Snow Driving tips ?

[X5 Sport]

I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice on driving in Snow in the X5. Here in the UK we don’t get much snow, last year we has a sprinkling of snow and I thought the X5 behaved very well. However this year they tell us is going to be a bad one and we might even get some tonight or tomorrow. I have read many post on here about 19's being bad in the snow and to be honest scared me a little thinking I wont be able to stop. Are they as bad as people make out ? bearing in mind that if we do get snow it will only be a couple of inches at worst. Do you drive with the DSC on or off? I have to be real careful now as already made insurance claim this year do to my car getting keyed and cant afford another so any advice would be much appreciated.

[e53fanatic]

well i live in boston, mass...here in usa we see alot of snow. if im stuck in the snow i switch dsc off...while driving i turn it on. the mich diamaris are not all that great in the snow especially with the sport 19's. if u are expecting alot of snow, i suggest u switch your sport tires out for some all season or strictly snow/ice tires.

[JCL]

Here is my list. Others may have different opinions....

1) Slow down
2) Regularly test traction by applying brakes, and making sure that you know what your footing is like.
3) Go out to an empty parking lot, and get familiar with how the vehicle behaves on snow.
4) Make sure you know what your ABS feels like when it comes into play (again, test it). Too many drivers release the brake, when the correct action is to keep it applied and let the system work.
5) Leave the DSC switch alone. It helps, and should always be left on when you are moving. The only time to turn it off is when you are stuck, at a standstill, in snow or on ice. In that case, turning off DSC and DTC (two steps) allows the wheels to spin without cutting engine power, and you can try and chew your way out of where you are stuck. If it doesn't work, stop spinning and try something else ($$$$$).
6) Make sure you have good visibility. How often have you seen someone with snow on the windows, and a small porthole cleared, moving down the street. Clean all windows before driving off.

Can't help you on the 19's, I wouldn't have them myself. You will find out soon enough, hopefully in a parking lot first. Realize that the size isn't the big issue, it is the compound and tread pattern. No substitute for real winter tires. For the one or two days you may get snow, why not leave the X at home? We have two AWD cars at home, but our biggest worry isn't ourselves, but the others on the road. They are the biggest variable.

Good luck.

[Thunder22]

It's not the 19" rims that are the problem, it's the width of the tires that are on the 19's that is the problem. A wide tire tends to float on snow/slush as opposed to a more narrow tire that tends to cut through the snow/slush down to the pavement.

I had an '01 with the 19's and wide rubber, and I ran into a couple of snow situations that could have been very ugly...

drive carefully and get some more narrow snow tires on your X if you're anticipating some rough weather driving. or save your money and stay indoors your choice

[X5 Sport]

All season tyres are not a option dont think I would be able to buy them here as we dont get that much snow. I think the only tyre I would be able to purchase would be the type that go on old land rovers and they proberly go up to 19's. Thanks for the advice with the DSC did not know that is how it worked.What about droping the tyre pressures a little?

[rayxi]

In addition to the good advice above, stay out of sport mode on the auto tranny.

[jditom]

Originally Posted by X5 Sport

All season tyres are not a option dont think I would be able to buy them here as we dont get that much snow. I think the only tyre I would be able to purchase would be the type that go on old land rovers and they proberly go up to 19's. Thanks for the advice with the DSC did not know that is how it worked.What about droping the tyre pressures a little?

If you do not want snow tires than an Allseason like the Toyo Proxy is a good choice. They have a good tread pattern and stay somewhat soft in cold weather.

[adrian.b]

I live in the UK and was thinking the same as 'X5 sport'. I think I`m going to buy some 18'' alloys from ebay, there`s loads of BMW alloys on there from people who`ve upgraded. I asked at my local tyre place yesterday about snow/winter tyres and he`s looking in to it. They arent as popular in the UK but I`m sure he`ll be able to find some. I live high up and I know I`m in for a pounding this winter.

[FeelGoodUnInc]

Originally Posted by jditom

If you do not want snow tires than an Allseason like the Toyo Proxy is a good choice. They have a good tread pattern and stay somewhat soft in cold weather.

I thought the Toyo Proxes were summer sport tires not all-season or am I mistaken? I have these tires, so I hope you right but I always figured I'd be worse off in snow with this set

[DinanX5]

Originally Posted by JCL

1) Slow down
2) Regularly test traction by applying brakes, and making sure that you know what your footing is like.
3) Go out to an empty parking lot, and get familiar with how the vehicle behaves on snow.
4) Make sure you know what your ABS feels like when it comes into play (again, test it). Too many drivers release the brake, when the correct action is to keep it applied and let the system work.
5) Leave the DSC switch alone. It helps, and should always be left on when you are moving. The only time to turn it off is when you are stuck, at a standstill, in snow or on ice. In that case, turning off DSC and DTC (two steps) allows the wheels to spin without cutting engine power, and you can try and chew your way out of where you are stuck. If it doesn't work, stop spinning and try something else ($$$$$).
6) Make sure you have good visibility. How often have you seen someone with snow on the windows, and a small porthole cleared, moving down the street. Clean all windows before driving off.

Very good list. Although it's probably obvious, I would also add that you should do everything - starting off, braking, steering, etc. - more slooowwwly and carefuly. And don't forget that AWD won't help you avoid winter slipping and sliding (except when starting off, of course); this is accomplished with good tires, some experience, and a measure of good judgment. Before I traded my my RWD 3-series for an X5, I remember passing countless SUVs in ditches off the side of snow-covered VT roads... more than likely driven by individuals that suffer from the 'my-SUV-is-impervious-to-snow-&-ice' syndrome.
That said, if you know what you're doing, AWD can also help get you out of trouble when you're already sliding due to the fact that you can just stay on the gas, steer the wheels in the direction you want to go, and let the AWD claw you back on your intended course... (50/50 weight distribution helps with this too! )