Tahoe great success - Page 2

SlowRider · #11 12-29-2010, 03:29 AM

Mammoth is an awesome mountain. I've only been there once for boarding but would definitely go back. They say they have the highest peak in California serviced by a lift - I can tell you the view from up there is incredible.

Mammoth is actually a major hassle to reach from northern California, so Tahoe is usually the destination for me. Today and tomorrow will be storming in the Sierras again, so I see some fresh powder in my near future...

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AZX54.4 · #12 12-29-2010, 02:09 PM

I toss and turn about getting a dedicated winter set. But I feel like it might be a little silly because I live in Phoenix, AZ. The all seasons did fine in these extreme conditions. We drove up with out putting chains on but we chose to put them on for leaving town. It was a lot of driving downhill on narrow streets with other cars. As well, when we were leaving we had no traction control. The TC light, ABS light, and DSC light were all on. It turns out that if the X is on ice or dyno rollers the computer can get confused and that is exactly what happened. I didn't find out until we got out of town that you can reset the system by turning the wheels fully left then right than left and center them. Turn the car off and let the computer shut off. I would have felt fine driving out with out chains but because TC wasn't on I thought it would be wiser to be ultra cautious and put the chains on.

It is true that Mammoth is not so easy to get to from NorCal. Its a pretty simple drive from LA. Just a long straight boring drive

Yeah, I see they are getting more snow right now!!! I am thinking about getting a weekday pass for January and moving up there for a month HAHA!

dragoncoach · #13 12-29-2010, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlowRider

Mammoth is an awesome mountain. I've only been there once for boarding but would definitely go back. They say they have the highest peak in California serviced by a lift - I can tell you the view from up there is incredible.

The view from the top of Heavenly Valley isn't too bad either!

blktoptrvl · #14 12-29-2010, 02:40 PM

Does the X feel much different on dry roads (enough to make you change your driving habits) when running smaller wheels and tires in the winter as opposed to summer performance wheels and tires?

JCL · #15 12-29-2010, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blktoptrvl

Does the X feel much different on dry roads (enough to make you change your driving habits) when running smaller wheels and tires in the winter as opposed to summer performance wheels and tires?

At low ambient temperatures, on dry roads, my smaller winter tires handle much better than my summer performance tires. They have a lot more dry road grip. At high ambient temperatures, not so much.

SlowRider · #16 12-29-2010, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blktoptrvl

Does the X feel much different on dry roads (enough to make you change your driving habits) when running smaller wheels and tires in the winter as opposed to summer performance wheels and tires?

I went from staggered 19" with Bridgestone Dueler run-flats to the 17" setup with Scorpion Ice & Snow skinny tires. When I swapped for my winter set, I immediately noticed the difference on dry roads in above-freezing temperatures:

Smoother ride (taller sidewall)
Less responsive steering
Small gain in acceleration (lighter wheels and tires)
When driving on freeways with rain drainage grooves, the deeper tread seemed to lock into them and pull the steering into the grooves.

This is mostly subjective so I could be wrong. I did slow down my driving habits to adjust for the loss of handling, especially in tight turns.

SlowRider · #17 12-29-2010, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZX54.4

As well, when we were leaving we had no traction control. The TC light, ABS light, and DSC light were all on. It turns out that if the X is on ice or dyno rollers the computer can get confused and that is exactly what happened. I didn't find out until we got out of town that you can reset the system by turning the wheels fully left then right than left and center them. Turn the car off and let the computer shut off. I would have felt fine driving out with out chains but because TC wasn't on I thought it would be wiser to be ultra cautious and put the chains on.

I'll remember this if I run into that problem. I'm heading back to Tahoe today since it's been dumping pretty good up there.

I remember reading something (from owners manual?) that DSC should be turned off when you are using snow chains. Did you turn it off on your drive down the mountain?

SlowRider · #18 12-29-2010, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragoncoach

The view from the top of Heavenly Valley isn't too bad either!

I'll be there tomorrow!

AZX54.4 · #19 12-29-2010, 05:51 PM

I didn't have the choice to turn DSC off. The entire system including DSC went crazy and was not functioning. So, to answer your question. DSC was off but not by my doing. I am thinking about heading back up to mammoth in the next week!!!!!
Did you ever drive in the snow with the Duelers?? If so, how were they.

SlowRider · #20 12-29-2010, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZX54.4

I didn't have the choice to turn DSC off. The entire system including DSC went crazy and was not functioning. So, to answer your question. DSC was off but not by my doing. I am thinking about heading back up to mammoth in the next week!!!!!
Did you ever drive in the snow with the Duelers?? If so, how were they.

Never drove in the snow with my Duelers. However I once drove my Celica to Mammoth with street tires and it was pretty gnarly. A surprise storm hit while I was boarding and I had to leave the resort early and drive down the mountain without chains! I don't recommend this....

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