Here's the big question for those of you in the snowbelt... how is your Mustang in the dead of winter? Why I ask is that I'm seriously considering an '05 GT for a daily driver. But wait, I'm in Victoria BC, it never snows here, right? Well, that's true but I am contemplating a move back to Ottawa ON where I grew up and was wondering how the new Mustang would deal with it. Back in the day, I always had a 4x4 around, usually an old Cherokee but if i bought this GT, I'd be trading in my current Jeep TJ thusly leaving myself 4x4-less. Of course, there's still the chance that I'll stay here and if so, the snow question becomes moot, but I'd still like to hear some experiences just in case!

 

Hey, I am in Victoria too! If you saw the forcast for Thursday and Friday, I can tell you my 05 is staying in the garage and the wife will take me to work in the 04 Sport Trac.

I have owned an 89, 91 and 2000 Mustang, all V-8's and I have driven all of them in the snow at one time or another. They are dangerous at best in the snow. By far the worst vehicle in snow. Now I have not tried my 05 in the snow, it only has 800kms on it. I am curious how the traction control would make the car act in snow. I am too scared to have someone with bald summer tires (someone like me) to run into my 05 in the snow.

The snow is coming, I am scared!!!

 

Then I'd better keep my bald-summer-tired 5.0 off the road this week! I really don't want to move but my industry (aircraft) is unstable at best and sometimes you're forced to move just to chase the jobs. I really hate snow and living here is a dream so maybe I'll just buy the '05 and live in it if need-be! :P

 

I'm in Regina SK. We just got a foot of snow here, over the weekend from a blizzard. I drive my 02 from time to time, and it has never been too much trouble. It won't go though a foot of snow, like we just got, but it is fine on snow under about 4 inches, and ice.

I grew up on RWD cars and trucks, so driving the mustang was no different. Infact, my 02 handles better in the snow, than a dodge halfton I used to have, even with snow tires on the truck. The traction control helps on ice, but you have to turn it off, to get though heavier snow. Also, I just have the stock tires on the 02.

I haven't got my 05 yet. I just ordered it last week, however I plan on doing the same as I do with my 02: Keep it in the garage most of the winter, but keep it licensed and insured, so I can drive it every once in awhile.

 

Have had my '05 in snow once so far - kind of wet snow. It drove fine in it with no problems in about 4 inches of the stuff. Did have a problem getting rolling going up a ski hill drive on ice but the road's like that with any car. The secret is to go up the hill to the top and then back down to park it going DOWN the hill!

ONLY have rear wheel drive cars. Can't stand front wheel drives. Seldom have any problem during Michigan winters.

Ted

 

I've had it in 2 snowstorms (not terrible blizzards, but not flurries either) and have driven it on subsequent days as well. It handled fine...just gotta be gentle on the gas when you start.

 

I have driven it in snow in Pittsburgh and Virginia Beach.

My driveway is sloped and I park at the bottom of the hill. My T-Bird never could make it up the hill in the snow. The 05 does. The traction controll kicks on and it slowly chugs it's way up the hill.

While the traction control is on, I tried to play to see what would happen. I tried to do doughnuts, but the traction control kicked on and would not let me swing around. I tried hard, and a was able to get one or two after learning how to do it with the TC on, but it was still hard.

 

The factory tires are garbage in the snow, wish they would stop calling them all-season, maybe for Florida but not Canada. I put on Michelin X-ice tires and have no problems in the snow.

 

Here ya go: http://www.tirerack.com/snow/WinterTireCom...e&performance=W

 

We just had a foot and a half of snow last week. I didn't take it out in that, but I took it out after the plows had knocked it down to a couple of inches and some ice. I thought it handled surprisingly well. It wouldn't kick sideways with the traction control on. I felt safe enough to let my wife drive it to work in a couple of inches of snow on a winding country road.

On the other hand, straight line braking on snow/ice seemed to take a bit more road than expected (even for snow/ice). I guess it handles so well in the corners that I forget it is almost 3500 lbs.

Summary: No probs cornering/accelerating on snow/ice but leave plenty of stopping room.

 

I have driven to Wisconsin for a Packer game. I think that it handled great in the snow. (well once you get out of first)

 

I drove from San Diego to Eureka to pick up my 05 GT. I ended up CHAINING up at 500 miles on the odometer due to "Chains Required" on the freeway. The first time just snow pack road conditions. I was highly surprised at how well the car handled. I previously had an 04 Mustang and the difference to me was huge!!

The second chain up was in slush turning to ice and snow pack. Granted I had the chains and drove no more than 20 to 30 mph, but again I was greatly relieved at the handling. I am not sure if the weight distribution of 48/52 did the trick or maybe the difference in the solid rear end...something made a big difference in the handling.

Becci

 

Here's what I woke up to on New Years Day. stinked! I was staying at my parents house in Des Moines and then had to drive back to Minneapolis that day. It was white knuckle driving the whole way but it would have been in any vehicle. I went through every element. Snow, freezing rain, sleet, etc. The weather got worse every inch of the way. But I was very pleased with how my 05 GT handled. I've owned an 01 and a 98 and both of those cars might have been in the ditch in the same conditions. I wasn't expecting to test out the new car that soon but I was put in a position where I had to and the Mustang stood up for the challenge and passed with flying colors. I'm sure there are better snow tires out there, but I got no problems with tghe ones that are on there.

 

I have blizzak snow tires on my current car...and here in the snowy northeast (ct) I've had absolutely no problems with snow or ice since. It's unbelievable what a difference snow tires make over all seasons...and keep in mind they aren't even really that expensive when you factor in the extra life you are lending to your regular tires by not using them all winter.
Just bite the bullet....go for snows...the car is worth it.

 

what are some of the more decent snow tires that will not kill my wallet?
Also, for those who have driven on snow, how many have used the original A/S tires that cae with the car?

 

Don't know if this would help but I used to use the stock performance tires in the snow with my '00 trans am. TCS with rwd helps but for the t/a I would weigh down the rear with 2 or 3 50lb steel weight plates from sports authority during storms to help the rear get more grip. That woud probably help with the mustang also. Got through 3 winters like that but it was scary.

 

I used the originals for 2 days and removed them.. I have them for sale if anyone wants them

Had about 4 inches of snow on the ground. Sure I could drive through it but it was not that safe so I got snow tires and it makes a huge difference.

 

Wow! That's a pretty cool looking picture with those icicles hanging down.

I tweaked it in PhotoShop real quick for you

 

Thanks! I did some tweaking myself. It's hard to capture that mineral grey color on a digital camera for some reason. I need to take some 35mm pictures and scan them in.

 

See these post for snow...

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?sh...=0&#entry183796

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?sh...=0&#entry191491

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?sh...=0&#entry197737

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?sh...=0&#entry201688