Mazda 2 in the snow?

[c7scayman]

From my experience the Mazda 2 is the worst FWD car I have driven in the snow, and I have driven over 30 cars in the snow.

The Mazda 2 compares to the RWD RX-8 when it comes to snow driving. The stability control and traction control does nothing. The ABS doesn't stop the car. The car loves to go sideways when you try to drive in a straight line, even at slow speeds with no acceleration. This is with well used all season tires. I'm sure upgrading to snow tires will make a huge difference so that is what I plan for this Winter.

 

[genericmoniker]

You're expecting a lot from a short-wheelbase car with, what I assume, more than lacking tread depth. Tires make a huge difference, although even with brand new all seasons (Falken 950AS) I ran through a snowstorm just fine. Just need to adjust the driving style.

FWIW, I've had zero problems with my 2 in the snow/ice over the 4 years I've had it.

 

[145345]

Super fun. Thats what it is.

 

[Jimmy25James]

I bought a 2013 Mazda 2 Touring (automatic) with 59Kmiles two weeks ago and just joined this forum. It looks like a lot of you have found that switching to winter tires is well worth it. I'm tempted to do so, but on the other hand, I have never done this before. I've never owned a Mazda2 (or any hatchback) before. I owned a 2002 Saturn SL2 for the last eight years. I got new all-season tires in December 2014 and she performed just fine in the Boston area's one-month deluge of snow from late Jan. 2015 - late Feb. 2015. However, I was not driving during the snowstorms except to re-park so I was not on a snow emergency artery.

I work in the northern suburbs where it tends to be a few degrees colder, though most of my commute is on an interstate. My mechanic thinks I'll be fine with all-season (M + S) tires. The bottom line is that I want to be able to drive safely in a moderate storm, but don't want to waste hundreds of dollars switching to winter tires if it is not necessary.

Any thoughts/recommendations are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[flatlander937]

All seasons are not anywhere near comparable to snow tires. You will see a massive difference if you switch.


On a related note I bought snow tires last year, put a couple thousand miles on them, and then moved to Virginia Beach. So I've got nearly brand new snow tires. Not entirely sure its worth it to dismount to sell and get all seasons, so I'm hoping to burn them up commuting unless someone in the Tidewater area wants snow tires for a rally-x car or something.

 

[J0hannes]

GET SNOW TIRES.
I'm currently running stock tires just because I am leaving the country to study abroad in early February, so I can't really justify the purchase right now.
The car is still manageable. Just start in 2nd, be easy on the clutch/throttle & don't do dumb things [like shift midway in a corner] & you'll be just fine. It's been pretty mild this year, haven't had anything more than a couple inches
You'll survive, but that being said.. GET SNOW TIRES.