991 as daily driver in winter

[NHS15]

Moving from Dallas to Baltimore. Currently in a 2013 991 C2, has the 20 in Carrera classic wheels. I need to continue to use it as a daily driver. How reasonable is it for me to drive it as my sole car in the winter, assuming I get snow tires?? Don't want an extra car just for winter. Any opinions appreciated.

[Vicegrip]

Get a set of smaller dia wheels and have snow tires mounted. This will cover you in the little stuff but the car will have clearance issues regardless of tire used. Do you have any experience driving in slush and snow?

[eltren]

Using a little common sense (all i have), i' been driving a 987 Spyder winters on regular rubber, unless its salty or sub 40. If salty or sub 40, out goes the 986 on snow tires. Hell when I went to buy the snows there was snow and ice on the ground. Just drive like you know what you're doing, and, oh, watch out for the idiots and fools who do belong at home with a beer and a Bundy. Black ice will getcha, but it'll getcha in anything.

[NHS15]

I grew up outside Baltimore, but back then I drove a front wheel drive or AWD sedan. I was thinking of 19s on snow tires. My friend in the area is able to get around in his 2013 M3 unless of course clearance or ice is an issue.

[Trak Ratt]

Our 996 is our 4 season DD. Bought some extra wheels w/all seasons and great all last year. Only stayed home w/office was closed. Car is low too, so we prolly wouldn't use it anything over 2".

[ruffyz]

I've had no problems with my c4s on all-seasons (conti DWS). Though the comparison is not quite the same since it is AWD. The 944 though, completely terrible though that might have been due to the completely balded 10 year old rubber.

[4PCADE]

My 987 is a DD on summer tires. If you can work from home the few days a year the roads are rough, it's fine. But if you have to be able to get out, the winter tires are a must. My car is useless with ANY fresh snow on the ground. Those summer tires turn to skiis. It's usually fine once the sand is down, though. That said, I learned to drive in Maine, so my tolerance may be a wee bit higher.

[BikePump]

used my 997.2 all winter. as long as you have smaller/narrower rims with snows and you dont vernture out when there is more then say 5" of the fluffy stuff...

car performed most admirably

[Dr K]

This talk about "snow tires" needs to be mildly corrected. If you must venture out on the snow days, you want "winter tires" which, unlike the snow tires of my youth, have a hydrophilic compound that gives more traction on the white stuff--not just tread pattern. We switched the Prius from quality all-seasons to winter tires, and the difference was night-and-day (we did the swap while there was snow on the ground, so we were able to do a before-after drive). Welcome to the area. I second the suggestion for smaller wheels, mainly for the B'more potholes.

[NHS15]

Thanks for the advice. Tirerack is saying 19x8.5 front, 19x11 rear with 235/40 front and 285/35 rear Pirelli Sottozero II. Can't go to 18s. I'll ask the local dealer too. Bikepump, its reassuring that you were able to use your 997.2 throughout the winter. I'll see how my 991 c2 does this winter before considering a switch..

[smdubovsky]

I drove my TT year round for 5 yrs. Had snowtires for the cold months. Was lowered to GT2 specs (or lower) and barely had 4" of clearance. So unless there was enough snow to cause its nose to turn into a shovel its what I took to work.

Wifes boxster was similar. She's CLUELESS on how to drive a RWD car in snow but snowtires + PSM made it a non issue for 4+ yrs.

[Fumes]

Moving from Dallas to Baltimore. Currently in a 2013 991 C2, has the 20 in Carrera classic wheels. I need to continue to use it as a daily driver. How reasonable is it for me to drive it as my sole car in the winter, assuming I get snow tires?? Don't want an extra car just for winter. Any opinions appreciated.

I have a '13 c2 991 and drove it in DC on the P-Zeros occasionally last winter -- was ok. not great. recommend snow tires.

http://youtu.be/LefLOxyJaCE

[michael818]

I have the same car, albeit a year older and drive it year round. I am using the exact tires and sizes recommended by Tire Rack. I bought a second set of wheels and TPMS monitors and have had no issues in the DC metro area. Clearance is an issue for the first day after a storm but the car can make it through most light snow events. The 19's are fine. Previously I had a 997 C2S and used 18's but not able to go down to that size from the 20's. Good luck.



Thanks for the advice. Tirerack is saying 19x8.5 front, 19x11 rear with 235/40 front and 285/35 rear Pirelli Sottozero II. Can't go to 18s. I'll ask the local dealer too. Bikepump, its reassuring that you were able to use your 997.2 throughout the winter. I'll see how my 991 c2 does this winter before considering a switch..

[911lnv87]

I have been driving in DC since the last 5 years at the beginning and for 4 years a 1987 911 with good all seasons tires, then I drove an XK8 with all seasons tires, and now a 944anyway most of the time when there is too much snow offices close, when they are open it means you can drive till you are careful.

For sure the best option is snow tires.

[Cliff Claven]

as long as you have heated seats you'll be fine ;)