Tips for Driving ZHP in winter?

[Prestovie]

So as winter comes around the corner quicker than a ZHP on a figure eight(impossible, ikr) people seem to be closing up shop and putting their rear wheel drive sport sedans into hybernation.
So what about those of us that aren't putting our cars to sleep for 6 months? Here in Chicago the winters are anything but mild, often during January mornings get below -40F windchill, and the ice builds up overnight before the snow plows have a chance to get out.
So I have compiled a small list of tips to get your car through the winter without making best friends with a few light posts, but please, this will be my first winter driving my ZHP, so if anybody has tips on how they've done it in the past, please feel free to add some insight

Common tips:
-Put weight in the back of your car, sand bags, etc
-Have a sense of how your car is planted when driving through the snow, if the tail end starts to lose traction don't freak out, just lay off the accelerator slowly and correct steering.
-Take it slow. Everyone wants to whip their car around in the winter(which is fine and fun) but when you're on the commute, it stops getting fun when you're not the one initiating the slide.
-Get a set of designated winter tires. Winter tires are made specifically for snow traction, they are made with softer rubber to give you more traction on the ice, don't risk it.
-Leave distance between yourself and the car in front of you, if your car starts having problems put on your hazards to notify the people behind you.
-From a stopped position, start in second gear to avoid wheel spinning
-Limit your breaking to a straight line, and don't accelerate through corners

I need help completing this list! Add your tips you've figured out over the years, we can all help each other get through this winter! Stay safe

[NoVAphotog]

Buy my winter wheels and tires...and then just drive. The zhp is already 50/50 so you don't need to worry about weight in the back. The Blizzaks make the difference. It's night and day. You can drive as if the snow and ice weren't there rwd or not it doesn't matter.

Watch out for the other people who think they are invincible with AWD and no season tires!!

[holyc0w]

Last year was my first year with RWD in the snow. I didn't really have any issues with a new set of General winter tires. 2nd gear starts weren't required.

[Karl Lazlo]

I will be the weird guy here...

Driving in snow, ice, wet, dry are no different. You are managing grip and the adhesion to the driving surface. Trouble is, all those surfaces, or more appropriately the stuff on the surfaces, changes the amount of grip (and resulting space/time) you have to make the car Go, Turn and Stop.

- Tires: The only part of the car designed to come in contact with the driving surface so have a set of dedicated winter tires optimized for the white stuff.
- Balance: Keep the car in balance. No abrupt control changes. Smooth inputs of the throttle, brake and steering.
- Visibility: No, not just clean windows, but observe and orient your car based on what the mouth-breathers are doing. Have an out - somewhere safe(r) to stick your sheetmetal when others do dumb shit.

- Driver Gear: Besides keeping the car maintained for the winter, be prepared for field-expedient repairs and more importantly, warm, snacks and gear for the driver and passenger(s) if you find your self waiting for road cleaning, extrication or accident.

[Prestovie]

I will be the weird guy here...

Driving in snow, ice, wet, dry are no different. You are managing grip and the adhesion to the driving surface. Trouble is, all those surfaces, or more appropriately the stuff on the surfaces, changes the amount of grip (and resulting space/time) you have to make the car Go, Turn and Stop.

- Tires: The only part of the car designed to come in contact with the driving surface so have a set of dedicated winter tires optimized for the white stuff.
- Balance: Keep the car in balance. No abrupt control changes. Smooth inputs of the throttle, brake and steering.
- Visibility: No, not just clean windows, but observe and orient your car based on what the mouth-breathers are doing. Have an out - somewhere safe(r) to stick your sheetmetal when others do dumb shit.

- Driver Gear: Besides keeping the car maintained for the winter, be prepared for field-expedient repairs and more importantly, warm, snacks and gear for the driver and passenger(s) if you find your self waiting for road cleaning, extrication or accident.

+1
Thanks for weighing in, quick question with regards to snow tires: when there is no snow or ice on the ground will it wear away on the wheel? Like I'm just worried about putting them on before the snow then not being able to drive on them when it's not snowing.
Also, no all season tires? Just want to get a consensus on this, trying to convince my folks that I need the snow tires(don't know why the convincing though, I'm paying for them out of pocket either way)

[Prestovie]

Buy my winter wheels and tires...and then just drive. The zhp is already 50/50 so you don't need to worry about weight in the back. The Blizzaks make the difference. It's night and day. You can drive as if the snow and ice weren't there rwd or not it doesn't matter.

Watch out for the other people who think they are invincible with AWD and no season tires!!

True I forgot about 50/50, good to know before I pack my trunk full of sand bags haha. But you'd recommend the Blizzarks?

[Karl Lazlo]

+1
Thanks for weighing in, quick question with regards to snow tires: when there is no snow or ice on the ground will it wear away on the wheel?

Snows will wear quicker on the dry, just nature of the beast. Some are better than others wrt dry traction. Rule of thumb for me is two seasons on a set of summer and winter tires. I drive a lot, though.


Also, no all season tires?

All Season = No Season. They are a compromise for every season. And, they cause pink eye.


trying to convince my folks that I need the snow tires(don't know why the convincing though, I'm paying for them out of pocket either way)

Different shoes for different weather, same concept. Plus, a set of dedicated snows over their lifespan is typically cheaper than an insurance deductible.

[Prestovie]

Last year was my first year with RWD in the snow. I didn't really have any issues with a new set of General winter tires. 2nd gear starts weren't required.

Glad to hear!

[3ZHP]

I'm originally from Buffalo NY and drove my ZHP 365'days a year in the Cleveland OH area from 12/2006 till 4/2012. I can definitely say it's the best car I've ever driven in the snow. I've also had and have 4x4 trucks and I'd say the ZHP was as good if not better in some instances. I'd also say it's a must to get dedicated snow tires and wheels. I ran the first three years on Pilots the switched over to Blizzaks. The Blizaks where definitely better but, the Pilots never let me down.

My only suggestion are to get to know the DCS system because you need to flip it to the middle mode to get wheel spin when needed. Also make sure your thermostat is good so, you can keep nice and worm inside.

With the 48-52% weight balance the car is an animal in the snow.


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[NoVAphotog]

True I forgot about 50/50, good to know before I pack my trunk full of sand bags haha. But you'd recommend the Blizzarks?

Blizzaks* And yes, love them.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iLUAbDQ2E4


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OifbH5siF0

[holyc0w]

I put an emergency kids snow shovel in my trunk just in case.

[Karl Lazlo]

I put an emergency kids snow shovel in my trunk just in case.

I stopped putting kids in my trunk. For reasons.

[Prestovie]

All Season = No Season. They are a compromise for every season. And, they cause pink eye.



Different shoes for different weather, same concept. Plus, a set of dedicated snows over their lifespan is typically cheaper than an insurance deductible.

Thanks so much! And that's a very good point haha, I'll definitely have to bring that one up. I've got a set of PSS that should be good for one more dry season hopefully, so one big investment at the beginning of the year shouldn't be too bad

[BMWCurves]

Haven't driven my car in the snow, but drove my father's 540i on some studded tires. That thing could definitely get its ass out but it handled Portland's hills no problem if you were smart about it.

If any of you remember this video that made the rounds about Portland's snow storm and car pile up in a particularly hilly intersection almost 10 years ago, the 540i traversed it several times that day with no issue, all due to a good set of snow tires:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaksWCnHaDM

[GotZHP]

I have a few friends who winter their 3 series (not xi models) in Maine with no issues. As suggested before, get a designated wheel / tire setup for the winter. My friends but run just the plan old "steely" steel wheels. Cheap and who cars if they get a little beat up in the winter. Studded snow tires, to me (and others), are a must! Studded snow tires are your only chance against ice and black ice.

I always had Blizzaks on my Volvo 850R wagon for the 6 years I owned it. My vote is cheap tires with very good winter rubber.

[slater]

I will be the weird guy here...

Driving in snow, ice, wet, dry are no different. You are managing grip and the adhesion to the driving surface. Trouble is, all those surfaces, or more appropriately the stuff on the surfaces, changes the amount of grip (and resulting space/time) you have to make the car Go, Turn and Stop.

- Tires: The only part of the car designed to come in contact with the driving surface so have a set of dedicated winter tires optimized for the white stuff.
- Balance: Keep the car in balance. No abrupt control changes. Smooth inputs of the throttle, brake and steering.
- Visibility: No, not just clean windows, but observe and orient your car based on what the mouth-breathers are doing. Have an out - somewhere safe(r) to stick your sheetmetal when others do dumb shit.

- Driver Gear: Besides keeping the car maintained for the winter, be prepared for field-expedient repairs and more importantly, warm, snacks and gear for the driver and passenger(s) if you find your self waiting for road cleaning, extrication or accident.

dude... not the weird guy at all. that is a sane approach to winter driving - you basically wrote everything that i was going to!



All Season = No Season. They are a compromise for every season. And, they cause pink eye.

DUDE. i've said the exact same thing so many times. and i've got data on the pink eye bit.



I'm originally from Buffalo NY and drove my ZHP 365'days a year in the Cleveland OH area from 12/2006 till 4/2012. I can definitely say it's the best car I've ever driven in the snow. I've also had and have 4x4 trucks and I'd say the ZHP was as good if not better in some instances. I'd also say it's a must to get dedicated snow tires and wheels. I ran the first three years on Pilots the switched over to Blizzaks. The Blizaks where definitely better but, the Pilots never let me down.

My only suggestion are to get to know the DCS system because you need to flip it to the middle mode to get wheel spin when needed. Also make sure your thermostat is good so, you can keep nice and worm inside.

With the 48-52% weight balance the car is an animal in the snow.

guy, agreed on all points. i grew up in VT and have been driving in a snowy climate for over 20 years now. i've had audis and subarus for a lot of those years, and i can also confidently say the ZHP is the best car i've ever driven in the snow as well. why? the balance, and it stops better than anything else. no ABS fuss like any older audi (the brake pedal would start pulsating before your foot even touched it, LOL).

the helical LSD helps mine in regards to accelerating - it just goes, no need to disengage DSC or DTC.

i run michelin x-ice3's, but would like to experience the blizzak WS80's. i've not liked any other blizzak i've tried - too squirmy. but i've heard good things about the WS80.

[ELCID86]

Blizzaks and LSD FTW.


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[Karl Lazlo]

Blizzaks and LSD FTW.


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Pirellis and Mushrooms!

[Oli77]

You need snow tires, without them, past 2 inches of snow I found my car was undrivable (I.e., wouldn't go up small inclines).

Other thing is to remember to turn off DSC so you don't cut power at the least bit of wheel spins.

[ELCID86]

Pirellis and Mushrooms!

:rofl


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[Karl Lazlo]

DUDE. i've said the exact same thing so many times. and i've got data on the pink eye bit.

DUDE. I am waiting for your data on pink eye... <tapping foot and sipping coffee impatiently>

[Mike V]

Limited slip makes a difference but my old ZHP was still ok in the winter. I noticed the lack of LSD when trying to get up hills from a stop.

I've been driving rwd cars in the snow for a long time. They take a little bit longer to get going from a stop but a well balanced rwd car with limited slip makes for quite the snow machine. It's frustrating that winter tires are so ignored. They make such a huge difference.

[Dual]

Studded tires are useful in ice- less so in general winter driving conditions with today's snow tires. I am driving in Maine and it's been decades, I believe since I've used studded snow tires.

I don't think it's necessary to load the trunk with weight. That includes kids, Laszlo!

I can't speak to the LSD question from first-hand experience since I got my ZHP at the end of last winter, but I did install a limited slip as soon as I could. It will be interesting to see how it interacts with the DSC.

[NoVAphotog]

Studded tires are useful in ice- less so in general winter driving conditions with today's snow tires. I am driving in Maine and it's been decades, I believe since I've used studded snow tires.

I don't think it's necessary to load the trunk with weight. That includes kids, Laszlo!

I can't speak to the LSD question from first-hand experience since I got my ZHP at the end of last winter, but I did install a limited slip as soon as I could. It will be interesting to see how it interacts with the DSC.

It doesn't do much. The tires and LSD provide enough traction that dsc doesn't need to kick in at least in my experience. I would drive with the dtc off (one press) and leave the dsc on. That way it wouldn't cut power if I needed to rev it up.

[Dual]

That's a big help. Thanks!

[cakM3]

It doesn't do much. The tires and LSD provide enough traction that dsc doesn't need to kick in at least in my experience. I would drive with the dtc off (one press) and leave the dsc on. That way it wouldn't cut power if I needed to rev it up.

This :thumbsup This is how I drive my ZHP when there's snow on the roads.

[Dual]

I would drive with the dtc off (one press) and leave the dsc on. That way it wouldn't cut power if I needed to rev it up.I tested this the other day. My DSC switch seems to have only two modes: the LED is either on (green) or off. Am I missing something?

[NoVAphotog]

I tested this the other day. My DSC switch seems to have only two modes: the LED is either on (green) or off. Am I missing something?

What I'm talking about is what you are doing. Hold it down for 5+ seconds and it turns it all the way off and will show the light on the middle as well as the parking brake light.

[Dual]

Thanks for this!

[BADCLOWN]

My tip for driving your ZHP in winter conditions: DONT.

[az3579]

My tip for driving your ZHP in winter conditions: DONT.
Why the heck not?

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[BADCLOWN]

If you have the option to avoid doing so. While I enjoy my car, I enjoy it too much to put it through winter salty winters. Plus all the asshole drivers around here that freak out over an inch of snow or drive like it's bone dry outside.

[az3579]

If you have the option to avoid doing so. While I enjoy my car, I enjoy it too much to put it through winter salty winters. Plus all the asshole drivers around here that freak out over an inch of snow or drive like it's bone dry outside.
Winter driving is some of the most fun you can have in a ZHP! Omitting that is crazy talk. :)

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[NoVAphotog]

If you have the option to avoid doing so. While I enjoy my car, I enjoy it too much to put it through winter salty winters. Plus all the asshole drivers around here that freak out over an inch of snow or drive like it's bone dry outside.

I didn't buy this 4Runner to subject my zhp to salty bs again! It's fun, but not that fun. Plus apparently 4Lo and 2wd snonuts are fun. And not having to worry about it is ultimate fun.

[BADCLOWN]

Exactly why I have mine, plus for hauling around our two dogs. Works well, while having some slide around fun in a zhp is appealing, id prefer to keep mine dry docked for winter.

[Simmsled]

How often does everyone clean their cars thru the winter?
And how?

[holyc0w]

How often does everyone clean their cars thru the winter?
And how?

Last winter I did a rinse or two at the local car wash. No brushes or anything. I think they were open on the warmer days when it hit around 40, but I thought once I was there in the morning when it was a bit colder. I guess I'll have to see.

[BADCLOWN]

I drove my grey zhp through a few winters and washed or sprayed it off as often as possible. Salt and road grim SUCK for paint and creating rust

[NoVAphotog]

How often does everyone clean their cars thru the winter?
And how?

I would jack it up on ramps and spray undercarriage at least once a month while doing a hand wash in the cold. I bought ice fishing gloves and filled the two buckets with hot water in the tub and carried them outside. Made a huge difference. Was worth it. Kept rust off the underside and the paint looking great.

If I was going to drive my zhp this winter I'd spray it all down underneath and the suspension components with Fluid Film. Going to hit 4runner with it as well since I really don't have time to do a full frame clean and POR15 application.


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[Prestovie]

I would jack it up on ramps and spray undercarriage at least once a month while doing a hand wash in the cold. I bought ice fishing gloves and filled the two buckets with hot water in the tub and carried them outside. Made a huge difference. Was worth it. Kept rust off the underside and the paint looking great.

If I was going to drive my zhp this winter I'd spray it all down underneath and the suspension components with Fluid Film. Going to hit 4runner with it as well since I really don't have time to do a full frame clean and POR15 application.


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Thats a huge help, will definitely be doing that once the salt stars pouring

[Prestovie]

I drove my grey zhp through a few winters and washed or sprayed it off as often as possible. Salt and road grim SUCK for paint and creating rust

Agreed, and if I had another car to use I wouldn't even be worrying about driving the ZHP in the winter, but unfortunately it's what I, and I'd imagine a few others, are faced with

[quikryptonite]

I try to use my wife's car as much as possible in the winter time, but when I do have to go out the Blizzaks treat me well. I had some Pirelli snow tires I liked, but these are a lot better. (WS80).

The only other thing I can think of to add to what has been said is to use some of this stuff:

Gummi-Pflege (https://www.amazon.com/nextzett-91480615-Gummi-Pflege-Rubber/dp/B004B8GTQG)

on your door and trunk weather seals to keep them from freezing together.

[NoVAphotog]

I try to use my wife's car as much as possible in the winter time, but when I do have to go out the Blizzaks treat me well. I had some Pirelli snow tires I liked, but these are a lot better. (WS80).

The only other thing I can think of to add to what has been said is to use some of this stuff:

Gummi-Pflege (https://www.amazon.com/nextzett-91480615-Gummi-Pflege-Rubber/dp/B004B8GTQG)

on your door and trunk weather seals to keep them from freezing together.

Gummi Pflege is awesome. I use it on the seals in the doors as well. Like the square things that are grey and drying in most cars. Completely revived them on mine.

[Prestovie]

The only other thing I can think of to add to what has been said is to use some of this stuff:

Gummi-Pflege (https://www.amazon.com/nextzett-91480615-Gummi-Pflege-Rubber/dp/B004B8GTQG)

on your door and trunk weather seals to keep them from freezing together.

Thanks for the tip! I'll be picking up some, that's for sure

[Dual]

That's good to know. I have previously used silicone spray on seals, but it's hard to apply on our cars- overspray.

[slater]

That's good to know. I have previously used silicone spray on seals, but it's hard to apply on our cars- overspray.

you can always spray it generously onto a microfiber and then go onto the seals. that's what i do.

[Dual]

Good point for sure but I ordered the Gummi goop to try.
From looking at the web it appears the 303 folks may be rebranding this product (https://www.amazon.com/303-30324-Protectant-Conditioner-Weather/dp/B00T44D1R2), as well.

[Prestovie]

you can always spray it generously onto a microfiber and then go onto the seals. that's what i do.

I haven't noticed any seal problems on my car as of yet, but should I still get this and apply it before winter? Or should I not worry about it until I start to notice some sort of issue?

[slater]

I haven't noticed any seal problems on my car as of yet, but should I still get this and apply it before winter? Or should I not worry about it until I start to notice some sort of issue?

the seals dry out over time, the silicone spray (or gummy pflege) hydrates the seals... always a good thing. do it yearly.

[Dual]

Anyone here have experience with Fluid Film (http://www.fluid-film.com/)??? Lots of people up my way are very positive about it.
28014

[Prestovie]

the seals dry out over time, the silicone spray (or gummy pflege) hydrates the seals... always a good thing. do it yearly.

Ok good to know, just ordered some

[Dual]

The only other thing I can think of to add to what has been said is to use some of this stuff:
Gummi-Pflege (https://www.amazon.com/nextzett-91480615-Gummi-Pflege-Rubber/dp/B004B8GTQG)
on your door and trunk weather seals to keep them from freezing together.Just tried it. Even though I was super-careful to be sure the applicator was firmly attached to the bottle, it broke away twice during use, spilling fluid all over the inside of my car. Turns out the container I received didn't so much as have a snap fitting as a push-on, with no retention. So– handle with care.

Full refund from Amazon, bless them, and they let me keep what's left in the bottle lol.

[ELCID86]

Just tried it. Even though I was super-careful to be sure the applicator was firmly attached to the bottle, it broke away twice during use, spilling fluid all over the inside of my car. Turns out the container I received didn't so much as have a snap fitting as a push-on, with no retention. So– handle with care.

Full refund from Amazon, bless them, and they let me keep what's left in the bottle lol.

Yikes. I've had two bottles that didn't have these problems. Hope the new one works.

[Prestovie]

Just tried it. Even though I was super-careful to be sure the applicator was firmly attached to the bottle, it broke away twice during use, spilling fluid all over the inside of my car. Turns out the container I received didn't so much as have a snap fitting as a push-on, with no retention. So– handle with care.

Full refund from Amazon, bless them, and they let me keep what's left in the bottle lol.

Dang that's a huge bummer, and they gave you a full refund? That's surprising, whenever I've tried to return something on amazon they charge me for returning it, so if it was like a $8 item they tell me it's $12 to return lol so I just end up keeping it