I’ve always lived in an area with snow, but we don’t get much of it often. My old car was a RWD BMW 5 series, and I never used snow tires. Honestly, I wouldn’t even know where to store them.
Last week we were in Toronto and had a couple of days with heavy snow. My GT has 21-inch stock all-weather tires, and it was skidding and slipping all over. Braking was terrible—felt more like sledding when I tried heavy braking.
The GT doesn’t have a snow mode, so I used Sport mode to activate full-time AWD. But even then, it was slipping, especially during turns or lane changes. It felt like the rear was swinging out, almost like it was a RWD. I know snow tires would help, but that’s not my question.
Have others had similar experiences with stock tires? And for those in the Greater Toronto Area, how many of you actually use snow tires?
The problem is definitely the tires. People overrate AWD and underrate the importance of good tires. Your GT’s low center of gravity helps, but its weight works against you on snow or ice.
Also, GTs have wider tires, and narrower ones are usually better for snow and ice.
@Emerson
Yep, swap out those all-seasons for proper winter tires. It’s worth the cost if it keeps your family safe. Plus, your all-seasons will last longer if you alternate.
@Emerson
I live in Maine. People here drive old beaters but always invest in good seasonal tires. It’s funny at first, but then you realise they’re the ones who never end up stuck in snow drifts.
>Mine are Continental tires, came with it, pretty sure they’re all-seasons.
In North America, the GT usually comes with Goodyear Eagle F1 summer tires, which are absolutely terrible in snow. If you bought your car used and it has Continentals, check their model to confirm what they’re rated for. They could still be summer tires.
Good all-season tires make a huge difference. I’d recommend Eco mode with Regen 1 or less for snowy conditions.
@Frost
Agree with checking the tire model. I nearly slid off the road last winter trying to push through on the stock Eagle tires. Switched to Michelin Alpins, and it’s night and day.
Cale said: @Frost
Thanks for the detailed reply. I did buy the car used, so it has Continentals. I’ll check them out. Great suggestion!
Glad to help. From your edits, I’d say avoid Sport mode in slippery conditions—it sharpens responses when you want to soften them. GT doesn’t have a snow mode, but Eco is close, though it starts in RWD. Normal mode might work better since it’s usually AWD under normal driving. You can also try creating a custom mode for better traction. Might be worth experimenting.
@Frost
Good point, but I noticed Normal mode switches to RWD over 30 mph unless under heavy throttle. I’ll try tweaking My Drive settings for better AWD balance. Thanks again for the insight .