I just recently got back from a snowboarding trip to western Maryland which is about 180 miles away from my home in northern VA. I had posted last week on deciding whether to choose my girl's civic or my G and decided to use my G with the m3s on. The trip up there was fine, there was slight snowfall on the way but nothing major to alter my driving.

We left Sunday around lunch time and it had been snowing a bit during the weekend. I was able to maneuver out of the resort parking lot fairly easily despite the untreated roads. I was worried about getting on the main road since I would be dealing with a lot of steep inclines and declines. For the most part the roads were pretreated with sand but it was still slick with slush. I was impressed with the grip and was able to maintain a speed of about 40mph on the highways around the mountains. It was clear, I was the only idiot with RWD driving around. Ironically, I saw several accidents and they all involved 4WD or AWD SUVs. I guess they think they are bulletproof and decide to drive at or above the speed limit. Sadly, there were a few accidents that I am sure had critical injuries, these people need to SLOW down in snow. I don't care what you are driving, you aren't invincible.

As I got closer to home, the roads became even worse. The slush was forming into ice and several cars ahead of me on an incline just couldnt make it. It was sort of funny since I saw literally 6 mustangs together in the middle of the road with their hazards on. RWD with their OEM tires is not a good mix. A few BMWs and a corvette were also flashing their hazards on the incline as I waited for my turn once the traffic light turned green. I was really nervous that I would not make it and would get stuck in the cold but I pushed forward. Surprisingly, I was able to get traction the whole way up without slippage and even passed SUVs and FWD cars with ease. What a relief. As I pulled into home, the roads were not treated at all but I was able to maneuver to my driveway. Now here is the sad part, after 5 hours of driving up and down a mountain and through the icy roads of VA, I manage to finally get stuck 20 feet in front of my house attempting to get up my driveway which is completely level. My tires could not hold traction in the 3 inches of snow. I got my roomies to help push my car and I was finally able to get in.

All in all, the dunlop m3s are a great winter tire. But don't be overconfident with them. You still need to ease on the throttle and drive under the speed limit at all times. In untreated packed snow, the tires WILL lose traction. But I am still VERY happy I was able to make it all the way home. I recommend them to anyone.

 

What size tire are you running and are these on the OEM 19s? 6MT or AT?

 

I am running the stock 18 coupe tire dimensions (225 on the front and 245 on the rear) with 18 inch ASA wheels. I have an AT with OEM 19s for the summer time.

 

correct me if i'm wrong, but isn't it easier to drive in snow with an AT rather than an MT?

 

I remember reading this question in a post somewhere on this forum. It basically comes down to experience with MT. If you are a seasoned vet with MT I heard it is even better to use in snow. But if you are a beginner, then you will have a very tough time. Of course, AT will be the most consistent.

 

i'm pretty sure they are easier to accelerate in the snow. i tried driving in snow last week and as soon as i put it in second, my traction control robot took over. even giving it a little gas would shut it down so i eventually had to turn around and go home. hadn't even gotten a mile from my house. i wasn't even shifting from high rpm's either. maybe 2.5-3k tops.

 

I am glad you, your gf, and the G are all home safe.

 

Thanks Man!

 

Stylez09 I live in the manassas area and I had to go 4 miles home yesterday on the stock 19'' wheels. That was a disaster. I managed to make it home. Won't be doing that again unless I get some winter tires.

 

Glad all of you made it home safe, good reminder for people to slow down in bad conditions. The important question though..How was the snowboarding? Did you have fun?
Lisa

 

Cool! I bought the M3s for my coupe as well. Good to know they're worth the price.