WTF winter driving
 

Hey guys,
We had a huge snowfall here, in Calgary Alberta Canada, a week ago and I had the X5 out. (Keep in mind I've only had it since the end of August)
I assumed with the awd that the x5 would be a great winter vehicle. Anyways, driving to work. I would stop in traffic and be parked there for a few seconds. And then my X's nose would start to slide towards other cars. I would end up being on a skewed angle in the middle of my lane looking like a dickhead who couldn't drive in snow. I have lots of winter driving experience and have never had a winter accident. Anyways, is it my tires that are crap and causing this or what the heck. the tires are all in great shape and are all seasons. Just curious if the X isnt' as good in winter driving as i had hoped...?!

Whether you accelerate or decelerate, the law of Physics says that what holds you down is the rubber.

Having said that, nothing beats a set of winter tires.

I went from a 325xi with a set of all season tires to a x5 with all season tires and set of winter tires. The x5 did not handle as good as the 325xi in the snow with all season tires. All around traction was not as good I'm not sure why if it was just a weight and balance thing or what. I threw the winter tires on and was absolutely amazed. Snow mine as well have been dry pavement. It handles like a freaking dream. I'd recommend getting a set of winter tires and wheels. It sounds like a lot of money but think of it like this. With where you live, winter tires are good for 6 months out of the year or more. Get a cheap set of wheels and you'll just be doubling the time that tires last so it really is not costing you anything if you plan on owning the vehicle more than a few years or if your All season already have some wear anyways.

Yeah, I am looking at picking up a set of rims and winter tires.
I have a set to go look at tonight after work if they don't sell before then.

I was on my way to buy a set last week, show up at the guys house to pay for them, call him and he says 'oh sorry, my wife is in the back alley selling them right now'. I wasn't pleased! 18" BMW rims with near new winter tires for $850! damn damn damn! haha

Ditto...ditto...ditto. The first thing I purchased for my X was a set of 4 Michelin Latitude X-Ice xi2 (snow/ice) winter tires. Can't say enough good things about them...just as those that may have some of the other brands (Hakkas/Nokian/Blizzaks/Graspics/etc).

When temps drop below 45° F (7° C) the rubber compound of summer & all season tires harden...thus loosing their ability to grip. The modern engineering that goes into winter tires...the rubber compound stays soft and pliable when ambient temps turn cool or drop to below freezing...thus continuing to give the tire traction and stability. This works not just for taking off...but also for braking and turning...which is the reason for getting 4 winter tires instead of just mounting them on the drive wheels. If one axle has traction and the other doesn't...then you end up like a pendulum...the one axle is spinning out of control...eventually taking the other axle with it if the momentum is great enough.

If you go to a site like http://www.tirerack.com/winter/tech/techpage.jsp?techid=122&currentpage=123 ...they have some great info about winter tires and the types that are available for the kind of winter conditions where you live.

thanks
i just did a review on the tires i'm supposed to look at tonight Michelin Latitude Alpin, and another person where I live reviewed them and said they are pretty crappy. Might have to keep looking then

sorry, i'm running on very little sleep.
Car is completely stopped. Few seconds later, the car slides with brakes engaged, on the slightest incline

I have had both blizzaks and X-ices on smaller cars. This year I am going with Blizzaks for the X5.

Having NO Season tires on something as heavy as this will cause problems. And AWD doesn't make a difference if you are sliding while at a stop.

I had a set of Blizzak last winter and it drive like a dream. My is not X-Drive and I have no issue with the Snow here.