I have a 2013 GT with stock Perellis. I haven't driven it in cold weather yet (been traveling for business) so today was the first time I've driven it in cold temperatures (5-20F).

Basically without granny driving it will not hold traction very well. Doesn't take what I could call aggressive driving to get the TC system engaging. I assumed since I didn't get the brembo package that the tires would not be warm weather only.

Is this typical and will getting "cold weather" tires (anyone know what the stock perelli's are rated for?) make a difference, or would I need full on snow tires/etc (even though the issue is not ice).

I don't ever really plan on driving the thing if there's even a hint of snow/ice, but would prefer to be able to drive it safely in dry/cold conditions. I'm not particularly concerned with traction under power (not caring to push it hard just driving) but the lack of traction concerns me in stopping situations.

EDIT: So these are the tires on the vehicle: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....ero+All+Season

Supposedly all season, so maybe my expectations are just way too high for never haven driven a powerful coupe before.

 

Well, let me preface by saying the oem Pirelli tire is NOT the best all season tire in existence. However, I've driven my mustang in the snow/ice on occasion both with the oem Pirelli tire and with the goodyear all seasons I have on it now, and it's not impossible.

It's all about keeping calm and recognizing what your abilities and the cars abilities are. Plan ahead, brake early, turn slowly, and whatever you do, DO NOT get on the gas while you're turning. With the limited slip diff these cars WILL switch ends on you in a hurry if you're not careful. And keep in mind that the above is true not just on snow and ice but on dry pavement when it's very cold. Even though all season tires are M+S (mud and snow) rated, the rubber compound they are made out of doesn't stay as soft in extreme cold as a true winter tire, and therefore grip is limited even on dry road.

Your car has more power than mine, and a more advanced traction/stability control system, but all the same rules apply.

If you're concerned about cold weather traction there is simply no substitute for a proper winter tire like a blizzak or equivalent. True winter tires use a different rubber compound than all seasons that remains grippier in extreme cold even on dry pavement.

 

Thanks Kevin,

What you say is more or less what I was assuming, but I wanted to hear it from someone now trying to make a sale =)

One last question if I may. I have been planning to get new wheels so I was thinking about using the stock wheels as snow tires (stock GT 18x8s). I know smaller narrower tires are preferred for winter tires, but would the stock wheels be reasonable?

 

I'd say the stockers are reasonable for snow tire use. It's true that narrower has it's advantages in the snow, but you also have to keep in mind that with the amount of low end torque on tap too narrow isn't going to be a good thing either. haha

 

If it were my car and I didn't have a dedicated winter DD, these would be my choice:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....ndard%20Brakes

 

Main thing is tread compound. Nothing beats a dedicted snow tire but it isn't always practacle for most to go this route. A snow tires compound stays softer in colder weather and has more sipes in each block for traction but there is a trade off, tread squirm and tread wear in warmer temps.

All seasons cannot to all so not matter what they are going to get stiff in cold weather, there are some better at than others. I have had real good luck with conti DWS but felt the steering responce on dry and non winter seasons wasn't the greatest. I now run Michelin pilot sport A/S plus, handles just has good in the cold and snow/ice but had much better control in turns on snowy roads over the DWS, much better handling tire on the dry and non winter seasons... braking was about the same for both.

 

All Season tires were an American invention as we are lazy and don't want to swap to a full set of winter tires, as they do in Europe. With that said, full winter tires, such as the Blizzaks (which I do have) come into their own at less then 45F. I just drove mine the other day, at 18F in snow. Not only were there no problems but the car is truly fun to drive. I do leave the traction control on.

I purchased the Bilzzaks from Tire Rack, with the SVT Ford wheels and TPMS. This is my second full season with them and I would recommend them to anyone. In really icy intersections, because of the 5.0 torque, I use 2nd gear starts, and the Blizzaks bite right away.

Hope this helps.

 

Yeah, I'll chime in on the LM60 Blizzaks: Just fine in the snow, the colder the better. Slush will get it squirelly, so plan accordingly. I'm in the left lane alone on the Interstate at 50mph while the SUV's are cowering nose-to-tail at 40 in the middle.

Above freezing to 50 deg F, they have increasing 'softness'.... Above 50 deg WATCH OUT ! Even my '11 V6 will kick out the tail in the dry in second gear.

I got mine on eBay used for substantially less than the $ on Tire Rack, shop around.
/RZ

 

I have been running Blizzak WS-50's for 8 winters now on my '03 V6 and they have been nothing short of incredible. I would highly recommend them and would have no doubts about buying any other version of the Blizzaks, great tires.