I haven't had my G during the winter yet, but I can't afford two cars on insurance (had an accident at 16, 4 years later they're still upset about it). So I'm driving my 6mt all winter. I'm in Canada so winter's aren't exactly mild, but I'm sure tons of you guys do the same.

I just have some questions:

Is it really that bad?
I plan on getting blizzaks for my Rays, they're asking 350/tire though
Is the traction control actually helpful? I know lots of people leave it off since it prevents you from actually going if you're on ice/slick snow. But it seems like something that should be kept on once you're going.
Does the shifting get sticky? This is my first stick, my friends have mentioned their cars can get a little rough on shifting when its -20 C or lower.

 

Winter tires on 19's isn't the best way to do things. It will look great, but as you found out, it's not cheap. Get some stock 18's or 17's or have tirerack ship you ASA wheels with the winter rubber already mounted. 17's are perfect for winter since there is plenty of sidewall to protect against sliding into a curb. I run stock 17's in the winter. They're not pretty, but they work great. Performance snows on the rear for me and still running origninal 6yr old RE92 all seasons on the front. No issues with that for 2 seasons now. Prior to that I had the original RE92 all seasons on the rear just to burn them up. That was manageable but I wouldn't do it again. For Canada, you'll definitely want snows all around.

I rarely need to turn traction control off to get going, but there are situations where I launch without it and then immediately turn it back on. Typically it's just the sidestreets where that's needed. Not a big deal, you'll adapt quickly.

Factory non-synthetic transmission fluid does gum up slightly in extreme cold. I typically only notice that when I'm driving at high speed on the interstate since the tranny won't soak up as much engine heat compared to poking around in town. It's never been a problem, I don't feel like I'm having to strong arm the stick or anything. Some do change out for synthetic fluid which does tolerate the cold better.

Driving a proper rear wheel drive sports car in the winter is an absolute blast. Plenty of opportunities to put a smile on your face while going a little crazy (in appropriate places). If I lived outside of the city, I'd have to drive a different winter car. But for city driving, I have to have my G year round. Couldn't live without it.

 

Thanks for the encouragement, I've driven AWD or 4WD my whole life. It was always a blast going into 2wd and ripping around corners but those were ~$5000 SUVs, not my baby G!

I want to keep my Rays on blizzaks because the previous owner already gave them some scuffs so I won't worry as much, and I plan on getting summer rims next season.

 

Where in Canada?
I drove mine all winter in Fort McMurray and didnt have any issues, good set of winter tires and stupid-free driving and you can get anywhere

 

Edmonton! We're practically neighbours. What tires were you driving on?

 

I'm from Edmonton but moved here for work

Blizzaks on stock 18s. They were awesome

 

I did fine last winter. The last edmonton winter was a pretty weak one tho haha. It's doable and really fun i must say.

 

Keep in mind that G35's aren't the best cars in the world for ground clearance. It doesn't matter what kind of tires you have if you try to drive through snow that's higher than your car's ground clearance, you're probably not going to be going anywhere.. particularly with RWD.

 

You can't afford the $300 comprehensive insurance to park the G?

 

siouxfalls pretty much hit the nail on the head, I rock mine all winter too with 18's and Dunlop M3 sport snows just take it easy until you are comfortable with rwd. The only time I turn the vdc off is to get going from a stop then it goes right back on, the vdc system does a pretty good job keeping you in control, paired with a little driving skill you'll be fine. I'm kinda low and that makes it a little tougher but not much you just have to be careful the bumper doesnt turn into a snow plow and watch out for big ice chunks in the road. I personally love the snow its the only time I can go out and get it sideways without burning up a $500 set of tires lol.

 

Yeah last winter was weak, I think it maybe snowed good 3 times haha.

The problem is that if I have the G parked at my house, I won't have the self control to not take it out every now and then.

Thanks for the input, luckily my classes this coming semester dont start until 9 at the earliest so my neighbours will have plowed the roads for the most part by the time I leave!

 

Ive always had good luck with RWD in the winter as long as you get good tires. I wish I could give you more information, but Western New York was very very mild this year and we didn't get much snow (image that)

 

i just bought my g and i live in nova scotia, i plan to store it as the salt will probably ruin the car!? and i love her so...

 

blizzacks are what you need. I have them on my 18's, but then qagain i just bought a suv so the G will be parked

 

Meh it'll be washed at least once a week so I'm not concerned about salt. The trucks here dump gravel mostly instead of salt anyway.