RE070 in winter? a really specific question!

dtseng01 · 12-12-2006, 04:46 AM

Okay, so my friends an I have planned a trip for Mammoth Mountain, for those of you west coasters. Now, I'm planning to drive up with my stock RE070's this Sunday, and there are different forecasts for the area, some saying it will snow while others say it's sunny out. My tires aren't brand new, they probably have a good 50% or less tread left. I know that RE070's can't handle snow and winter weather, but I don't think that the road up to Mammoth will be pummeled in snow. Anyways here's my concern and question:

Will my tires be able to handle the road up to the mountain? (this question is kind of specifically directed toward those who have first hand experience) Snow or no snow, the weather should be pretty cold so will the rubber harden enough for me to lose a lot of grip?

Also, if I put on chains, will it solve the problem? What I mean is that, if the answer to the question above is a no, then will chains fix anything?

This is my first time driving my STi up to Mammoth so I just want to make sure everything will be okay and I will not be running into other cars and yadda yadda.

Thank you for your time!

-David

karpiel666 · 12-12-2006, 05:17 AM

The roads to and around resorts are pretty much always plowed and gritted, and I dont think it would be cold enough for any of the rubbers properties to change drasticly. I think as long as you dont plan on racing around it should be fine.

Zornorph · 12-12-2006, 05:19 AM

just remember - if there is the slightest accumulation of snow, you will likely crash.
I can't imagine chains being able to be used on an sti.

WRX06TR · 12-12-2006, 05:35 AM

not a good idea. I drove past mammoth last month and there were snow flurries. I think that you are goin to be in serious trouble if you drive up on your RE070's. Also keep in mind that you cant run chains on your tires. It says so in your manual that there are clearance issues. Just letting you know. Wouldnt want you to do any damage to your car.

DiscoWagon · 12-12-2006, 05:38 AM

better safe than sorry. mother nature is very unpredictable.

02redwagone · 12-12-2006, 05:53 AM

Just think of how stupid you would feel if something went wrong. You would be right too.

nhmtns · 12-12-2006, 06:23 AM

When I lived in CA near Yosemite in 1996, I had to put chains on a FWD car a few times. There were check points and the cops made you turn around if you didn't have chains, AWD, or FWD. The chains came loose one time on one wheel while driving at around 30-40 mph and thrashed the hell out of the fender.

Anyway, I don't know that you want to mess around with chains. They're not horrible to deal with, but any other option is better IMO.

JCity · 12-12-2006, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiscoWagon

better safe than sorry. mother nature is very unpredictable.

yeah bro, i'm in the same boat as the op right now i'm going up to one of the local mountains this weekend but i'm running falken ziexus (sp?) w/ like 50% or left treadlife as well ... i'm looking into other tires right now !

sucks i can't run winter tires cause i'm too low

nate.the.great · 12-12-2006, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCity

sucks i can't run winter tires cause i'm too low

um you can run winter tires. get the right size and you'll be fine.

TurbojonLS · 12-12-2006, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCity

sucks i can't run winter tires cause i'm too low

You have tires on your car now and they fit, correct? Buy winter tires in the same size.

kevinsUBARU · 12-12-2006, 06:53 AM

If it's cold enough to snow, the RE070 handling and grip characteristics ARE altered. Now add some snow and ice into the mix, and you have an STi on the rocks.

Howl · 12-12-2006, 09:19 AM

What if it starts snowing when you're at the top. The problem isn't getting stuck in the snow, it's being able to stop and corner once you get moving. You're going to be coming down at 20mph in first gear, riding the brakes and there's the possiblility your still going to understeer right off a slippery corner (while the Civic with snow tires toots his horn and waves on the way past).

Luke@tirerack · 12-12-2006, 10:16 AM

rent a car

DiscoGsus · 12-12-2006, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke@tirerack

rent a car

ding!
Or go with friends.

Howl · 12-12-2006, 11:20 AM

What you guys in S.Cal. and AZ should do is get together in small groups and purchase a good set of winter tires and durable rims that you can share, or someone buy a set and rent them out. As long as you don't all want to go to the mountains at the same time.

SpeedR · 12-12-2006, 11:56 AM

wow you people must suck at driving.

I would do it no problem, just take it EZ and go slow.

I have had my RE070 on snow many times. they dont turn well but they can get grip with the STI AWD.

don't put chains on your STI.

flycaster · 12-12-2006, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpeedR

wow you people must suck at driving...I would do it no problem...

Typical internet bravado.

I live in snow for 4 months out of the year, been driving a looong time, and can honestly say the 070's are the worst tires I've ever been on in snow and ice, period; the only thing that offers perhaps less grip is a dry racing slick on a road course as rain begins to fall - been there, done that too. In fact, we had the first hard ice a little early this winter and I had to go a morning meeting before I had time to throw my winter tires on - the car couldn't even make it up our slanted driveway, with the DCCD at full lock.

Here's the bit: if the roads are dry and clear, just take it easy since the 070 compound doesn't develop good grip at temps below 40 degrees. OTOH, if the roads are not clear, just take another car with better tires.

moss · 12-14-2006, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpeedR

wow you people must suck at driving.

I would do it no problem, just take it EZ and go slow.

I have had my RE070 on snow many times. they dont turn well but they can get grip with the STI AWD.

don't put chains on your STI.

You sir...well nevermind its not worth my time

Bottom line... RE070s + snow or temperatures below 40 = issues.

Either spend the $400 and protect your $30k investment, or go up with someone else.

$400 vs $30k should be a no brainer.

v8killer2pt5 · 12-14-2006, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpeedR

wow you people must suck at driving.

I would do it no problem, just take it EZ and go slow.

I have had my RE070 on snow many times. they dont turn well but they can get grip with the STI AWD.

don't put chains on your STI.

You have lost your mind I have been driving for plenty of years and the Sti with oem rubber is slipper than ski's. I repeat do not attempt to drive in any type of snowy conditions with these tires, your braking and handling are useless even with AWD. Swap the wheels out for winter setup or rent a car or go with friends!

dtseng01 · 12-12-2006, 01:12 PM

Alright, I'm convinced. Thanks everyone for your advise!! Really appreciate everything.

Fogrider · 12-12-2006, 01:21 PM

1) take money you would otherwise spend on car rental or bodywork repair to your vehicle
2) invest in good winter tires (rims if you can afford it)
3) enjoy your car in the snow
Have a great time on the mountain! Be safe, man.

OneManArmy · 12-12-2006, 02:15 PM

I wouldn't do it.

I'm one of the only people I know that's actually had the tires in the snow. They suck. They tell you not to do it....don't do it. Braking is deadly with them and corning is sketchy. It's fun if you want to go out drifting or do some donuts though.

Seriously...get some all season tires or borrow some if you have too. Either that or rent a car.

bWRX · 12-12-2006, 02:42 PM

Do not cheat yourself of the fun that is driving in the snow on snow tires. It might be half the fun of the trip! That, or you can drive up and down white-knuckled, worrying about smashing your car up.

Flynlow151 · 12-12-2006, 09:35 PM

DONT USE THE STOCKERS IN SNOW!! Take a good look at the tire, basically a slick tire with a few grooves in it for wet roads. You will have no grip with them in snow. Trust me, spend the money on a rental or snow tires instead of a collision deductable. I thought the same three years ago when I attempted to drive to Firestone to get the Blizzacks put on 5 miles away. I thought, AWD, why not? Well the first curb I bounced off of changed my mind quite quickly. Lucky though, could have been another car or worse I slid into. And I never got above 20 mph. They suck in anything but dry.

wizzman · 12-13-2006, 01:52 PM

Forget snow, don't use re070s in cold weather!!! The rubber compoound becomes very hard and the level of grip goes WAY down. This reduces your braking ablity and your lateral grip significantly makin the car very unsafe. If you are too cheap to pick up some winter tires or at least all seasons for the cold weather, you shouldn't be in an STi in the first place.

12-12-2006, 04:46 AM	#1
dtseng01 Scooby Specialist Member#: 105323 Join Date: Jan 2006 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Monterey Park, California Vehicle: 2005 Impreza WRX STi Aspen White	RE070 in winter? a really specific question! Okay, so my friends an I have planned a trip for Mammoth Mountain, for those of you west coasters. Now, I'm planning to drive up with my stock RE070's this Sunday, and there are different forecasts for the area, some saying it will snow while others say it's sunny out. My tires aren't brand new, they probably have a good 50% or less tread left. I know that RE070's can't handle snow and winter weather, but I don't think that the road up to Mammoth will be pummeled in snow. Anyways here's my concern and question: Will my tires be able to handle the road up to the mountain? (this question is kind of specifically directed toward those who have first hand experience) Snow or no snow, the weather should be pretty cold so will the rubber harden enough for me to lose a lot of grip? Also, if I put on chains, will it solve the problem? What I mean is that, if the answer to the question above is a no, then will chains fix anything? This is my first time driving my STi up to Mammoth so I just want to make sure everything will be okay and I will not be running into other cars and yadda yadda. Thank you for your time! -David

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
KYB and H&R on a MY00 in winter are really stiff.!?	jsbush	Legacy Forum	3	12-04-2008 02:40 PM
DCCD setting in winter.. specifically 50:50 Lock	volkl23	Transmission (AT/MT) & Driveline	16	12-10-2005 05:47 PM
A really, really, really stupid question.	MrDestructo	Off-Topic	6	10-01-2005 06:18 AM
Winter tires- really needed in MD?	lucien2	Mid Atlantic Impreza Club -- MAIC	20	04-23-2004 12:48 AM
are Winter tires really needed for PA?	Miracle Worker	Mid Atlantic Impreza Club -- MAIC	2	11-28-2000 12:20 AM

12-12-2006, 05:17 AM	#2
karpiel666 Scooby Newbie Member#: 125832 Join Date: Sep 2006 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: mountains Vehicle: 1985 323i white	The roads to and around resorts are pretty much always plowed and gritted, and I dont think it would be cold enough for any of the rubbers properties to change drasticly. I think as long as you dont plan on racing around it should be fine.

12-12-2006, 05:19 AM	#3
Zornorph Scooby Specialist Member#: 17332 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: The neighbor's yard Vehicle: 2004 Black STI Not stock anymore	just remember - if there is the slightest accumulation of snow, you will likely crash. I can't imagine chains being able to be used on an sti.

12-12-2006, 05:35 AM	#4
WRX06TR Scooby Newbie Member#: 123469 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Spokane, WA Vehicle: 2005 STi PSM	not a good idea. I drove past mammoth last month and there were snow flurries. I think that you are goin to be in serious trouble if you drive up on your RE070's. Also keep in mind that you cant run chains on your tires. It says so in your manual that there are clearance issues. Just letting you know. Wouldnt want you to do any damage to your car.

12-12-2006, 05:38 AM	#5
DiscoWagon Scooby Guru Member#: 84516 Join Date: Apr 2005 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Diamond Bar/San Diego Vehicle: '12 Tony Kart EVRR '99 E36 M3 Estoril Blue	better safe than sorry. mother nature is very unpredictable.

12-12-2006, 05:53 AM	#6
02redwagone Scooby Specialist Member#: 87067 Join Date: May 2005 Chapter/Region: AKIC Location: Oregon Coast/AK Vehicle: 02 Old but tasty SRP	Just think of how stupid you would feel if something went wrong. You would be right too.

12-12-2006, 06:23 AM	#7
nhmtns Scooby Guru Member#: 94283 Join Date: Aug 2005 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Mt. Washington Valley, NH Vehicle: '05 OBXT Stage 2 Min bil är svart	When I lived in CA near Yosemite in 1996, I had to put chains on a FWD car a few times. There were check points and the cops made you turn around if you didn't have chains, AWD, or FWD. The chains came loose one time on one wheel while driving at around 30-40 mph and thrashed the hell out of the fender. Anyway, I don't know that you want to mess around with chains. They're not horrible to deal with, but any other option is better IMO.

12-12-2006, 06:53 AM	#11
kevinsUBARU Scooby Specialist Member#: 2263 Join Date: Sep 2000 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Funky Kingston, NY Vehicle: 2012 Impreza Sport	If it's cold enough to snow, the RE070 handling and grip characteristics ARE altered. Now add some snow and ice into the mix, and you have an STi on the rocks.

12-12-2006, 09:19 AM	#12
Howl Scooby Specialist Member#: 57830 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ontario CA Vehicle: 1999 OBS	What if it starts snowing when you're at the top. The problem isn't getting stuck in the snow, it's being able to stop and corner once you get moving. You're going to be coming down at 20mph in first gear, riding the brakes and there's the possiblility your still going to understeer right off a slippery corner (while the Civic with snow tires toots his horn and waves on the way past).

12-12-2006, 10:16 AM	#13
Luke@tirerack Tire Rack Moderator Member#: 1215 Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: The Tire Rack Vehicle: 800 -428-8355 ext. 4362	rent a car

12-12-2006, 11:20 AM	#15
Howl Scooby Specialist Member#: 57830 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ontario CA Vehicle: 1999 OBS	What you guys in S.Cal. and AZ should do is get together in small groups and purchase a good set of winter tires and durable rims that you can share, or someone buy a set and rent them out. As long as you don't all want to go to the mountains at the same time.

12-12-2006, 11:56 AM	#16
SpeedR Scooby Newbie Member#: 95401 Join Date: Sep 2005 Vehicle: MKIV STI S4 951	wow you people must suck at driving. I would do it no problem, just take it EZ and go slow. I have had my RE070 on snow many times. they dont turn well but they can get grip with the STI AWD. don't put chains on your STI.

12-12-2006, 01:12 PM	#20
dtseng01 Scooby Specialist Member#: 105323 Join Date: Jan 2006 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Monterey Park, California Vehicle: 2005 Impreza WRX STi Aspen White	Alright, I'm convinced. Thanks everyone for your advise!! Really appreciate everything.

12-12-2006, 01:21 PM	#21
Fogrider Scooby Specialist Member#: 45806 Join Date: Oct 2003 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Bedford, NH Vehicle: '04 STI WRB '95 GC8 Rally car, white	1) take money you would otherwise spend on car rental or bodywork repair to your vehicle 2) invest in good winter tires (rims if you can afford it) 3) enjoy your car in the snow Have a great time on the mountain! Be safe, man.

12-12-2006, 02:15 PM	#22
OneManArmy Scooby Specialist Member#: 36154 Join Date: May 2003 Location: Santa Cruz County Vehicle: 2004 WRX Wagon White	I wouldn't do it. I'm one of the only people I know that's actually had the tires in the snow. They suck. They tell you not to do it....don't do it. Braking is deadly with them and corning is sketchy. It's fun if you want to go out drifting or do some donuts though. Seriously...get some all season tires or borrow some if you have too. Either that or rent a car.

12-12-2006, 02:42 PM	#23
bWRX Scooby Specialist Member#: 6672 Join Date: May 2001 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: murland	Do not cheat yourself of the fun that is driving in the snow on snow tires. It might be half the fun of the trip! That, or you can drive up and down white-knuckled, worrying about smashing your car up.

12-12-2006, 09:35 PM	#24
Flynlow151 Scooby Newbie Member#: 77870 Join Date: Dec 2004 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Fort Collins,Co & Issaquah,Wa Vehicle: 2004 Subaru STI TheBoostCreep Stage II	DONT USE THE STOCKERS IN SNOW!! Take a good look at the tire, basically a slick tire with a few grooves in it for wet roads. You will have no grip with them in snow. Trust me, spend the money on a rental or snow tires instead of a collision deductable. I thought the same three years ago when I attempted to drive to Firestone to get the Blizzacks put on 5 miles away. I thought, AWD, why not? Well the first curb I bounced off of changed my mind quite quickly. Lucky though, could have been another car or worse I slid into. And I never got above 20 mph. They suck in anything but dry.

12-13-2006, 01:52 PM	#25
wizzman Scooby Specialist Member#: 84405 Join Date: Apr 2005 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Wilmington, MA Vehicle: 2007 V8 4Runner 1994 flaming red Miata	Forget snow, don't use re070s in cold weather!!! The rubber compoound becomes very hard and the level of grip goes WAY down. This reduces your braking ablity and your lateral grip significantly makin the car very unsafe. If you are too cheap to pick up some winter tires or at least all seasons for the cold weather, you shouldn't be in an STi in the first place.