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Performance in Snow/Ice
- Thread starter jwaters943
- Start date
Hills and and getting out of parking spots after being plowed in...that is where AWD/4WD can save you. Driving down a flat road in the snow it doesn't matter what you have as long as you can manage tire slippage accordingly.
Yes, I agree with you on that one. Most of this area is really pretty flat, and the primary roads are straight. If I lived in a part of the country where there were more hills and, we had more than two or three major snows in the winter, I'd probably opt for AWD and tires with a more radical tread design.
When we purchased our CX-9 GT AWD, I factored in the cost of a set of 18" wheels and good snow tires. The stock 20" wheels and tires are clearly performance biased (Zoom Zoom!) which is exactly what I wanted in good weather.
As soon as I got our CX-9, I started watching eBay for a good deal on the factory 18" wheels. I got a set with tires for $425 shipped and then resold the tires for $250. In late November I purchased a set of Dunlop Grandtrek SJ5's (P235/65/18) at Discount Tire ($825) and had them mounted and installed. Total investment $1000.
We had a decent amount of snow overnight (10") and the roads were still snow packed this morning. I decided to do a little testing...
I found a nice open stretch, came to a stop, and floored it. No spinning tires, it just lept forward, dumping the snow off the back half of the roof. I then hit the brakes hard. It stopped FAST, the ABS coming on intermittently, and the snow from the front half of the roof sliding over the hood! I found a large open parking lot and tested its cornering capabilities. While it's not immune to the laws of physics (big heavy objects tend to continue in the same direction!), it was very predictable and controllable.
I took our FWD Volvo out (good all season tires with lots of tread) and had to start rather gingerly. Stopping was a complete ABS exercise - fully in control, but a LOT longer distance than the CX-9.
So my lessons were these:
1. Good snow tires make a HUGE difference - FWD or AWD.
2. AWD allows you to start more quickly in low traction situations
3. AWD will give you a slight advantage in emergency maneuvers
4. AWD does NOTHING for stopping
5. As sold, the CX-9 is NOT an SUV, it is a performance CUV, and Mazda's choice of tires reflects that.
6. In winter conditions under normal circumstances - flat, straight, smooth acceleration / deceleration - snow tires are not required.
7. In emergency situations - emergency braking, accident avoidance maneuvers - winter tires may give you the extra margin that saves your life.
As soon as I got our CX-9, I started watching eBay for a good deal on the factory 18" wheels. I got a set with tires for $425 shipped and then resold the tires for $250. In late November I purchased a set of Dunlop Grandtrek SJ5's (P235/65/18) at Discount Tire ($825) and had them mounted and installed. Total investment $1000.
We had a decent amount of snow overnight (10") and the roads were still snow packed this morning. I decided to do a little testing...
I found a nice open stretch, came to a stop, and floored it. No spinning tires, it just lept forward, dumping the snow off the back half of the roof. I then hit the brakes hard. It stopped FAST, the ABS coming on intermittently, and the snow from the front half of the roof sliding over the hood! I found a large open parking lot and tested its cornering capabilities. While it's not immune to the laws of physics (big heavy objects tend to continue in the same direction!), it was very predictable and controllable.
I took our FWD Volvo out (good all season tires with lots of tread) and had to start rather gingerly. Stopping was a complete ABS exercise - fully in control, but a LOT longer distance than the CX-9.
So my lessons were these:
1. Good snow tires make a HUGE difference - FWD or AWD.
2. AWD allows you to start more quickly in low traction situations
3. AWD will give you a slight advantage in emergency maneuvers
4. AWD does NOTHING for stopping
5. As sold, the CX-9 is NOT an SUV, it is a performance CUV, and Mazda's choice of tires reflects that.
6. In winter conditions under normal circumstances - flat, straight, smooth acceleration / deceleration - snow tires are not required.
7. In emergency situations - emergency braking, accident avoidance maneuvers - winter tires may give you the extra margin that saves your life.
Twenty somethin
Member
I really find this post to be hilarious. All vehicles require tires designed for the road/weather conditions you are driving in to get proper traction. See my earlier reply about the CX-9 being a sporty CUV not an SUV. This is why it comes with sporty tires. With proper tires the CX-9 is AWESOME in the snow. I find it hilarious that someone who just bought a new $40k vehicle is worried about $1k for proper winter tires.
It is your responsibility to know and understand what you're buying. When I bought my MS3, I was well-aware that I was getting a car with High Performance Summer (only) tires. I KNEW I'd need winter tires or park the car and drive my Camry WITH ALL SEASON TIRES.
Your response shows your naivete'. AWD does NOT automatically equal good snow performance, on ANY vehicle.
So, be mad at yourself, not Mazda or your dealer. (smash)
Oh I am extremely mad at myself that is why I am trying to warn everyone else that will listen!!! The Cx-9 is a P.O.S in the snow..
Your response shows your naivete'. AWD does NOT automatically equal good snow performance, on ANY vehicle.
Really, my "naivete"??? No my response is based on actual EXPERIENCE unlike youR MS3-I have Driven Mitsubishi Montero, Montero sport Awd,Endeavor Awd, Outlander Awd,Dodge Durango Awd, Chevy Trailblazer,Chevy Blazer, Toyota 4-Runner, Toyota Landcruiser,Nissan Armada,Dodge Dakota and Even Chrysler Town and country FWD and all performed hands down better than the CX-9 and WITHOUT SNOW TIRES.
Twenty somethin
Member
Originally Posted by Mazda3
I really find this post to be hilarious. All vehicles require tires designed for the road/weather conditions you are driving in to get proper traction. See my earlier reply about the CX-9 being a sporty CUV not an SUV. This is why it comes with sporty tires. With proper tires the CX-9 is AWESOME in the snow. I find it hilarious that someone who just bought a new $40k vehicle is worried about $1k for proper winter tires.
I am glad you find the post hilarious, I find your BS about CUV hilarious have you looked at any of Mazdas ADS?? Suv this suv that, the expectation from a consumer when they purchase an AWD SUV is that they are getting a vehicle that will perform like a TIGER not a toothless pussycat.zoom zoom Hah.
Twenty somethin
Member
To each his own, I have owned 2 AWD drive vehicles, I was thoroughly unimpressed, I would never buy another. You honestly believe there are benefits, no one will convince you otherwise.
Were they both CX-9's? I would agree with you if they were!!!!
Twenty somethin
Member
To sum it up AWD is a waste on the CX-9..If you really have to have this vehicle and have to deal with snow then save your $$$ on AWD and buy the Snowtires......(SPOKEN FROM EXPERIENCE)
The Cx-9 is a P.O.S in the snow..
This statement is not correct. With the right tires the CX-9 will match or beat the snow performance of all the SUV's you listed. Your stubborness to recognize this fact is going to cause you alot of stress and ruin your chance to enjoy a great vehicle.
I'm sorry if my blunt comments rubbed you the wrong way but I have a bit of a chip on my shoulers towards people who don't think proper tires play a huge part in how a vehicle drives. I always have to laugh when I here "I've never bought winter tires in my life, all seasons have always been fine, this car is a POS".
To sum it up AWD is a waste on the CX-9..If you really have to have this vehicle and have to deal with snow then save your $$$ on AWD and buy the Snowtires......(SPOKEN FROM EXPERIENCE)
If you have to choose between AWD or snow tires for winter driving, definitely go with the snow tires. They will make a bigger difference in the snow. That's true for just about any vehicle.
Most of the vehicles you listed (with the exception of the T&C) are traditional truck based SUV's. They typically come equipped with all-terrain tires. While not as good as true snow tires, they are definitely better in the snow than the all-season tires that come on the CX-9 (and most other CUV's).
That said, the combination of AWD and snow tires is amazingly good. So if you can afford it (additional unplanned $$'s (pissed)), get a set of good snow tires and I think you'll be a lot happier with your CX-9.
To sum it up AWD is a waste on the CX-9..If you really have to have this vehicle and have to deal with snow then save your $$$ on AWD and buy the Snowtires......(SPOKEN FROM EXPERIENCE)
All "twenty somethin" of you, eh?
There are people here with tons of cumulative experience and you know better. (braindead
People here are trying to set your mind at ease and help you but you just want to b****. Thanks for the warning about a car we are all familiar with. Now go put it in a ditch.
every few years motortrend and other mags do snow tests with current tires. THey often also compare AWD with all-seasons to FWD using snows. The FWD with dedicated snow tires always wins. That being said, throw those same snow tires on the AWD, and that is your best option of all.
The CX-9 has a lot going for it for winter driving: ABS, traction control, stability control, 8 inches of ground clearance, and you can start off in 2nd gear. Throw on some winter tires and you have a killer snow vehicle, especially if you have AWD for acceleration or for when you get stuck in a rut or on ice.
The CX-9 has a lot going for it for winter driving: ABS, traction control, stability control, 8 inches of ground clearance, and you can start off in 2nd gear. Throw on some winter tires and you have a killer snow vehicle, especially if you have AWD for acceleration or for when you get stuck in a rut or on ice.
cx9illinois
Member
options for snow
I'd agree the GT is very poor in the snow as is (Dueler tires)... I do however, apprecite the quiet highway ride.
Is the only option to switch to 18's in the winter? Are there decent 20" snow tires that I can swap out with what's installed today? How many times can I (professional) swap the same set before it's damaged?
Thanks. In the meantime... keep an eye on your mirror for a black GT with the driver wearing a helmet.
I'd agree the GT is very poor in the snow as is (Dueler tires)... I do however, apprecite the quiet highway ride.
Is the only option to switch to 18's in the winter? Are there decent 20" snow tires that I can swap out with what's installed today? How many times can I (professional) swap the same set before it's damaged?
Thanks. In the meantime... keep an eye on your mirror for a black GT with the driver wearing a helmet.
I wouldn't swap out low profile tires too often, but then again these tires aren't all that low profile when compared to high performance car tires.
There are 20" snow tires on Tirerack, but you don't want to know the price ($238 ea). I guess that's still cheaper than getting new rims and tires. I couldn't find 18" winter tires on Tirerack, btw.
There are 20" snow tires on Tirerack, but you don't want to know the price ($238 ea). I guess that's still cheaper than getting new rims and tires. I couldn't find 18" winter tires on Tirerack, btw.
There were 18 inch winter tires on tirerack a month or so ago when I checked. They may have sold out for the season possibly?
I really recommend buying a winter wheel and tire set as opposed to just snow tires. The complete sets start in the low $800 range. The extra money you spend up front will save you a lot of time and money each season when you quickly swap out the wheels by yourself instead of going to a tire shop to mount and unmount tires from your rims. 17s or 18s are going to be the way to go as there will be a much better selection to choose from compared to 20s.
I really recommend buying a winter wheel and tire set as opposed to just snow tires. The complete sets start in the low $800 range. The extra money you spend up front will save you a lot of time and money each season when you quickly swap out the wheels by yourself instead of going to a tire shop to mount and unmount tires from your rims. 17s or 18s are going to be the way to go as there will be a much better selection to choose from compared to 20s.
To sum it up AWD is a waste on the CX-9..If you really have to have this vehicle and have to deal with snow then save your $$$ on AWD and buy the Snowtires......(SPOKEN FROM EXPERIENCE)
AWD helps if you are about to go sideways. Yes?
That said, I have Nokian snows for my RWD car.
And don't forget stability control. I haven't tested the CX-9 Stability control, but I have tested it many times with my BMW and my previous Audi TT. The best example is, once during an early morning snow storm: I was driving my Audi TT Quatro on a 3 lane highway when I noticed there were no cars in sight. This seemed like a good time to see what stability control does. While going about 50 mph in the snow, I spun the wheel wildly as far as I could and as rapidly as I could in each direction. No matter what I did, the car NEVER spun or went sideways. Amazing technology. Of course this won't help you go around a tight curve on a snowy road, but it does stop you from doing an accidental 180 spin which is very common when drivers lose control and don't have stability control (even AWD vehicles)
Yeah, stability control is more important that AWD, imo. Not only will it brake the appropriate wheels to stop fishtailing, but it will also cut off engine power so you can't keep trying to accelerate.
AWD does come in handy when the car senses wheels spinning: it's able to s*** power to the wheels that don't spin, thus keeping good traction in wet or snowy weather (or during fast, hard cornering!)
So the combination of both AWD and stability control is the best of both worlds. If I had to choose one over the other, it would be stability control.
AWD does come in handy when the car senses wheels spinning: it's able to s*** power to the wheels that don't spin, thus keeping good traction in wet or snowy weather (or during fast, hard cornering!)
So the combination of both AWD and stability control is the best of both worlds. If I had to choose one over the other, it would be stability control.
I meant AWD with the stability control will help you get out of slides in all situations within reason. Reasonable means realistic speed on a surface that can offer the other wheels some friction, so that the front wheels are not forced to steer and pull the car. Let's use autocross as an example... if you know what you are doing, AWD cars do better at autocross than FWDs. That is also why you drive an AWD car differently than a FWD during an autocross. That's why I agree about the stability control, but can't about what "any sort of acceleration" would cause you to go straight. You would think so, but only if you are steering in that direction.
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