Driving in snow?

[SLR]

Ok, Marry x-mass to you all??
I'm off to live in Germany for a few years from Australia via the UK, and though I have driven in snow before but not for a long time. This will be the first time I have ever driven my 3.2 in snow or ice. I have relatively good driving skills ( x pro motor bike racer ) Just ask my body!!.
I have read a bit on how to handle some situations but just a few pointers from you who have the experience. I'm not looking at going nuts, but if the car starts to loose steering or traction, even at slow speeds, is it a mater of going with it or trying to over correct the situation?
When I get to Germany I'm going to have a go at snow track driving for a bunch of fun.
Thanks Steve.

[_ERIC]

I am by far no expert on driving but I did take my '77 Carrera 3.0 out in the snow tonight to pick my sister up from the train station. (Its my daily) The tires on it are not the best, they are some "all seasons" but did the job ok. If you're starting from a stop just be very easy on the gas and also when you lift off the gas in or before a corner do it smooth, the back will come around it you don't! When going down a hill, let the engine do the majority of the braking for you. Too much brake pedal and you'll loose it! Good luck!

[SLR]

Cool thanks , good advice

[JohnJL]

Put good, season-specific tires on. at the first snow or good wet freeze, find an empty parking lot and experiment.

better yet, join PCGB and do a winter driving course.

[Cherry Bomb]

Good advice above. Skinny snow tires front and rear added with meaningful modulation of brakes and throttle. Just think smooth and calm keeps your 911 on the road. I have driven many vehicles on and off road through many winters and I can say the 911 is slippery even in a drizzle if you don't respect it. Plan ahead on your stops and keep the front end loaded, i.e.; full tank, spare, jack, bag(s) of sand. Once you slip and slide a few times you can get the feel for it and the rest is just too much fun. Also, LSD helps with traction and tail guidance.

Did I mention smooth and calm?

Good Luck and Merry Christmas!

[SLR]

Thanks JohnJL
I'm a member of the PCGB and plan on the snow driving course,
and have put new Michelin winter tires (not skinnys) The car park idea sounds like fun.

[JohnJL]

Originally Posted by SLR

Thanks JohnJL
I'm a member of the PCGB and plan on the snow driving course,
and have put new Michelin winter tires (not skinnys) The car park idea sounds like fun.

Church lots are often empty during the week

Make sure there arent any kids around.

[Nevergrowup]

I just came in from a little drive in the snow. Don't drive it every day, but it' s healthy for both car and driver to have some spirited fun during the winter.

I have a set of teledials with 185/15 dedicated winter tires on it.

Here's a pic from last winter:

[Boomtown Rat]

Just got back in from a short jaunt in the Bavarian Alps with my new cameraman (my 10 year old son). Had a wonderful little trip of 300 km.

Make sure your tires are well-profiled - better yet get "skinny" 15s for the 3.2. Be extra careful decelerating into turns and accelerating out of them. If "she" starts to wag her azz, lighten up a bit and correct.

Don't worry about the snow - These cars are unbeatable in capable hands. Worry about the salt. Especially in southern Germany, where brine solutions are used liberally, my advice is to drive when the snow's fresh and not too deep (up to 10 centimeters is o.k.). Otherwise, wait until the roads are clear (like today).

Have fun and be safe!

[Winter]

Well, I'm not as brave as some here who drive their P-cars in the snow (targa with no heat and a well sorted S6 avant combine to keep me in the Audi when the flakes fly). But my advice for any driver with any car is to first get dedicated snow tires and second, when it does snow go find a very large and very empty parking lot to go practice in. And by practice i mean break the car loose and learn what happens and how to correct it, etc. It's fun and it is educational. Good luck!

[Ramathorn]

I was planning on DD'ing mine this winter but, after a couple pucker moments on my way to work in the fog and ice i decided to hibernate it and picked up a cheap subaru forester for the winter.

[SLR]

Funnily enough I'm looking at a subaru forester my self when we get to Germany this Friday. man the P car is so heavy on the steering at slow speeds with a full tank and a lot of stuff in the front.

[gtc]

Mine does great in the snow with nothing more than some really good all season tires. The only time I won't take it out is when there is black ice or deep snow, but I probably wouldn't be driving anything else in those conditions either.

[Cherry Bomb]

Back in high school I used to run the streets with a Cal-Look '63 Beetle and plow fluffly snow on the way, lol. I ran 135R15's up front with a 5" drop and Vredstein 165R15's out back at stock tired height. I miss that car. lol

Good luck and safe tidings to all that dare trek these winter months in your 911. (or other)