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Ferrari cold weather driving

Discussion in '360/430' started by teachdna, Mar 13, 2005.

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  1. teachdna

    teachdna Formula Junior

    Sep 1, 2001
    374
    Cincinnati
    Full Name:
    Jeffrey Robbins
    #1 teachdna, Mar 13, 2005
    For those of us who can't bear to put our cars in storage for the winter and drive through the cold season...has anyone found a good set of tires? I don't mean snow tires-even I won't take the 550 out in the snow-it's so bad that it's laughable if it weren't so scary.

    But even when the roads are clear and it's cold, the car is incredibly antsy-not surprising considering the rubber that's used and I also take it easy until the tires get warmed up a bit. But even then, there's a noticeable lack of grip that’s a little disconcerting.

    Has anyone found a set of tires for this car that they’re happy with when the temperature goes below freezing? All TireRack has are summer designated tires in the right sizes - Front: 255/40YR18 Rear: 295/35ZR18 -and I was wondering whether (or is that weather) there’s anything else out there that people have tried and are happy with?
     
  2. Oengus

    Oengus F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed Silver Subscribed

    Sep 29, 2004
    10,830
    Between timing belts/chains or West Palm Beach FL
    Full Name:
    Chas
    #2 Oengus, Mar 13, 2005
    Jeff,

    I used to use Blizzaks on my P-cars, thery worked great. I think tire rack has them.
     
  3. ze_shark

    ze_shark Formula 3

    Jul 13, 2003
    1,274
    Switzerland (NW)
    #3 ze_shark, Mar 13, 2005
    Pirelli made some PR around winter tires developped for the Gallardo, but they are not available in dimensions compatible with the 550 OEM wheels (the winter 240 snowsport exists in 255/40/18 but not in 295/35/18). No available dimensions come even close to fitting.
    My 550 has S02s and I drive it whenever I can through the winter, but not below freezing temps.

    Buy a C4 or an Audi S4 ...
     
  4. Blue S2

    Blue S2 Karting

    Jan 13, 2004
    97
    Full Name:
    Tony
    #4 Blue S2, Mar 14, 2005
    Winter tires wouldnt be the best answer either. Even though they are better in snow, cold, etc... they do not have nearly the dry grip comapred to anything you would run normally on your car. I have Pilot Sports, and S-03s on my two cars during the year. I sadly storage the Porsche in the winter, but i have Dunlop Winter Sports on my GTI. I got those because they were supposed to be better than the Blizzaks on the dry, but i find there is still a huge lack of grip. I have 312mm discs and i can outbrake these tires. The will lose traction fast if i get on the brakes with authority. The Pilot Sports work with the brakes and stop on a dime. It does bother me. Especially since i HAVE to do highway driving. It seems as if living in a cold climate just isnt as much fun when you own performance vehicles.

    Cant wait til spring.
     
  5. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,047
    USA
    #5 f355spider, Mar 14, 2005
    Agreed, I have put Dunlop snow tires on my previous Honda Accord, and they were TERRIBLE on dry pavement....it was very easy to lock the front tires in a quick stop (non abs car).
     
  6. teachdna

    teachdna Formula Junior

    Sep 1, 2001
    374
    Cincinnati
    Full Name:
    Jeffrey Robbins
    #6 teachdna, Mar 14, 2005
    Thanks Guys. It looks as if I haven't been able to find a solution for a reason- maybe there's no solution- unless I move to warmer climes. I thought there might be something out there that was obvious but I was missing.

    I'll just take it easy 'till it warms up. It still beats driving any of my other cars. There just aren't too many tires out there for these wheels.

    Spring's around the corner.
     
  7. Blue S2

    Blue S2 Karting

    Jan 13, 2004
    97
    Full Name:
    Tony
    #7 Blue S2, Mar 14, 2005
    Personally, winters suck on dry, and all-season comprimise too much. If you ARENT going to be driving your car in snow or icey conditions, i say just run the performance tires. They are better still. Just go EASY with them. They will warm up after being run. Especially on the highway. Just hope you dont get caught in a snow storm with them.
     

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