First REAL snow with my G37x AWD
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Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Chicago home of the 2016 world-champion Cubs!
First REAL snow with my G37x AWD
I got my 2013 G37X in October of 2016, and for the 2016-2017 winter here in Chicago we had very little snow.
But this last week we got 8~10" and I got to really try out the AWD's winter ability.
In Chicago there is an alley behind most buildings, and if you have a garage it most likely opens out onto the alley.
The Streets and Sanitation crews plow and salt the streets, but they **DO NOT** plow the alleys. One of the reasons I bought my Infiniti is because I was sick of getting hung up in the snow in the alley (and I didn't want a Subaru and the Audi I had was the worst car I ever owned in terms of reliability)- so this year we got enough snow to really see if the AWD could handle the alley snow.
Now, some times we get quite a bit more than 10" in a single storm, and if you have 20" of snow in the alley, I don't think ANY sedan is going to work all that well; what you want is a snowmobile.
But a ten inch snowstorm is something that used to cause me anxiety with previous cars 'cause when you back out of the garage you have to cut across the deep ruts that have been made by previous traffic- maneuvering out of the garage requires turning in the deeper part of the snow while fighting a cross-rut traverse. You'll see LOTS of people hung up in this situation. The other problem can be the apron where the alley lets out onto the street, a lot of snow gets pushed out of the alley by cars into this area, and passing plows on the street contribute their share of drifts.
I am happy to report that the G37x, in snow mode, has had NO PROBLEMS with any of this. It just goes through it. I can feel the AWD and traction system in action, but the upshot is IT WORKS. It works as I hoped it would, it works as well as the salesman who sold the thing said it would.
I've got Michelin "Premier" AS tires on 17" stock rims. I also have a set of Blizzack winter tires on 17" rims stored away, I wanted to see how the Michelin Premiers would do in snow so I did not put the Blizzacks on. The Michelins did great. I'm sure the Blizzacks would have been even better, like for digging out of a plow-drift if I parked in the street instead of a garage. Next year I'll put the Blizzacks on, but it's comforting to know that the Michelins did pretty darn well.
The G37x more than met my expectations in terms of confident mobility in moderately deep snow (10" deep.)
The car has been a real treat to drive on dry roads, has been absolutely reliable, and now has proved itself to be a great winter car.
I just wish it had a heated steering wheel.... hahahaha.... I'm spoiled by the heated seats.
But this last week we got 8~10" and I got to really try out the AWD's winter ability.
In Chicago there is an alley behind most buildings, and if you have a garage it most likely opens out onto the alley.
The Streets and Sanitation crews plow and salt the streets, but they **DO NOT** plow the alleys. One of the reasons I bought my Infiniti is because I was sick of getting hung up in the snow in the alley (and I didn't want a Subaru and the Audi I had was the worst car I ever owned in terms of reliability)- so this year we got enough snow to really see if the AWD could handle the alley snow.
Now, some times we get quite a bit more than 10" in a single storm, and if you have 20" of snow in the alley, I don't think ANY sedan is going to work all that well; what you want is a snowmobile.
But a ten inch snowstorm is something that used to cause me anxiety with previous cars 'cause when you back out of the garage you have to cut across the deep ruts that have been made by previous traffic- maneuvering out of the garage requires turning in the deeper part of the snow while fighting a cross-rut traverse. You'll see LOTS of people hung up in this situation. The other problem can be the apron where the alley lets out onto the street, a lot of snow gets pushed out of the alley by cars into this area, and passing plows on the street contribute their share of drifts.
I am happy to report that the G37x, in snow mode, has had NO PROBLEMS with any of this. It just goes through it. I can feel the AWD and traction system in action, but the upshot is IT WORKS. It works as I hoped it would, it works as well as the salesman who sold the thing said it would.
I've got Michelin "Premier" AS tires on 17" stock rims. I also have a set of Blizzack winter tires on 17" rims stored away, I wanted to see how the Michelin Premiers would do in snow so I did not put the Blizzacks on. The Michelins did great. I'm sure the Blizzacks would have been even better, like for digging out of a plow-drift if I parked in the street instead of a garage. Next year I'll put the Blizzacks on, but it's comforting to know that the Michelins did pretty darn well.
The G37x more than met my expectations in terms of confident mobility in moderately deep snow (10" deep.)
The car has been a real treat to drive on dry roads, has been absolutely reliable, and now has proved itself to be a great winter car.
I just wish it had a heated steering wheel.... hahahaha.... I'm spoiled by the heated seats.
For as long as the passenger car market has been influenced by AWD, I've always, always been dismissive, convinced that all you need are proper snow tires. At least around most of Western NY, where we're unchallenged by a relatively flat geography. Around here, a FWD car, or a RWD car (preferably with LSD) shod with good snow tires is superior to an AWD car with A/S tires. It just is.
What's changed for me is all this is my wife's new Subaru Forester. We went that extra mile and put brand new snow tires on her car just before winter. The results have blown me away. In the last 37 northeast winters, I have never, ever experienced anything as unstoppable as this Subaru.
So... lessons learned and humble cake for me.
OP, I strongly urge you to see what your car is capable of next winter with snow tires. You won't regret it. Snows for the winter, and high-performance summer tires for the rest of the year. It's worth the effort.
What's changed for me is all this is my wife's new Subaru Forester. We went that extra mile and put brand new snow tires on her car just before winter. The results have blown me away. In the last 37 northeast winters, I have never, ever experienced anything as unstoppable as this Subaru.
So... lessons learned and humble cake for me.
OP, I strongly urge you to see what your car is capable of next winter with snow tires. You won't regret it. Snows for the winter, and high-performance summer tires for the rest of the year. It's worth the effort.
Registered Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 428
Likes: 53
From: Iowa
For as long as the passenger car market has been influenced by AWD, I've always, always been dismissive, convinced that all you need are proper snow tires. At least around most of Western NY, where we're unchallenged by a relatively flat geography. Around here, a FWD car, or a RWD car (preferably with LSD) shod with good snow tires is superior to an AWD car with A/S tires. It just is.
What's changed for me is all this is my wife's new Subaru Forester. We went that extra mile and put brand new snow tires on her car just before winter. The results have blown me away. In the last 37 northeast winters, I have never, ever experienced anything as unstoppable as this Subaru.
So... lessons learned and humble cake for me.
OP, I strongly urge you to see what your car is capable of next winter with snow tires. You won't regret it. Snows for the winter, and high-performance summer tires for the rest of the year. It's worth the effort.
What's changed for me is all this is my wife's new Subaru Forester. We went that extra mile and put brand new snow tires on her car just before winter. The results have blown me away. In the last 37 northeast winters, I have never, ever experienced anything as unstoppable as this Subaru.
So... lessons learned and humble cake for me.
OP, I strongly urge you to see what your car is capable of next winter with snow tires. You won't regret it. Snows for the winter, and high-performance summer tires for the rest of the year. It's worth the effort.
We don't get enough snow in Iowa for my to justify all season tires
.-Eric
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 428
Likes: 53
From: Iowa
OP - we've had some snow in Iowa recently and I've also been able to test my car. I'm happy with the results and as it's rear biased can be fun when it gently kicks the back end out. I believe snow mode limits rpm and either starts or shifts into second gear sooner.
-Eric
-Eric
MN winter survivor checking in. While we have not had the normal amount of snowfall we normally get, we did have a couple of good ones this year. We received just over 13" about three weeks ago and my car was great. I have the Conti DWS 06 in 245 width on the car and really could not be stopped. I had a pretty long drive right through the blizzard and never felt uncomfortable. At one point, I was doing 60mph on the freeway in very deep snow. Stupid yes, but still nice to be in control at that speed in those conditions.
As for the snow mode, it seems to limit throttle response/input as well. If you are on the gas and switch it on, you can physically feel the throttle pedal tighten up and limit the response time, to help with wheelspin and traction.
I would say this car is strong in the snow, but due to how the AWD system functions, which is electronically versus mechanical, it still does not feel as good as other AWD systems I have used in similar conditions - Subaru, Eclipse GSX, Talon TSi AWD, etc. Being able to actually power through uphill climbs and such is preferred, versus the electronics shutting down power and trying to direct it where it thinks I need it.
As for the snow mode, it seems to limit throttle response/input as well. If you are on the gas and switch it on, you can physically feel the throttle pedal tighten up and limit the response time, to help with wheelspin and traction.
I would say this car is strong in the snow, but due to how the AWD system functions, which is electronically versus mechanical, it still does not feel as good as other AWD systems I have used in similar conditions - Subaru, Eclipse GSX, Talon TSi AWD, etc. Being able to actually power through uphill climbs and such is preferred, versus the electronics shutting down power and trying to direct it where it thinks I need it.
Registered Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 244
Likes: 19
From: Endicott, NY
I've got an 11' G37xs...live in upstate NY...last year on March 14th, we got pounded by 33" of snow in 24 hours. My G with all season Goodyear Eagle tires had no problem getting around, that included going down and up and super steep and twisty hill ...the snow button works well
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 488
Likes: 40
From: Doom
Ya'll should have seen me two weeks ago. Would have been proud of my 45 degree drift up six forks road in 6 inches of snow. RWD LSD ftw. Had to do a u turn mid grade down a hill. Lexus stuck because his traction control sucked. Mine...off. Blew right past the idiot. Laughed the whole way. Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+
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My 2008 g35xs was a beast here in Minnesota during the winter months, loved it and never had a worry or thought about getting stuck. Now I have a 2011 g37s and opted to go without snow tires this year since it had almost new all seasons. Yea.....I've survived so far but next winter will be snow tires! The all seasons slip and don't really grip, but i know I was going to have that issue. Thankfully its been a light winter so far!
+1 on this its like night and day with the Snow tires vs All seasons...you won't go back to winter driving on all seasons after you try it. bet.
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 94
Likes: 16
I got my 2013 G37X in October of 2016, and for the 2016-2017 winter here in Chicago we had very little snow.
But this last week we got 8~10" and I got to really try out the AWD's winter ability.
In Chicago there is an alley behind most buildings, and if you have a garage it most likely opens out onto the alley.
The Streets and Sanitation crews plow and salt the streets, but they **DO NOT** plow the alleys. One of the reasons I bought my Infiniti is because I was sick of getting hung up in the snow in the alley (and I didn't want a Subaru and the Audi I had was the worst car I ever owned in terms of reliability)- so this year we got enough snow to really see if the AWD could handle the alley snow.
Now, some times we get quite a bit more than 10" in a single storm, and if you have 20" of snow in the alley, I don't think ANY sedan is going to work all that well; what you want is a snowmobile.
But a ten inch snowstorm is something that used to cause me anxiety with previous cars 'cause when you back out of the garage you have to cut across the deep ruts that have been made by previous traffic- maneuvering out of the garage requires turning in the deeper part of the snow while fighting a cross-rut traverse. You'll see LOTS of people hung up in this situation. The other problem can be the apron where the alley lets out onto the street, a lot of snow gets pushed out of the alley by cars into this area, and passing plows on the street contribute their share of drifts.
I am happy to report that the G37x, in snow mode, has had NO PROBLEMS with any of this. It just goes through it. I can feel the AWD and traction system in action, but the upshot is IT WORKS. It works as I hoped it would, it works as well as the salesman who sold the thing said it would.
I've got Michelin "Premier" AS tires on 17" stock rims. I also have a set of Blizzack winter tires on 17" rims stored away, I wanted to see how the Michelin Premiers would do in snow so I did not put the Blizzacks on. The Michelins did great. I'm sure the Blizzacks would have been even better, like for digging out of a plow-drift if I parked in the street instead of a garage. Next year I'll put the Blizzacks on, but it's comforting to know that the Michelins did pretty darn well.
The G37x more than met my expectations in terms of confident mobility in moderately deep snow (10" deep.)
The car has been a real treat to drive on dry roads, has been absolutely reliable, and now has proved itself to be a great winter car.
I just wish it had a heated steering wheel.... hahahaha.... I'm spoiled by the heated seats.
But this last week we got 8~10" and I got to really try out the AWD's winter ability.
In Chicago there is an alley behind most buildings, and if you have a garage it most likely opens out onto the alley.
The Streets and Sanitation crews plow and salt the streets, but they **DO NOT** plow the alleys. One of the reasons I bought my Infiniti is because I was sick of getting hung up in the snow in the alley (and I didn't want a Subaru and the Audi I had was the worst car I ever owned in terms of reliability)- so this year we got enough snow to really see if the AWD could handle the alley snow.
Now, some times we get quite a bit more than 10" in a single storm, and if you have 20" of snow in the alley, I don't think ANY sedan is going to work all that well; what you want is a snowmobile.
But a ten inch snowstorm is something that used to cause me anxiety with previous cars 'cause when you back out of the garage you have to cut across the deep ruts that have been made by previous traffic- maneuvering out of the garage requires turning in the deeper part of the snow while fighting a cross-rut traverse. You'll see LOTS of people hung up in this situation. The other problem can be the apron where the alley lets out onto the street, a lot of snow gets pushed out of the alley by cars into this area, and passing plows on the street contribute their share of drifts.
I am happy to report that the G37x, in snow mode, has had NO PROBLEMS with any of this. It just goes through it. I can feel the AWD and traction system in action, but the upshot is IT WORKS. It works as I hoped it would, it works as well as the salesman who sold the thing said it would.
I've got Michelin "Premier" AS tires on 17" stock rims. I also have a set of Blizzack winter tires on 17" rims stored away, I wanted to see how the Michelin Premiers would do in snow so I did not put the Blizzacks on. The Michelins did great. I'm sure the Blizzacks would have been even better, like for digging out of a plow-drift if I parked in the street instead of a garage. Next year I'll put the Blizzacks on, but it's comforting to know that the Michelins did pretty darn well.
The G37x more than met my expectations in terms of confident mobility in moderately deep snow (10" deep.)
The car has been a real treat to drive on dry roads, has been absolutely reliable, and now has proved itself to be a great winter car.
I just wish it had a heated steering wheel.... hahahaha.... I'm spoiled by the heated seats.
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 34
Likes: 3
From: NH
My '13 x sedan has Michelin X-Ice snows on a separate set of rims. I live in New Hampshire on the base of a ski mountain, so the AWD with snow tires certainly come in handy. Sometimes it is hours at a time for plows to come through, and steep 10% grades are not uncommon. It is not the most capable of AWD systems, but it is certainly the most fun I've ever driven.
I am a child on snowy roads. The car is an absolute riot with the traction control off. I actually look forward to driving in snow storms. It is so easy to get the back end to kick out...then you can feel the power go to the front wheels where it pulls you through with an extended drift.
I was torn between getting an X sedan, or tracking down a 6MT sedan. The winter and where I live is what led me to the X. In the end, knowing that I can make it virtually anywhere in any storm was worth it to me. RWD with snows is perfectly capable until you tackle steep hills with 6+ inches.
PS...are there days I wish i got a 6MT???...yes
I am a child on snowy roads. The car is an absolute riot with the traction control off. I actually look forward to driving in snow storms. It is so easy to get the back end to kick out...then you can feel the power go to the front wheels where it pulls you through with an extended drift.
I was torn between getting an X sedan, or tracking down a 6MT sedan. The winter and where I live is what led me to the X. In the end, knowing that I can make it virtually anywhere in any storm was worth it to me. RWD with snows is perfectly capable until you tackle steep hills with 6+ inches.
PS...are there days I wish i got a 6MT???...yes
Registered Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: MN
New G37X owner here. I am planning on swapping my OEM rim with snow tires come this winter and planning on buying a set of rims for summer driving. Do any of you run 19s or 20s on your cars during winter?