Off Topic: Winter Driving - getting prepared

JaceTheAce

JaceTheAce

Well-Known Member
I am moving from San Diego to Grand Forks for this Fall semester. I have a 2000 Honda Civic Si with high-performance summer tires - Yokohama AVS ES100. (see image below). Should I spend $70 or so dollars on winter tires, or hope these things will be okay in the snow??? I have no clue what I'm getting into - I only have experience driving a 4x4 SUV in the snow with all-season tires (I'm from NorCal, so it snows often).

Also, after it snows how soon is the snow cleared from the roads? Do I need snow tires only for December, January, and February?

yo_avs_es_100_ci2_l.jpg
 
Sorry I can't answer your question...
...but out of curiosity, are you driving all the way up to ND?!?!?
 
if you have rims you'll want to get a set of cheap steelies and throw snow tires on them. if you are on stock wheels you might still want to do this. i have my car riding on some fairly decent rubber (potenza RE950) and it does alright. i'm not sure a car as light as a civic would do so hot. they do a fairly mediocre job of clearing the streets here. they plow but it doesn't do much. the major roads stay clean because of all the traffic, but usually the sidestreets have a permanent coating of ice from january to early march. it's a mess, as most people don't seem to know how to drive in the snow.
 
I second what Grant said, YOU WILL NEED SNOW TIRES. Rims with that have tires with smaller sidewalls (I forget the actual term) get around like crap in ND.

Plan on changing to the snow tires in October or November and leave them on till April or May. This all depends on how the weather pattern is too. I have seen no snow accumulation till Dec, but have also seen a few feet in September too. There has even been snow in June. Plan on at least one big snowstorm in April too, and I have seen a few in May too.
 
I'd say hold off on the snow tires unless you've got the money... I grew up in MN/ND, and drove there many winters without snow tires. The trick on ice... don't pop the clutch or floor the accelerator and you'll be fine. Just take your time. The trick in snow... never stop unless you absolutely have to. I drove little cars with bald tires in 4-6 inches of snow easily, but you always have to keep your vehicle moving... once you stop, you're done. If you stop you'll have to get out the shovel (an excellent investment for your car), and start goin' at it. Coming up to red lights, I'd just keep it rolling at a couple miles per hour (slow down well ahead of time), nobody's gonna pull you over. Same thing at stop signs.
Obviously, if you've got extra cash... snow tires won't hurt... but I wouldn't consider it a necessity. Just my opinion.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I'd say hold off on the snow tires unless you've got the money... I grew up in MN/ND, and drove there many winters without snow tires. The trick on ice... don't pop the clutch or floor the accelerator and you'll be fine. Just take your time. The trick in snow... never stop unless you absolutely have to. I drove little cars with bald tires in 4-6 inches of snow easily, but you always have to keep your vehicle moving... once you stop, you're done. If you stop you'll have to get out the shovel (an excellent investment for your car), and start goin' at it. Coming up to red lights, I'd just keep it rolling at a couple miles per hour (slow down well ahead of time), nobody's gonna pull you over. Same thing at stop signs.
Obviously, if you've got extra cash... snow tires won't hurt... but I wouldn't consider it a necessity. Just my opinion.

[/ QUOTE ]

Going to have to disagree with you there. You are from MN, you use salt there. WE DON'T USE THAT HERE, we are too cheap. When someone has aftermarket rims and tires on their car, they CANNOT get around. Trust me on this. Everyone who has them here takes them off, otherwise they will crash their car every time snow comes.

Jace, get different tires, you will need them.
 
[/ QUOTE ]

Going to have to disagree with you there. You are from MN, you use salt there. WE DON'T USE THAT HERE, we are too cheap. When someone has aftermarket rims and tires on their car, they CANNOT get around. Trust me on this. Everyone who has them here takes them off, otherwise they will crash their car every time snow comes.

Jace, get different tires, you will need them.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, I guess I'm gong to have to disagree with you on this
smile.gif
I lived in Grand Forks for a year, and personally never ran into problems (I was up at UND for a year) getting around. I do agree that they don't salt the roads as much as MN, but if you take your time... from personal experience, I think you can do it.
 
[ QUOTE ]


[/ QUOTE ]

Going to have to disagree with you there. You are from MN, you use salt there. WE DON'T USE THAT HERE, we are too cheap. When someone has aftermarket rims and tires on their car, they CANNOT get around. Trust me on this. Everyone who has them here takes them off, otherwise they will crash their car every time snow comes.

Jace, get different tires, you will need them.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, I guess I'm gong to have to disagree with you on this
smile.gif
I lived in Grand Forks for a year, and personally never ran into problems (I was up at UND for a year) getting around. I do agree that they don't salt the roads as much as MN, but if you take your time... from personal experience, I think you can do it.

[/ QUOTE ]

If this sounds bad let me know (not trying to be mean, just stating a point), but have driven a car with aftermarket rims and tires. Maybe you have, but if you haven't, there is a difference. Look at the picture, they are directional tires. THOSE don't work for winter driving. The traction is absolutely is pretty nil in snow and nothing in ice. They are basically racing tires and there is none of that here when there is ice and snow.
 
[/ QUOTE ]

If this sounds bad let me know (not trying to be mean, just stating a point), but have driven a car with aftermarket rims and tires. Maybe you have, but if you haven't, there is a difference. Look at the picture, they are directional tires. THOSE don't work for winter driving. The traction is absolutely is pretty nil in snow and nothing in ice. They are basically racing tires and there is none of that here when there is ice and snow.

[/ QUOTE ]

First off, I don't think you're sounding mean! Just a debate, that's all. And, yes, I have driven vehicles with after market rims and tires in the winter... although not in Grand Forks... and I do freely admit, I am no car expert... but I did find it possible. The vehicle I drove while at UND had what amounted to no tread on the tires-- not safe I realize-- but all I could afford-- and it worked fine. I think I may pull back a little from my original statement, however, and say that getting different tires for your vehicle during the winter in G.F. may be a wise investment, although a ND winter is doable without.
 
Andrew, you said you were at UND for a year. Did you go to school there for a year and left? if so why did you leave to go to the Univ of Minn? I'm a prospect looking at UND, just want to hear your view.
 
Well being from CO I've done my share of driving in the snow. You probably don't need studded snow tires, but you should consider getting some cheap wheels to save your rims, and get at least some all season tires. If you do decide to get snow tires you'll only need 2 of them, put them on the drive wheels. Also since your're probably not used to driving in the snow, its not a bad idea to go to an empty snow packed parking lot and practice driving in it. Practice getting into and out of skids and learn how your car handles. Its kind of a similar idea as practicing stalls at altitude. driving in the snow isn't as bad as many think. Just know your car and use common sense and you'll be fine. Have fun.
cool.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
Andrew, you said you were at UND for a year. Did you go to school there for a year and left? if so why did you leave to go to the Univ of Minn? I'm a prospect looking at UND, just want to hear your view.

[/ QUOTE ]

Jeremy, I was at UND for a year, and I liked it, but the University of Minnesota was a better fit for me. I was not a pilot at that time... and quite honestly... wasn't really planning on flying. I was at UND as a Political Science/Philosophy student... with plans of going on to grad school, not as an aviation student. UND's Political Science department didn't offer many classes in Political Theory (which was what I wanted to study), and the small UM campus I was on did, so I transferred. I discovered flying my junior year of college at the U of M, started training at an FBO, finished my degree in Poli Sci-- and opted to do some flight training instead of grad school after I graduated... which takes me to now, a CFI looking for a job! In you're interested in getting a degree in aviation, I would highly recommend UND. Also, they do have a lot of other programs that are quite good... they have a good pre-med program from what I've heard, a lot of good science programs, and good engineering programs. Political theory, however, wasn't their thing. I'd say if your other interests beyond flying involve the humanities or social sciences... you may want to look around a little bit to find a school that offers both aviation and whatever else you're interested in. If you're solely aviation-- go to UND... they've got a good program. Just my thoughts!
Andrew
 
Thanks, I'm interested in the Aviation Mangement just because it has the both of two worlds, a business degree and aviation. Not too many other universities offer something like that. My other choice is to go to any other university get a business degree and fly at a FBO at the same time.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Sorry I can't answer your question...
...but out of curiosity, are you driving all the way up to ND?!?!?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeeup! 2,000 miles from San Diego, CA to UND. Driving the big Uhaul with the car towed behind will be a b*tch!
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Sorry I can't answer your question...
...but out of curiosity, are you driving all the way up to ND?!?!?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeeup! 2,000 miles from San Diego, CA to UND. Driving the big Uhaul with the car towed behind will be a b*tch!

[/ QUOTE ]

Fastest way is through Las Vegas, to Salt Lake, go through part of Wyoming, which will take on the edge of Yellowstone, then north on a 2 laner to Bozeman, then east on I-90 to Billings, I-94 to Fargo, and I-29 to Grand Forks.
 
[ QUOTE ]
If you do decide to get snow tires you'll only need 2 of them, put them on the drive wheels.
cool.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

Okay, so should I only get front snow tires???

Also...can someone help me pick tires?...

Here is a set of snow tires that will fit my wheels which are 15" 195/55's:

Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2 195/55HR15
mi_pilot_alpin_pa2_h_ci2_l.jpg

$107 Each

Now, if I were to buy some cheapo Honda Civic DX 14" wheels (185/65-14), I can mount any of these two tires:

Firestone Winterforce
fs_winterforce_ci2_l.jpg

$45 Each

Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50
bs_blizzak_ws_50_dir_ci2_l.jpg

$72 Each

I really can't afford tires, so any alternative option would be highly considered.

Here is a pic of my car to give you an idea (not my car, but looks exactly the same):

honda-civic-2000a.jpg


Si: 1.6 I4 160 bhp @ 7600 rpm, 111 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm.
Performance: Si: 0-60 in 7.2 seconds, 1/4 mile in 15.7 seconds.

As you can see this car has quite a bit of power for how light it is... I better really be careful in snow and icy conditions!
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Sorry I can't answer your question...
...but out of curiosity, are you driving all the way up to ND?!?!?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeeup! 2,000 miles from San Diego, CA to UND. Driving the big Uhaul with the car towed behind will be a b*tch!

[/ QUOTE ]

Fastest way is through Las Vegas, to Salt Lake, go through part of Wyoming, which will take on the edge of Yellowstone, then north on a 2 laner to Bozeman, then east on I-90 to Billings, I-94 to Fargo, and I-29 to Grand Forks.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, I was wondering what the fastest way would be. Have you driven this route? Any ideas on lodging...I was thinking of going to KOA and just pitch a tent and camp along with way to save $$$$$$.
 
I did it all in one day from ND to Las Vegas. So in reality, you really only need to stay once. A good point to shoot for would be Bozeman if you start really really early.

About tires, not sure what you are doing, but you will notice everyone with rims here, ALL TAKE them off for the winter. So get some cheapo 14's on there.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Yeeup! 2,000 miles from San Diego, CA to UND. Driving the big Uhaul with the car towed behind will be a b*tch

[/ QUOTE ]
Jeeeeeeeeeeesus!
Man, so you're actually moving to the state. I thought you were only staying during the school time.

Hey, how big is the truck? Can't you fit the car inside? lol
I've seen a couple of folks moving, with the car inside the truck.
Of course, you're most likely renting a smaller truck since it's not an entire home that's being moved, lol, therefore making my question inapplicable.

So at around what date will you be moving up?

Later.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I did it all in one day from ND to Las Vegas.

[/ QUOTE ]
Luke's gonna drive down to Network JC.
grin.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top