Miata Mailing List: October 1993, Message #149
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   From: suskind@isdev1.melpar.esys.com (Barry A. Suskind)
Subject: Re: snowtires needed?
   Date: Fri, 15 Oct 1993 16:33:19 -0400

[Jim Hayter ] Writes:
> 
> 
> I'm looking for some advice.  I've now owned my miata for two months
> and am starting to consider the coming winter.  In the past I've put
> snow tires on rear wheel drive cars while living in Boston but never
> bothered with them on front wheel drive cars.
> 
> The miata is the first rear wheel drive car I've owned since 1979 in Boston. 
> I owned front wheel drive cars in Boston through 1985, Georgia through 
> 1889, and Columbus, OH through 1993.
> 
> I now live in Columbus, OH which (in the last 4 winters anyway) doesn't
> get much snow.  At a minimum, I will drive the miata 25 miles round trip
> weekdays to get to work (mostly on interstates).
> 
> Should I consider snow tires?  What are the relevant criteria for this
> decision?  Any recommendations for snow tires?
> 
> Thanks,		jim hayter (hayter@ultryx.com)
> 
> 

To put it bluntly..... Miata's SUCK in the snow. It's like riding on teflon.
With my snows (pirelli 190's) and 150 of sand in the trunk I may go someplace.
I was stuck twice one week during the first snow in Washington DC when I first
got the car. Once I was pointing DOWNHILL!!!! I parked the car on top of 
some packed snow. The hot tires melted the snow and the car sank into the rut.
How embarrasing....

Actually,,, the one option I REALLY wanted on the car, a limited slip diff,
I did not get because of availability and having to get what you could when
Miata's were first out. I would love to have one but think it would be too
much of mess to change or too costly....


> 

-----  Barry A. Suskind, Information Services, E-Systems Melpar Division -----
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