Who drives car in winter or cold weather? | FerrariChat

Who drives car in winter or cold weather?

Discussion in '360/430' started by fstbiker, Oct 25, 2013.

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  1. fstbiker

    fstbiker Formula Junior

    Jun 28, 2012
    509
    New Jersey
    We'll I'm in the north east and have always driven my non f cars any nice day all year long. Any of you guys do the same and if so any pre ride do's and don't ?
     
  2. up4speed

    up4speed F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 16, 2012
    3,693
    Long Island, NY
    Full Name:
    Chris
    I used mine on Long Island all winter long as long as the roads were dry (and clean of course).
    The only issue that I can think of that is a valid concern in the cold weather is the tires. The tires on these cars are (usually) "summer only" tires. The tread compound hardens up in colder weather preventing the tires from sticking to the ground with full grip. Once the temps drop below 40 degrees, one must be VERY careful not to push the car hard, otherwise you may not have an F car for long! This issue gets magnified if you drive in wet weather (I never do). In wet, cold weather they will be extremely slippery!
    Other than the tire issue, I can't really think of anything special. You might also want to make sure that your coolant is mixed properly so it protects down to -30 (or whatever the ridiculously low standard is). Generic auto parts stores sell very cheap tools to check the coolant for this.
     
  3. mikeyr

    mikeyr Formula 3

    Jun 17, 2004
    2,154
    Santa Barbara, CA.
    Full Name:
    Mike Rambour
    #3 mikeyr, Oct 25, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  4. F430giallomodena

    F430giallomodena Formula Junior

    Mar 2, 2012
    910
    Lugano, Switzerland
    never driven in snowy roads but yes during winter, unless roads are salty (which I do not like )
     
  5. bball16

    bball16 F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 2, 2011
    4,126
    NY LI FtL
    Full Name:
    Mike
    Cold dry weather no problem.
     
  6. Chiaroman

    Chiaroman Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 21, 2004
    1,687
    New Jersey
    The temp. tomorrow morning at sunrise will be 36 here and I will be out 10 to 15 minutes before that to enjoy the sunrise and the fall foliage here in south Jersey.

    The cold is not a problem at all except for the tire issue.
     
  7. Mr.Chairman

    Mr.Chairman F1 Rookie

    Mar 21, 2008
    2,987
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    Robbie
    Besides tires I love driving in cold weather. Cool crisp air. The car loves it. I don't drive in the dead heat of summer. I think these cars hate the heat. Spring fall winter is a go. Summer I limit usage. Sounds crazy.

    R
     
  8. BMWManiac

    BMWManiac Karting

    Apr 22, 2007
    222
    Aberdeen, MD
    Full Name:
    Alex
    Not at all! For every 11 degrees of heat lost, you gain 1+ hp.....

    Those of us driving cars with turbochargers, really love driving in the cold weather!

    In the high temperatures of summer, your motor can get heat soaked, robbing you of power....so, makes perfect sense!
     
  9. Mr.Chairman

    Mr.Chairman F1 Rookie

    Mar 21, 2008
    2,987
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    Robbie
    Agree.. Ferrari's just dont like the heat. Alot of owners think summer is ideal for driving but these cars just hate hot days especially when you add some humidity..

    R
     
  10. BMWManiac

    BMWManiac Karting

    Apr 22, 2007
    222
    Aberdeen, MD
    Full Name:
    Alex
    How much heat do you think gets added by the clear, rear window over the intake manifolds? I would imagine that it does add to this problem! Anyone ever think about adding a tint over it that has the UV protection and blocks all the heat?
     
  11. blkdiablo33

    blkdiablo33 F1 Rookie

    Jul 12, 2004
    4,454
    i would not drive my 430 in snowy roads but will drive on cold days
     
  12. IDriveM5

    IDriveM5 F1 Rookie

    Jul 2, 2012
    2,675
    Central Ohio
    Full Name:
    Raj
    I drove my 360 this morning - it was about 34 degrees out. So it was cold, but the conditions are dry. It was worth it.
     
  13. nietoale1

    nietoale1 Karting

    Dec 28, 2012
    226
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Alex Nieto
    I drove my F360 to work today....I am in NJ...30F at 7:00 a.m. You only live once...so as far there is no salt or snow on the roads, I try to enjoy her everytime I have a chance!
     
  14. vrsurgeon

    vrsurgeon F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 13, 2009
    16,527
    Charleston, SC
    Full Name:
    Curt
    IMHO the window is a minor player. Engine pumps out soo much heat via headers and exhaust. You could try it and try an identical route during the summer.

    Down yonder we have very hot summers with alot of humidity. Mine seems to like the warmer weather. I don't think she likes warmup under 60 degrees.. The radiators and oil cooler, and my challenge grill really do a good job of keeping the heat down, even in stop and go conditions. When you're at speed on the highway, even in the summer on 95 deg days the needle on mine is normal.
     
  15. Piper

    Piper Two Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 6, 2010
    25,415
    Northern Virginia
    Full Name:
    Bob
    #15 Piper, Oct 25, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  16. psorella

    psorella Formula 3

    Oct 22, 2007
    1,249
    Canada
    Full Name:
    Lino
    I drive my car so long it doesn't start snowing. After that, usually mid November , she goes into hibernation till mid April ...
     
  17. cfasullo

    cfasullo Karting

    Aug 18, 2013
    55

    I drive mine around LI all year round also as long as there is no snow. What part of li are you from?
     
  18. SCKOMS

    SCKOMS F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 21, 2011
    3,903
    Lake County, IL
    Full Name:
    Spiro
    #18 SCKOMS, Oct 25, 2013
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2013
    I'm in the Chicago area. The last 2 winters, I drove my 360 at least every 2 weeks, as long as it was dry and the high was not below freezing. I had a spare set of wheels with all season tires.

    I plan to do the same with my 430, but haven't gotten all seasons yet.

    Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
     
  19. Labman

    Labman F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 25, 2010
    3,801
    Long Island, NY
    Full Name:
    Steve
    I drive mine. Period. I don't care how cold it is. As long as the roads are dry and salt/sand free. No way I can just let her sit in my garage and just look at it all winter.
     
  20. cfasullo

    cfasullo Karting

    Aug 18, 2013
    55
    Labman, where in long island are you from?
     
  21. 9650max

    9650max Karting
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 28, 2011
    173
    Cold weather is great, no bugs.
     
  22. Arron

    Arron Karting

    Mar 27, 2006
    66
    Kent, UK
    In England, we mostly have cold weather so the season doesn't matter ! As long as it is dry on the roads and clean then I will take my car out.
     
  23. Labman

    Labman F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 25, 2010
    3,801
    Long Island, NY
    Full Name:
    Steve
    Northport area. Lots of winding roads, hills and trees :)
     
  24. honda.vfr

    honda.vfr Karting

    Jun 22, 2012
    134
    Ostrava, CZ (EU)
    Full Name:
    Milan Pukl
    I also drive my 360 in cold weather when there is no snow and salt on the roads. The only limit is when the temp goes under -5°C. The opening cables from the outside handles get stuck by the freeze with no chance to open the door. Last winter that happened many times to me.
     
  25. Alpintourer

    Alpintourer F1 Rookie
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jul 20, 2013
    3,845
    The Low Country
    Full Name:
    Dave Steven
    Many years and motorcycles ago my wife and I took out our touring bike (with alloy wheels) on an absolutely spectacular January day to ride up to her dad's grave site in the Saratoga National Cemetery. The air was warm and the roads clear and very dry. After a great ride I parked the bike back in the garage and then the cold snowy weather closed in so it was not ridden for probably another three months. On our next outing the wheels were pitted and ugly. There was enough fine road salt dust we picked up unknowingly that it ruined the wheels. I did my best with fine steel wool but they never looked new again. It takes a couple of good heavy spring rains to wash off the salt from the road. Maybe Ferrari wheels are different but I can't imagine the corrosive effects on the rest of the underbody/suspension.
     

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