With it being winter I thought that it might not be a bad idea to have a thread where we can share tips of how to drive the Crossfire safely in winter weather.

To get some extra traction in the snow while driving the Crossfire, put two 50 pound bags of sand in the trunk, positioned right over the rear wheels, it'll add a total of 100 pounds of downforce.

This one is a personal preferance, but to be safe when driving in this type of weather, I keep my wing deployed until I get to where I'm going, I only retract it when I get to where it is I'm going.

 

The best tip is to leave it in the garage and take the beater. Why risk it? It's the other drivers I don't trust.

 

My tip for Crossfire winter driving in the event you have summer tires:

DON'T!!!

 

What beater? The Crossfire is my daily driver...
As for the other drivers, that is why my lisance (sp?) plate says "LRN2DRV" (Learn to drive)


How much would it cost to get all-season tires on the Crossfire?

 

Tip?

Key West. That's a tip for ya'!

 

Tip: Put on some 16" wheels with dedicated snow tires. I like the 16 inch ones because they provide plenty of sidewall for all those potholes and other road hazards that you are sure to encounter in the winter.

 

Hai guys!!! I recently drove the crossfire home in a sheet of sleet and and inch of snow with 275 BFG KDW2 summer tires and I have a suggestion...


... walk.

 

But won't I need to recalibrate my speedometer becuase of the diffrent wheel size?

Also I need real tips like the one from Larsony, not sarcasm/smartass replys like; "Don't drive the Crossfire in winter!" or "Use the beater!" or "Walk!"

The Crossfire is my daily driver.
Believe me if I could drive something else in this kind of weather I certianly would, but at the moment that is not an option.

 

For tires like the Goodyear Eagle F1, probably around $1000 including installation. All-season tires aren't any more expensive, and are actually a little cheaper than the highest performing summer tires. There are also at least a couple winter tires that are made in the size to fit your wheels.

What kind of tires are you driving on now?

 

To be completely honest I'm not sure, probably the stock tires.

 

Read the owners manual. It suggests installing 18" front wheels all around with mounted snow tires for the winter.

But If I were you, I would take the money I'd spend on two more wheels and tires and buy a beater car.

 

Wouldn't changing the wheel/tire size also throw off the speedometer?

 

I live in California. What's winter???

 

Think about that a second. What does WHEEL size have to do with a speedometer? If you buy a snow tire that has the same overall diameter at the stock rear tires but fits an 18" wheel... there will be no difference. The tire will be more narrow (good for snow) and the sidewalls will be taller.

 

There were at least three tire models used as original equipment on the Crossfire. Many have the Michelin Pilot Sport 2, a summer tire designed for dry and wet, non-frozen pavement. If you have that tire, don't even attempt to drive in snow or ice. There was also a Continental summer tire used on later Crossfires (a ContiSportContact model). Don't drive with that tire in the snow either. There was also an optional all-season tire that came as an option on many Crossfires (Continental ContiTouringContact CW95). If you have that specific tire you may be able to actually drive in light snow. Hope this helps.

 

Ahh ok, I always thought that changing the wheel/tire size would throw the speedometer off.

Also, please stop with the sarcastic/smartass replies people, I started this thread in order to get real advice.

 

plenty of topics already listed

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...winter+driving

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...winter+driving

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...winter+driving

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...winter+driving

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...winter+driving

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...winter+driving

i have not really had any issues driving in the snow...
add weight to the rear
traction control on , and use caution.....

 

The wheel size has nothing to do with it. As long as the outside diameter of the tires is the same as stock you will be fine. Go with a 205/55/16 in the front and something like a 225/55/16 or 225/60/16 in the rear. Remember, you don't want to go with wide tires as they are not as good with cutting through the snow.

 

I use second gear to start in wintry conditions, gives less tire spin when you take off. I can tell you from experience the Crossfire is better in ice and snow than a 300z or a Corvette but all three are not winter weather cars. My only other suggestion is keep your speed way down if you have to drive in bad weather. I'm lucky, I usually keep mine in the garage until they clear the roads. I can walk most places, including work if I have to.
Pat

 

If you do anything, put that weight over the rear axle in the trunk. Last winter, it was the difference between scary and do-able. Also, if you are going downhill on snowy surfaces try not to use the transmission to brake. This may cause you to spin out.

I live in MA, there were a few days I just wouldn't drive in. It might be a good idea to set aside some vaction time for those days. Also, sometimes waiting an extra hour before you leave in the morning will give enough time for the roads to be cleared. And if you know it will snow while you are at work, it would be best to get out early.

As far as tires go, I had low treads on my fronts last year and managed. Snow tires would be a good idea however, some of the other commentors are right. With the money that snow tires cost, a beater car would be a better option. And you wouldn't need to risk an accident or getting stuck. Unfortunately I'm in the same boat as you, I will be driving the crossfire all winter. Patience and caution goes a long way.