How capable in snow? - Page 4

RickM5X3 · #1 11-02-2010, 08:57 PM

Just ordered these for a winter that may someday reach the Denver area (great weather for now!). These new Continentals should be a world of difference from my half-worn Pilot Alpins. Can't wait.

sprocket1200 · #2 10-31-2010, 11:14 AM

dking, part of the problem that everyone doesn't talk about is the ambient temperature. the winter tire compounds are softer for better traction.

you will have better traction in all situations with dedicated winter tires, including with chains. below 47F these tires really pay for themselves.

motordavid · #3 11-02-2010, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WVMTNBIKER

So this is my first X5, a manual shift 2003 3.0i model. Just how good IS the X5 in snow conditions? I live in WV and snow is common in winter. I've owned lots of Subarus and Volvos but never an X5.

What should I expect from my X5 in snow? I mean, some days we get 1-3 inches, others a whole lot more. I don't expect miracles but is in fact a capable vehicle in foul weather. I just put all new Yoko Avid Envigor tires on her and I realize they are (sic) dedicated snows, but then I am used to driving in the white stuff.

Just curious as to what to expect.

I suspect you meant the Yokos are not dedicated snows...the snow tire vs "all season" debate has come up on the JukeBox the 9 years I've been reading X boards. And, there are proponents of both with the accompanying anecdotal arguments.

Back at the the manual trans ranch, I found 2nd gear starts to be sometimes helpful in snow/slippery situs, and sometimes 1st or 2nd, with the DSC off.

It really varies by surface situ, incline/descents, etc. I'm guessing you have some steep slopes in W VA, as we have here in the mtns of western NC; I found dedicated snows to be the key, but you may have less acute conditions and get away with non-snow tires. Remember your '03 is not X Drive, but is very capable. Go out and learn how to make it work, esp. in low speed, accel/decel situs.
GL, mD

sprocket1200 · #4 11-03-2010, 02:04 AM

i agree the winter vs all season debate keeps coming up. many say they don't need them or do fine without them, but i have never heard of someone who has switched to them going back to 'no seasons' for winter...

motordavid · #5 11-03-2010, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sprocket1200

i agree the winter vs all season debate keeps coming up. many say they don't need them or do fine without them, but i have never heard of someone who has switched to them going back to 'no seasons' for winter...

...only if someone had put on a set of "winters", for driving around
FL or south GA.

Nothing beats dedicated snows in real winter areas.

Boston X5 4.4 · #6 11-04-2010, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sprocket1200

i agree the winter vs all season debate keeps coming up. many say they don't need them or do fine without them, but i have never heard of someone who has switched to them going back to 'no seasons' for winter...

I did....had Diamaris summer 19's and used to switch to 17's Dunlop Grandtrek winter. Had to 'cos the Diamaris, as designed, can not be driven in even the lightest dusting. Dunlops were awesome and I pushed the rig in horrendous winter conditions in upstate VT and ME - highly rec. these tires.

Anyway, when the Diamaris needed replacing, I switched to Hankook Ventus A/S 19'S. I don't do a lot of the deep ski stuff anymore so A/S are fine for my needs. I was also tired of the twice a year swap over. Very happy so far.

No arm wrestle here...YMMV....do whatcha ya gotta do for your driving needs/conditions...but some of us have switched from winters to A/S.