and they were better than potenzas, butnot great....be extra careful on turns, they grip ok from start/stop in snow, but not too well on curves....
#24
Won't the helical LSD help in the snow/rain? How does that work? And what's all this talk about the Outback? I know its 4wd, are they (all Subies for that fact) really safe in the snow? I'm really considering trading for the Legacy GT, but if the HLSD works to help traction for the Max, I'd rather keep the Max. That FWD vs. AWD question is really beginning to bother me now. Any ideas? Thanks.
ShysMax
2002 SE
6Spd.
12K
ShysMax
2002 SE
6Spd.
12K
#25
Originally Posted by bostonmax84
This is my first winter with my Maxima and I am a college student going to school in NH. Last winter I didn't even attempt to drive up here with the Max because of the crappy Potenzas. Finally got rid of them and bought new Falken ZE 512 tires. Do you guys think my car will be ok for winter driving, or should I take my fathers subaru Outback up(which i really don't want to do). O ya, I have the 17" stock rims too if that helps, thanks
Well, lets think about this: Wide, crappy tires, 255 hp, aluminum engine block, front wheel drive (about the only positive here)... what do you think? Buy snow tires or REALLY good all-weather tires.
They handle GREAT in the winter, as long as the winter's in Florida!
#26
I have a friend w/ a wrx who got the Falken ZE tires and they are so much better than the ponteza's. (stock wrx's come w/ pontezas as well) you should be fine w/ the max in the snow just drive safe and dont go 80 when drifting...also GBAUER you have such a sexy paint job...the gril and the engin...niceeeeeeeeeeee
#27
Winter Tires 4 Sure!!!!
Bostonmax-there is no question get dedicated snows on 16" steelies . I had Nokian Hakkas on my Max and it is unbelievable in the snow. As long as the snow wasn't over the front bumper I would take out my Max and leave the Z71 4x4 at home. Honestly you would be amazed ,if you do that you will be fighting with your dad to take out the Max in the snow instead of the Suby. For your safety and others, if you get regular dumps of snow in the winter do it.
#28
Originally Posted by GBAUER
They handle GREAT in the winter, as long as the winter's in Florida!
![chuckle](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/chuckle.gif)
Get snows if its gonna be bad around ya and ya think you'll be driving a lot... if not, I'm sure Falkens or something similar are good enough....
#30
bought 4 17" blizzaks for the oem wheels on my 02' 6spd, they are awsome in the snow and ice, very predicable handling and braking. not so great over 70mph on dry pavment, I have 350z 18" and bridgestones for the summer.
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