Does anyone here have any winter driving experience with the IPL?

I am interested in buying an IPL Manual, but was told that I would have problems in any kind of snow. Winter tires will help but because the IPL sits low, the low clearance and center of gravity would affect driving in snow conditions.

Note: I live in CT where we get fair amount of snow, but roads are cleared up pretty quick and if it's a major storm, I mostly stay home, my work does not involve being on the road or driving excessive distances.

 

I drive a $2k 4wd beater in the snow (Northern Michigan). Not worth the salt and crap on the car in poor weather even if the roads clear up. However, if my beater dies I am planning on winter tires and giving it a shot. If it doesn't work I will buy another $2k 4wd beater. Something to think about.

I believe where there is a will, there is a way. Buy it, and you will find a way to either plan, or do what you need to do anyways.

 

I live in central Massachusetts and drive a 08 G37S. I'm not sure if the IPL sits any lower than the sport, but with winter tires (Blizzaks) I've made it through 3 winters. This doesn't mean I go out in the middle of blizzards, but the car gets around fine using common sense.

My commute is 40 miles one way and my job requires that I be there. I've made it in ,if a little late at times, waiting for the plows to do their thing. I keep an eye on the weather and keep a packed bag in case I don't feel comfortable driving home, but it sounds like that isn't going to be a problem for you.

When I see 4x4 trucks going past me I do have a very very small pang of regret, but I'd rather have this car for the 360 days in the year where it is fine to drive rather than for the 5 days days its not.

Bottom line: its do-able.

 

i daily mine and i'm from Toronto, Canada.

get some winter tires and just be cautious like any other weather conditions.

i drive with vdc off upon launch and turn it back on after launch.
reason being is that if you start to slip it sometimes stalls the car and you can't getany power at all to the ground. turn vdc off and start in second slowly and you're good to go.

 

macintos - that's what I a thinking buy a beater for those crappy winter days. What beater are you driving?

ciddix - luckily, I have a very short commute, like 10 minutes with traffic and I don't have to be out driving if it's snowing like crazy. So it sounds like from you guys are saying, its doable in snow with proper tires and some common sense.

What is your winter set-up, rim size and tire size?
Do you have a separate set of wheels and rims for winter and summer?
Are you using Performance Snow Tires or Winter Snow Tires?

Thanks.

 

I live in Southington, CT and have had G37 coupes for the past few year; first a G37S and now an IPL. I kept both on summer tires and drove them year round without much issue. On the few days in the year it has snowed I either worked from home or borrowed a car to drive. On dedicated snows, I wouldn't even have had to do that. IMO the key is driving sensibility and respecting the limits of the car.

Michael

 

OP - buy yourself a 2nd set of rims and tires for your winter setup. This will save your nice IPL rims from the winter abuse. Plus, swapping summer and winter tires every year will end up costing you a bunch in the long run. Go with an 18" wheel/tire combo for winter. Extra sidewall height is a benefit in the winter. Look around on Tire Rack for recommended tires, but the blizzaks are likely a great option.

With a good set of winter tires you will be fine on snowy, plowed, roads. Ground clearance is your main issue - as it is with most passenger cars. The IPL is not prohibitively low so you'll be fine if you use common sense and don't do anything wacky.

 

Im in West Hartford,CT and I tried driving around in my G37s coupe but the tires just keep spinning, it's like theres no traction lol.

 

I replace my summers with the latest Blizzaks on my 19" stock sport wheels. Tire rack does have an option of 18" wheels with winter tires for the G that would clear the sport brakes. In the long run those would probably be cheaper given the cost of 19" winter tires. My 19" sports are not in the greatest shape; don't care because I'm waiting for the right time for some 19" CV3's!

And I completely agree with canucklehead (above).

 

tire rack does have 18's that will clear the sport brakes.

i'm running 370z base wheels with Toyo Garit KX snow tires 225/50/18

i can take a picture of my winter mode if you wish.

 

Hey guys, I am bringing this one back from the dead. Thanks for all the advice on the winder driving. I actually picked up a very mint IPL a few months ago with super low KMs on it for a stellar deal. I live in Toronto so as I was filling out the dealer papers there was a brief moment where I wondered was this a good idea? Based on all the reasons above I bought the car and locked up the voice in my head. No regrets doing so, but after the winter this year, I am wondering how I will do next year when it does see it's first winter, and the Cadillac I am driving now is gone. The 370 z base wheels are a great idea. I was wrestling with what to buy to clear the big rotors the IPL has. I would love to see a winter image if you have one – assuming you still have the car.

 

In 95% of driving, its fine. I've done Boston winters with the 19" Blizzaks, this season I have it on 18" X-Ice's. Usually my only fear is ground clearance, and sometimes when its extra slippery in heavy snow you need to be careful accelerating from a stop. We've had a fair bit of snowfall this winter, I haven't had any serious issues yet- nor have I had to start in 2nd gear.

Buy the car for the other 355 days of the year it won't be snowing.

 

i had an 08 G37S 6MT lowered on Tanabe coilovers and drove around Wisconsin for many winter seasons with 18 snow tire/wheel set up. Clearance was never an issue, nor was having the car in RWD. I was never worried about getting stuck and was able to handily pass many AWD vehicles without ever any worries.

 

I'm lowered on coilovers and have 20 inch wide summer tires, 285 width in the rear. In the past I used to do the whole winter tire\summer tire switch which proved to be nothing more than a useless hassle as the winter tires are really needed no more than 2-4 times a year here in MD. For CT I would get dedicated snow wheels and tires and just switch over when needed.

 

I'm bagged and have used the car with all-weather tires with stock 19" wheels - its ok and will grip for the most part in 3" or less when you're on mostly flat terrain. I haven't tried it in more than 3-4". I have tried with my 20" with summer tires and it's a no go. I wish I had snow tires but oh well.

Having an IPL shouldn't be any different than a sport under the conditions. Its all about tires.