Before you guys give me a hard time, I know I’m not supposed to drive rear wheel in the snow. However, this is my situation. I’m in Florida for a wedding, we took the G down because, well, it’s Florida and it’s 80 degrees down here right now. Problem is, I was talking to a buddy and they said something to the effect of: be safe driving back on Sunday (the wedding is Saturday night). Immediately I asked what the meant by that. “Oh, it’s going to dump snow here on Sunday.” Well, I’m a little screwed because my house is prone to lose power in a snow storm and we have a cat who is there all by himself. Power is not a big deal, but our heating system requires power and the fire requires a human to operate it. So I’m already determined to leave at the crack of dawn to get back before dark but there’s gonna be snow. So my question is, is there a set of chains or anything that won’t destroy my 37? 2011 G37 convertible btw. Stock everything. I’ve already ordered autosocks for the rear wheel
s in prep, I’m just feeling like I’ll need something on the front for steering traction since the stock tires are pretty slick. I already know I shouldn’t do this. And if it gets bad, I am prepared to bail, but it’s bad news, and of course I have work and everything to get back to as well. I would stop and get snow tires but I can’t really afford to just drop a grand to get home. So, hit me with your best shot. And I fully expect some people to tell me to just not do it.

 

Driving rwd in the snow is fine. Was done for decades before fwd, awd, etc.

If your all season tires are worn, then driving in the snow is a recipe for disaster.

I would time the trip such that you're driving on cleared roads. Those autosock things are good for 20-30 mph. Not sure how useful that would be.

Also, why on the rear wheels only? You still nee to stop and turn, no?

Edit: I think these sock things are a temporary solution for when you get stuck in an unexpected snow storm (if there's is such a thing any more). Good luck.

 

I ordered for the back because I HAVE to have to have rear wheel traction more than front wheel invade I get stuck on a hill. I have front wheel traction as well I know. My tires are not new. Not needing to be replaced yet. But not new either. I may possibly be able to get new tires before I leave Florida.

 

What tires do you have on there now? Might be good enough to get you home.

 

Do you have summers or all seasons? If summers then chains won't even help you. Chains on the front of a red really don't do anything either. You may be better off being a tea totaler and getting a jump by leaving the wedding early and trying to get as far up the coast as possible before Sunday morning. I don't know how far you're going north but I'm in central VA and they're predicting a pretty rough Sunday afternoon.

 

That's absolute nonsense. I get that you live in NC, and maybe don't have any experience with snow, but come on, man... that's just silly.

You also don't say whether or not you have 3-season tires, or All Season tires. If you have 3-season performance tires, absolutely do not drive in snow or in freezing temps. That's a hard-stop. Don't do it.

Chains are meant for deep snow and ice and short distances, not hundreds of miles on the highway between wherever you are in Florida and Ashville, NC.

For emergency situations, google "tire chain zip ties". They're easier to apply, but single use.

 

I have all season. Going to get new tires on Saturday actually. Maybe I should have said I know rear wheel drive is ideal. The fact is I have a lot of snow driving experience. NC mountains, California, Montana, and Colorado. But I’ve never driven a 350 HP RWD in the snow. I’ve either been driving my 4WD or AWD vehicle. And the other side of it is, I’ve got to climb a 2000ft mtn pass. I don’t expect to need chains for anything except getting from the bottom of the pass to my house. Which is maybe 60 miles. And I don’t care about driving 30mph as long as I don’t end up in a ditch. But if you take a look at anybody in the forum that has asked about driving the 37 in snow, 75% say don’t do it.

 

unfortunately, my GF is the maid of honor and I don’t think leaving the wedding early is an option. There are other personal circumstances that will make this difficult as well, but I won’t go in to them here.

 

?? I drive my Mustang in the snow as often as I can. Snow is the best time to drive a RWD vehicle.

 

I suspect you're in the thick of things right now. Here in Western NY, we're bracing for 15 to 20" starting tonight and into tomorrow.

Let us know how you made out.

 

Our total forecast has dropped a little thankfully. They are now saying 6"-10".

As for driving RWD in the snow its absolutely doable. I had my 86 Mustang years back and with snow tires and weight in the rear I went everywhere in that thing.

 

Re Snow Tires: already needed new tires, got those before the trip. It’s not a winter driving vehicle normally, so I could not justify a set of snow tires. Plus there’s only significant snow maybe 2 times a year and it’s almost always gone after a few days.

Re driving anywhere else in RWD: The main issue of this particular journey isn’t driving around in the snow, It’s the fact that I have to get up to Asheville. Unfortunately, there is no way to get up there without climbing about 1000ft. Ever single route from every direction requires climbing a pass that’s very steep and between 20-30 miles. My primary concern is losing traction on ice. There are no exits on these passes so there’s nowhere to go but backwards if I can’t go forwards. And since these are interstates with bid concrete dividers that’s not really an option.

Re how it went: We decided to stop at the bottom of the pass tonight because wet roads are starting to solidify and I will be attempting it tomorrow in the daylight. So far the new tires (Firestone AS) are doing really well. I’ve let them down to 35 and 30 psi respectively (front and back).

 

Forecast for Monday in NC - mid 40s and mostly sunny. Sun/heat will melt everything. Stop worrying and enjoy the ride home.

Best advice - assume every wet spot in the road is black ice. Increase braking distances and don’t turn in like you would on dry pavement.

relax, just take it slow