TriState NY owner - First experience driving thru snow on stock 19" Toyo's

[JTNY]

There was a nor'easter yesterday and I got a chance to see how the stock all season tires handles in the slush/snow. I started driving about 4 hours into the storm thru some unplowed streets.

On the highways (driving straight of course) I didn't have much issues with traction only except when I used the brakes (some ABS action) . Upon driving on local roads is when I noticed how bad these tires are. During approaches at a stop sign, the ABS kicked off like crazy and my stopping distance was much further than I expected.

I used to own a VW Jetta sedan outfitted with Dunop Winter Sport M3's . Never ever had issues with traction/stopping on snow. Of course those were dedicated snow tires so I can't really compare but boy am I going to start shopping around for snow tires soon!






The entire time I felt a little worried about skidding into another lane.

I'm sad to report that it totally sucked.

Yesterday was the first

 

[Nodnerb]

It's hard taking those nice 19"s off. But, I'd rather have them off, be able to drive safer and keep them pristine for summer. We have our first storm a comin' this weekend. Already have my 16" winters on.

 

[JTNY]

Where did you pick up winter wheels? And can you post a pic of how it looks on 16" rims?? i am very curious as the costs for 17-18" winter wheels are $$$.

It's hard taking those nice 19"s off. But, I'd rather have them off, be able to drive safer and keep them pristine for summer. We have our first storm a comin' this weekend. Already have my 16" winters on.

 

[Nodnerb]

There's a pic in this thread I posted.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123822627-16s-with-winter-tires-on-gt


I got them at our local tire shop a few years back for our old 05 escape, same bolt pattern, offset and center bore. It was a pleasant surprise to find out my almost new set of winter wheels from the old escape will fit on my new cx-5. You should have no problem finding 16" steelies that fit our cars.

 

[rjdee]

Ok, you realize that your comparing an all season tire to a quality winter tire.
AWD only helps with acceleration and only when a tire is slipping. Its FWD once your up to speed and cruising. A winter tire will give you better traction thereby giving you better acceleration plus braking and steering response. You already know this from the Jetta. I'm sure you passed many folks with AWD cars/trucks/SUVs off the road who found this out. I know I have. I didn't get a chance to drive in this storm but I do have my snow tires sitting in the garage, ready and waiting. I fully expect the stock all seasons to be marginal once it gets cold and slick.

Of course the snow is a big variable. Wet heavy snow and slush is very slippery. Dry, light snow has sharper crystals that can be grippy but it all comes down to the tires.

There was a nor'easter yesterday and I got a chance to see how the stock all season tires handles in the slush/snow. I started driving about 4 hours into the storm thru some unplowed streets.

On the highways (driving straight of course) I didn't have much issues with traction only except when I used the brakes (some ABS action) . Upon driving on local roads is when I noticed how bad these tires are. During approaches at a stop sign, the ABS kicked off like crazy and my stopping distance was much further than I expected.

I used to own a VW Jetta sedan outfitted with Dunop Winter Sport M3's . Never ever had issues with traction/stopping on snow. Of course those were dedicated snow tires so I can't really compare but boy am I going to start shopping around for snow tires soon!

The entire time I felt a little worried about skidding into another lane.

I'm sad to report that it totally sucked.

Yesterday was the first

 

[Gio26NJ]

I also took my GT out for a cruise in the snow and even during the worst part of the Hurricane (on a mission rescuing in-laws from Staten Island) both in high wind gusts and in the snow the handling was exceptional. Braking in snow is incredible, compared to my Mercury Mountaineer. I didn't even notice the AWD kick in and I'm sure it did on a couple of occasions when accelerating. Mazda built an extremely agile vehicle with the CX-5, winter is going to be a breeze.

 

[MikeM.]

Mazda built an extremely agile vehicle with the CX-5, winter is going to be a breeze.

True. I took mine in the mountains over the weekend and encountered 2" of heavy slush building up fast. I had 8 foot "rooster tails" of slush shooting up in front of the car. It was dark so these looked very dramatic since the headlights were lighting them up. The stuff was the kind of heavy snow/slush that is treacherous above 35 mph and causes hydro-planning and sudden veering or loss of control in most cars but the CX-5 with the standard 17" all season radials handled it with grace. It felt like it was on rails and the few times I did momentarily loose traction at higher speeds it was very predictable with no drama. I was experimenting braking hard in the corners and driving erratically and too fast for conditions but the CX-5 just wanted to point forward. I haven't mounted my winter snows yet but now I know it will be one of the best snow cars available.

 

[Nodnerb]

We had 27 cm of snow over the weekend. Wasnt out in the worst of it but have been down some pretty snowy streets. It bogs down but any car does in that much snow. Did as well as my old escape did. Maybe a bit squirelier due to the lighter weight. Im using the winter rims and tires from the escape so its a direct vehicle comparison.