So far this winter has been mild, but today we got a nice snow. In Western PA, we have a lot of steep hills. On the first major hill I came to (70% incline:3/4 mile), I was fine in third gear going into the hill at 40mph. Only a few times at low RPM my car still kicked out some, but with the clutch it was fine.

I get to the worst hill around here, which I may avoid from now on, but I was only able to make it 3/4 of the way up. I had a little less speed and the hill was about (80% incline: 1/4 mile). This hill is part of a series of 3 hills together and it is the last. I was only able to get onto the hill at 30mph and about half way my speed slowed dramatically because it is about 85% just passed half way. I tried to shift down and avoided slipping going back into gear, but I couldn't give it any gas without the car pulling too bad; eventually I came to a stop.

I tried to get any traction on the hill, which was unplowed as many roads are out here. I tried second gear letting the clutch out until the engine started vibrating and gave it just enough gas not to stall, but still my car started turning and pulling. I basically had to wait until an ash truck came 30 minutes later.

Anyone have advice on started off on a steep hill with the ss/sc? With the stock tires as well, it is really hard to get started if the road is (like 4 inches of snow). I was a little embarrassed because suvs were passing around me going up. One stopped going down next to me in the middle of the hill and rolled down his window to mock me even. I'm sure a lot of people still drive your car on bad roads. Thanks for any tips or advice.

 

well you first went wrong by having your stock tires in the snow....

 

Yeah, I realize I should get winter ones, but the winter has been really mild. Plus, I have managed to balance the pulling on most other hills I have encountered. It isn't easy going up them, but I keep it on the road and under controled spinning. The trouble on this part of the hill was I was pulling past 30% of center, which was too much to safely keep recovering from on low traction. I appreciate the point though.

Was just looking to pick up fine driving pointers dealing with the extra HP or clutch/gear wise.

 

Stock tires are not to be driven in snow - PERIOD. I've got an SS/SC in Pittsburgh and have had absolutely 0 problems with it in the snow. My neighborhood has some pretty damn steep hills and I was going up and down them today with absolutely no problems what so ever. Pulling out from a stop is definitely alwaying going to be a little twitchy just because of the way our cars are geared.

Get yourself some snow tires or you're going to be adding to the list of "wrecked my car on stock Pirellis" threads.

 

Ok, I'll go with the advice. I suppose, even if it is a good winter for here on out... I can just use them next winter either way.

 

Again Im going with... Stop Blaming it on the tires and start taking a little blame for the driver.... I know its not always the driver, but still a lot of people think they can drive the same in the snow as they do in the rain and the truth is, its just not happening. SLOW DOWN. Its snowed more then once this yr where I live in washington and I havent had any problems as long as ive stayed at a decent speed... like 25 mph or less... however if u just absolutely cant get traction and you dont care about your floor mats... u can put them under the tires and that helps sometimes... but then you're going to have to buy some new mats.... ALSO if you can stay home from work when it snows, DO IT! I look at it like this.... my insurance detuctible is 500$ if I wreck my car... I dont make 500$ in one day, so its not worth the risk of going to work for the day..... Its not like ur work will pay or help pay the deductible. Dont mean to come off like a dick or anything... just dont understand how so many people are having so many problems...

 

Thats why I just parked mine in the garage for the winter...but for real stock 18s and stock tires that no good in snow

 

I have been driving in the snow for over 10 years. I do not believe this applies at all. I really don't see how slowing down applies at all to going up a hill with little traction??? do you think that will help? Maybe, I should stop on the hill and get the floor mats out... I can watch the car slide back down and laugh as I stand there with my mats in hand... nice trade off. I don't see the point with anything you said relating to my topic at all.

 

Are summer tires ok for rain? Winter tires are better right?

 

The normal high rated tires seem fine in the rain if you are using the rated ones. They only seemed to slip in heavy rain with a heavy start, but even that wasn't bad; they just bounce a little. On the highway, the car still handles 118 with major downfall. I can't see any reason why you would need any better rain traction than that. Over 120 it was a little ify on bends, but 118 there wasn't even much drift this summer. Assuming the temp is above 40f and no ice is possible. (from my experience over the last 12,000 miles anyway) I have pushed it in everyway I could find so far... including now stock tires and closed roads.

 

Jus watch out...you might hydroplane or whatever its called

 

Well, I beat that damn hill today. 1.5 inches still no plow, they didn't hit that road at all; however, it cuts 15-20 minutes off my drive. It was 37 most of the day, when i got off work it had dipped down to 30 and all the melt froze. I have gotten a lot more used to the car handling with these roads now though. I just had to hit the hill at 50 (20mph faster). The tires still spun and it wasn't safe, but I have enough experience to deal with that. Snow tires are too expensive for the car, I'm looking for a jeep for next winter. would rather baby the car in the garage anyway.

 

Its funny how there are 2 schools of thought on this matter. On one hand, winter tires are great but are expensive. On the other hand, the winter is mild. 600 dollars for 3 or 4 days of heavy snow? Well, if you have 80% inclines in your area then I would probably say go for it, otherwise...keep your speed as high as it is safe to go as you approach the hills and stay in a higher gear. Or, just avoid the hills if possible...I live in a flat area and havent had any problems. I think the worst part of the winter was reading the comments here because it made me think I was going to die but...Im still here.

 

Yeah, it mainly depends on where you live. Most people don't encounter roads with 2+ inches still laying on them. If you are near a large town or city, the road crews likely have you covered. You should see it here without the snow. They don't take care of these roads. I have to drive through construction on that same road now. There are 2 inches of dirt (200 yard area not whole road) some days now. I don't even think it is legal for them to leave that on the road. It is a paved heavy traffic public road. This is how things work here though.