Alternative To Winter Tires

[aymaeid]

I have been doing some research to find an affordable way to get traction during the snowy season without having to purchase winter tires. I stumbled upon this:

Home - Tired of Tire Chains? Advanced Traction Systems, GoClaws, SnoClaws, SnoBootz, Inventor Tony Bright (http://www.flextrax.com/default.htm)

I have no place to store an extra set of wheels and tires, and just purchased summer tires that I dont plan on removing just to have them replaced after a few months. This seems like a logical solution that would work from year to year.
Has anyone used the above product? I have used chains previously, but you cannot legally use the turnpike with chains (nor should you at those speeds), these are safe for high speeds as well. any input?

[Z_Spool]

I can't imagine these would provide a smooth ride at highway speeds, and I don't like the addition of another layer around the tire since I'm still pretty low, even in the winter. I already had a spare set of track wheels to throw some new I-Pikes on, so my opinion is a little skewed. But especially here in CO where it can snow without warning; and more to the point, you'll find iced over bridges and overpasses on otherwise clear and sunny days, I'd rather have something that's going to perform well, no matter what I encounter, without compromise.

[Spring Break '92]

You guys will get to a point when you realize that DDing an S chassis isnt that much fun anymore and get a vehicle with four wheel drive that has much more functionality and comfort.

[R33E8]

You guys will get to a point when you realize that DDing an S chassis isnt that much fun anymore and get a vehicle with four wheel drive that has much more functionality and comfort.

Seriously.. I'm trying to get rid of one of my s14's for an audi a4 or something..

[Z_Spool]

You guys will get to a point when you realize that DDing an S chassis isnt that much fun anymore and get a vehicle with four wheel drive that has much more functionality and comfort.

Oh trust me, I passed that point a LONG time ago, but I let the wife drive the shiny new AWD vehicle. Once that one's paid off I'll look at getting another, but until then, my S13 will do unless I come across the Datsun I've been looking for these past few years.

[aymaeid]

you realize that DDing an S chassis isnt that much fun anymore and get a vehicle with four wheel drive that has much more functionality and comfort.

doubt this. im going on 27 and have been driving my S-Chasis every winter since i was 16. Sure; owning a luxury 4x4 would be more comfortable, but i can care less about comfort. to each their own i guess.

Regardless, i ended up purchasing cheepo winter tires wrapped around some crappy wheels for the winter, guess ill just have to keep the SE's in the trunk and rear seat all winter :eek3d:

[!Zar!]

4x4 is safer in the snow than 2wd.

It has nothing to do with comfort.

[gbaby2089]

4x4 is safer in the snow than 2wd.

It has nothing to do with comfort.

Only safer if you drive with the same respect for the snow that you did with 2wd.

doubt this. im going on 27 and have been driving my S-Chasis every winter since i was 16. Sure; owning a luxury 4x4 would be more comfortable, but i can care less about comfort. to each their own i guess.

Regardless, i ended up purchasing cheepo winter tires wrapped around some crappy wheels for the winter, guess ill just have to keep the SE's in the trunk and rear seat all winter :eek3d:

You're a fool. 27 going on 13.

Based on your post, it seems like you're just too broke to buy nice things and are trying to pass this off as wanting to subject yourself to inferior conditions.

[KendallH]

Wtf is snow

[mechanicalmoron]

Bumps in the pavement half the size of those straps are tooth-rattling on even mild coilovers.

So, three times per rotation of EVERY WHEEL?

Sounds just as bad as chains, from a comfort point of view. But, as it says, it does have advantages over chains I guess. Still not sure I'd drive it at freeway speeds at all, or even close to it. But they're fast to take off.

[kingkilburn]

When it comes to safety equipment do it right or stay at home.

[zerodameaon]

Stay home, or get another vehicle.

[Matej]

You gentlemen are pansies.
Old women in Finland would laugh at you.

[kingkilburn]

Old women in Finland that drive detuned AWD rally cars.

[zerodameaon]

Yeah I highly doubt these old women are driving lowered S13s in that weather.

[racepar1]

doubt this. im going on 27 and have been driving my S-Chasis every winter since i was 16. Sure; owning a luxury 4x4 would be more comfortable, but i can care less about comfort. to each their own i guess.

Regardless, i ended up purchasing cheepo winter tires wrapped around some crappy wheels for the winter, guess ill just have to keep the SE's in the trunk and rear seat all winter :eek3d:

Yeah, daily driving a 240 sucks, even without snow. Do you live in a box or a closet or something? I could fit a stack of 4 wheels/tires in a closet easy. Or make a coffee table. Or just throw them in the middle of the living room and tell everyone to suck it. I mean seriously, how in the world can you own a modified car and not even have a place to put a spare set of wheels?????

:tweak:

Wtf is snow

That's the place you visit to go snowboarding and such, then you leave...

:D

[zerodameaon]

I think he means to swap them out like a set of tire chains. Which at that point when you toss the normal wheels back in the car they are going to be nice and nasty.

[aymaeid]

You're a fool. 27 going on 13.

Based on your post, it seems like you're just too broke to buy nice things and are trying to pass this off as wanting to subject yourself to inferior conditions.

Im not broke, my friend. Have you ever lived midtown manhattan in a studio smaller than a 2 car garage? then stfu. I do. Im not broke, i just lack the space to purchase large items and dont want them sitting in my kitchen. im allowed to not want wheels in my kitchen, fool.
Regardless, thank you for the input everyone.

[unwtdhero]

All these big money guys calling people poor for driving an schassis in the winter...
If you are all so rich, why drive a schassis? This post is informative and beneficial to others as an option. Why hate? Oh yea...were poor (takes note)

[Heytheremr2]

Seriously.. I'm trying to get rid of one of my s14's for an audi a4 or something..

Lol someone just offered me an a4 quattro with $500 on top for my s14 with a stock ka

[racepar1]

Im not broke, my friend. Have you ever lived midtown manhattan in a studio smaller than a 2 car garage? then stfu. I do. Im not broke, i just lack the space to purchase large items and dont want them sitting in my kitchen. im allowed to not want wheels in my kitchen, fool.
Regardless, thank you for the input everyone.

If that's your situation then perhaps a modified car just isn't for you. Just because you want to have something doesn't mean you should have it. Take it as an insult if you wish, but that logic is undeniable. It's rather ironic that you want a modded 240, which is illogical for your situation, but you don't want wheels sitting in your kitchen, which is completely logical.

All these big money guys calling people poor for driving an schassis in the winter...
If you are all so rich, why drive a schassis? This post is informative and beneficial to others as an option. Why hate? Oh yea...were poor (takes note)

I'm not calling anyone broke, just stupid. That's COMPLETELY different...

[aymaeid]

After almost destroying the s14 today with only a few inches of snow on the BQE; ive decided even snow tires wont get me through this season peacefully.
time to find a beater

[blueshark123]

After almost destroying the s14 today with only a few inches of snow on the BQE; ive decided even snow tires wont get me through this season peacefully.
time to find a beater

Hah Learn to drive, I drove my 350z all the way 2 work which is more then a hr away this morning in summer tires with no problems.

[aymaeid]

Hah Learn to drive, I drove my 350z all the way 2 work which is more then a hr away this morning in summer tires with no problems.

oh right. next time ill just turn those uphill battles into straight roads with my godly 240 powers. its not about driver, its about commute. you cant compare your hour drive down the turnpike to my drive through the hills of princeton. guess ill go learn to drive some more

picked up a 6cyl '92 wrangler for 600 bucks. shes ugly as hell, but should stay alive another year. garaging the 240 since i sadly cant drive like above experts.:hahano:

[kingkilburn]

No amount of skill can make up for road conditions. 350Zs have traction control anyway so no madskillz points for you.

[gbaby2089]

4x4 is safer in the snow than 2wd.

It has nothing to do with comfort.

No amount of skill can make up for road conditions. 350Zs have traction control anyway so no madskillz points for you.

TC doesn't turn a car into one of Loeb's Citroens.

Also, Wranglers suck in the snow.

[kingkilburn]

No shit smart guy. It doesn't add AWD and 300hp. It keeps your front end moving in the direction you point assuming you aren't driving like an idiot.

[gbaby2089]

No shit smart guy. It doesn't add AWD and 300hp. It keeps your front end moving in the direction you point assuming you aren't driving like an idiot.

That's stability control.

And also, yes skill can make up for road conditions.

[kingkilburn]

A rwd coupe will NEVER be good in the snow and ice. Period. No amount of skill makes up for that. Why do you think rally went to AWD decades ago? Could it be that it provides more grip, stability, and control in adverse road conditions?

[gbaby2089]

A rwd coupe will NEVER be good in the snow and ice. Period. No amount of skill makes up for that. Why do you think rally went to AWD decades ago? Could it be that it provides more grip, stability, and control in adverse road conditions?

Of course it does.

You said skill plays no part. Who would feel more confident/safe with in the snow:

Loeb in an AE86 with Star Specs in 3.3" of snow.
OP in a brand new STi with Nokian's in the same snow.

I'll trust someone who knows what they're doing and can handle the tool (car) to its limits, rather than someone who can't use 50% of the potential of the car.

[blueshark123]

oh right. next time ill just turn those uphill battles into straight roads with my godly 240 powers. its not about driver, its about commute. you cant compare your hour drive down the turnpike to my drive through the hills of princeton. guess ill go learn to drive some more

picked up a 6cyl '92 wrangler for 600 bucks. shes ugly as hell, but should stay alive another year. garaging the 240 since i sadly cant drive like above experts.:hahano:


My job is right off the turnpike, but i dont live right off the turnpike so yea i have to go up and down hills. Eitherways you said you almost crashed on the bqe which is a highway so your point is null.

No amount of skill can make up for road conditions. 350Zs have traction control anyway so no madskillz points for you.

Mine doesn't have tcs so don't talk dumbass. I have been driving rwd in snow for 8yrs and before my z was a stock automatic 240sx i had as a daily.

Skills does play a big factor or atleast knowledge. Im not going to be a dick and go through a area i know i might get stuck when there are other options. I seen 3 people today alone entering my office building parking lot to fast and smack the curb because they were coming in too fast and guess what all were suvs that did it.

[kingkilburn]

Your confidence has little bearing on the result of physics at play. I don't care how big you think your snow driving dick is we are still talking about RWD cars in the snow.


If you have options available and you don't take them you are stupid. It is only a matter of time until one of you wraps your car around something or drive right over the edge of a road.

[gbaby2089]

Your confidence has little bearing on the result of physics at play. I don't care how big you think your snow driving dick is we are still talking about RWD cars in the snow.


If you have options available and you don't take them you are stupid. It is only a matter of time until one of you wraps your car around something or drive right over the edge of a road.

Yep, everyone died in the 50's/60's.

Those damn two wheel drive vehicles.

[!Zar!]

It's easier to drive in the snow without traction control than it is with it.

My e46 was throwing a bitch fit when I was was trying to drive in the snow with it on.

Also, skill is tire limited.

I've seen plenty of cars start sliding after coming to a stop on an incline because of summer tires.


Personally I would suggest just paying a friend who has a big yard out of the area to store your extra tires/wheels or something.

[aymaeid]

My job is right off the turnpike, but i dont live right off the turnpike so yea i have to go up and down hills. Eitherways you said you almost crashed on the bqe which is a highway so your point is null.
.

highways do have exits ya know. durf.
We get it. you own a 350z and your driving skills surpass that of wizards. I only hope to be so amazing one day.
Though i have already purchased a beater; i figured others might be interested in alrenatives as well. this product sells at walmart for 99$ and has some great reviews: (I would have tried this)
Michelin Easy Grip Snow Chain - Walmart.com (http://www.walmart.com/ip/17402414?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=3&adid=22222222227015519001&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40479378790&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=40013861110&veh=sem)

[aymaeid]

I've seen plenty of cars start sliding after coming to a stop on an incline because of summer tires.


Personally I would suggest just paying a friend who has a big yard out of the area to store your extra tires/wheels or something.

ended up paying a friend to store the whole car. traded him my harbor freight jack for a season of storage. love my broke honda buddies.

[drscooper]

oh right. next time ill just turn those uphill battles into straight roads with my godly 240 powers. its not about driver, its about commute. you cant compare your hour drive down the turnpike to my drive through the hills of princeton. guess ill go learn to drive some more

picked up a 6cyl '92 wrangler for 600 bucks. shes ugly as hell, but should stay alive another year. garaging the 240 since i sadly cant drive like above experts.:hahano:

so you have a garage to put your car in but not extra wheels and parts? Just another broke ass fuck on here

[aymaeid]

so you have a garage to put your car in but not extra wheels and parts? Just another broke ass fuck on here

:werd:im broke. i also have crabs. and that garage is in another state.
The level of hate on zilvia is getting very irritating. This forum went from a supportive family to a bunch of haters. This isnt Honda-tech. Please... Read whole threads... type appropriate responses... keep the "im a baller" remarks to yourself. no one cares. just my :2c:. oh wait, i need those 2 cents back, trying to save up for tires

[racepar1]

:werd:im broke. i also have crabs. and that garage is in another state.
The level of hate on zilvia is getting very irritating. This forum went from a supportive family to a bunch of haters. This isnt Honda-tech. Please... Read whole threads... type appropriate responses... keep the "im a baller" remarks to yourself. no one cares. just my :2c:. oh wait, i need those 2 cents back, trying to save up for tires

It's not about being a baller. It's abut having the APPROPRIATE facilities to house and care for a modified car. If you can't have a spare set of wheels and tires around, or a daily driver that is snow worthy, you don't have those facilities. Most of us around here have spare wheels and tires around. Most of us have daily driver's, ESPECIALLY in cold climates. It simply does not make sense to us that you can't do either of those things. People make the ASSUMPTION that you're broke because that is the most logical explanation.

[aymaeid]

It's not about being a baller. It's abut having the APPROPRIATE facilities to house and care for a modified car. If you can't have a spare set of wheels and tires around, or a daily driver that is snow worthy, you don't have those facilities. Most of us around here have spare wheels and tires around. Most of us have daily driver's, ESPECIALLY in cold climates. It simply does not make sense to us that you can't do either of those things. People make the ASSUMPTION that you're broke because that is the most logical explanation.

understandable. Once my lease ends i will definately be looking for a place outside of the city with some room for the hobby. to all new yorkers that daily your 240's, kudos

[racepar1]

understandable. Once my lease ends i will definately be looking for a place outside of the city with some room for the hobby. to all new yorkers that daily your 240's, kudos

Maybe rent a small storage unit for the time being to house some spare wheels and other necessary items?

[zerodameaon]

I rent a small storage unit for about 30 bucks a month, has room for a bunch of spares, a dash, a front bumper, and a spare transmission.

[Shift n Drift]

That Walmart shit looks legit. nice and consistant.