Winter driving - snow and ice
#1
Legacy TMS Member
Thread Starter
Winter driving - snow and ice
Has anyone drive in snow and ice with their 05-up Mustang GT?
I'm hesitant to order a 07 GT now because by the time it arrives, it will be winter in MI. That means salt and snow on subdivisions until April. My Crown Vic (4.6 2V V8, 3.55s, snow tires, Traction-Lok) can give me a hard time on the really thick stuff (16"-20" or more) but I never put any weight in the back.
Granted, the 05-up GTs are about only 400 lb lighter than my Crown Vic, I'm curious as to how well they perform in the snow.
I'm hesitant to order a 07 GT now because by the time it arrives, it will be winter in MI. That means salt and snow on subdivisions until April. My Crown Vic (4.6 2V V8, 3.55s, snow tires, Traction-Lok) can give me a hard time on the really thick stuff (16"-20" or more) but I never put any weight in the back.
Granted, the 05-up GTs are about only 400 lb lighter than my Crown Vic, I'm curious as to how well they perform in the snow.
#2
I lived outside of Pittsburgh when i bought my 05 GT. Its no 4x4. I did my best not to drive in the snow, when i did i had to be real careful. If your roads arent plowed it can be a real problem. I was trying to beat an incoming blizzard one night and got caught in it only two miles from my house. Starting out from a stop will be tough because the rear end wants to fish tail around. same thing when turning. also the hills in PA are tough when it gets icey. all in all it depends on your area, if its fairly flat and the roads are well maintained then you should be fine in anything but an all out blizzard. Just be careful and take your time.
#3
Legacy TMS Member
Thread Starter
Did you try keeping the traction control on? I found the Trac Ctrl on my Vic helped reduce the fish tailing while the limited slip did a great job keeping the vehicle moving. Luckily most of SE MI is flat terrain, but the roads are over-salted and un-plowed except for major roads.
I plan to get Goodyear Assurance TripleTred tires on the GT once the stock tires wear out (or I may just get rid of them asap).
I plan to get Goodyear Assurance TripleTred tires on the GT once the stock tires wear out (or I may just get rid of them asap).
#4
Team Mustang Source
I've found the GT on stock tires is not bad, if you leave the TC on. It's no 4x4, but for what it is it's not bad. WAY BETTER than my '89. 100 times better.
#5
TRAC was on for me. PA roads are bad to begin with. That has a lot to do with it i think. I just moved to Maryland so ill see how the better roads and flatter terrain work out this winter.
#7
Mach 1 Member
LOL! Don't worry about it. Everything is closed when the flurries start. People around here drive in the rain like there was six inches of snow on the road
#8
I had $100 michelin X-ice tires mounted last year and never got stuck or lost traction in a New England winter. I wouldn't take delivery in the winter though and drive it, take delivery in April so it can look new for at least 1 summer
#9
Cobra Member
I actually did quite well with my car in the snow last winter. It gets a little dicey in really heavy stuff when the roads aren't plowed well, otherwise it drives quite well compared to the 2wd Ranger I had. That thing had no traction at all.
#10
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
This year I think I'll cut back to 240.
#11
After all these years,
My C/T still sucks!
My C/T still sucks!
Join Date: May 5, 2004
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I was up north once in a March snowstorm. I was scarified to drive her with snow on the ground.
Brian drove the mustang when it snowed, and I don't think he had a problem.
Brian drove the mustang when it snowed, and I don't think he had a problem.
#12
Driving beautiful mustangs in the winter is I will never drive mine in the winter and bought a cheap 4x4 kia sportage to drive in the winter here in New England. Salt and Sand will never defile my paint.
#13
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I drove my GT in snow last winter, with the stock Pirellis. It felt like Bambi's first ice run. Luckily we only get max. 1 week of snow per winter over here.
P.S.: I wish I didn't have to drive in winter, but this is my only car and my daily driver.
P.S.: I wish I didn't have to drive in winter, but this is my only car and my daily driver.
#14
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I live in NW Indiana, near Chicago. So I get a LOT of lake effect snow. Usually starts in mid Nov. and ends in March. The stock Pirellis do fine.
I drive over an hour to get to work everyday (South Bend). There are some days that drive ends up being 2 hours b/c of the snow.
Is it smart? No.... Can it be done? Yes.... Is the 05 light years ahead of the SN95? Without a doubt.
As long as the tires are fresh and you have LOTS of weight in the trunk (and behind the seats), you will be fine.
It's funny b/c 90% of the vehicles I see off the road up here in the winter are big SUV's!
I drive over an hour to get to work everyday (South Bend). There are some days that drive ends up being 2 hours b/c of the snow.
Is it smart? No.... Can it be done? Yes.... Is the 05 light years ahead of the SN95? Without a doubt.
As long as the tires are fresh and you have LOTS of weight in the trunk (and behind the seats), you will be fine.
It's funny b/c 90% of the vehicles I see off the road up here in the winter are big SUV's!
#15
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Did you try keeping the traction control on? I found the Trac Ctrl on my Vic helped reduce the fish tailing while the limited slip did a great job keeping the vehicle moving. Luckily most of SE MI is flat terrain, but the roads are over-salted and un-plowed except for major roads.
I plan to get Goodyear Assurance TripleTred tires on the GT once the stock tires wear out (or I may just get rid of them asap).
I plan to get Goodyear Assurance TripleTred tires on the GT once the stock tires wear out (or I may just get rid of them asap).
When those first came out I looked into them. But they are meant for passenger cars (sedans) and didn't come in any size that would fit the Mustang. Have they expanded their selection? Are they rated for 150MPH?
#16
Legacy TMS Member
Thread Starter
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....nSpeedRating=V
H-rated only though, but I don't plan on exceeding 130 mph anytime soon. 80,000 mile tread warranty and so far everyone that has used them has had nothing but positive stuff to say about them in all types of conditions.
H-rated only though, but I don't plan on exceeding 130 mph anytime soon. 80,000 mile tread warranty and so far everyone that has used them has had nothing but positive stuff to say about them in all types of conditions.
#17
Legacy TMS Member
I know there are mixed reviews on siping the tires but I had mine siped. Its supose to help in the rain and snow. Hopefully next spring I will be getting new tires and rims.
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/tireSiping.dos
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/tireSiping.dos
#20