Boxster in Winter & HiFi

[Grizzly]

Originally Posted by ford40

....you just can't imagine how cold you can get trying to wash your car in 37 degree weather.

Washing it in 37 degree weather is not nearly as bad as washing it in 31 degree weather. Don't ask me how I know. What you need are these three easy retrofits. Best money ever spent...trust me.

[berj]

I drove my 987 all through this past winter in Toronto. I put winter tires and rims on which helped immensely (it was like driving on ice-skates without 'em). I never felt like the car was slipping out from under me.

As for the hard top.. I'm not sure. I didn't have one and I had no problems with heat -- if anything the cabin was too hot. The only thing that might be an issue is snow/ice buildup on the rag-top. I park underground, though, so it didn't much matter to me.

As someone already mentioned.. keeping it clean is another matter altogether.

Berj

[paulv]

Did you just put snow tires on the rear or both front/rear? I tend to put 4 winer tires on cars,and was just wondering what the Boxster owners do.

I'm looking at buying a Boxster in the very near future, and THis forum is great for good info/advice.

Thanks.

Regards,
Paul...

[Brucelee]

Originally Posted by paulv

Did you just put snow tires on the rear or both front/rear? I tend to put 4 winer tires on cars,and was just wondering what the Boxster owners do.

I'm looking at buying a Boxster in the very near future, and THis forum is great for good info/advice.

Thanks.

Regards,
Paul...

All four wheels, no doubt!

[berj]

Originally Posted by paulv

Did you just put snow tires on the rear or both front/rear? I tend to put 4 winer tires on cars,and was just wondering what the Boxster owners do.

I'm looking at buying a Boxster in the very near future, and THis forum is great for good info/advice.

Thanks.

Regards,
Paul...

All four.. new tires, new rims. The dealer stored my summer set for me (and are now storing my winter set).

[Dr. Kill]

Originally Posted by paulv

Did you just put snow tires on the rear or both front/rear? I tend to put 4 winer tires on cars,and was just wondering what the Boxster owners do.

I'm looking at buying a Boxster in the very near future, and THis forum is great for good info/advice.

Thanks.

Regards,
Paul...

I agree with the others about using snow tires on all 4 wheels. I know where you are going with the idea of just using 2, and that makes some sense with regards to traction while accelerating, but the real thing to be concerned with is stopping, and you want all four tires working as hard for you as possible during that process.

[Brucelee]

Originally Posted by Dr. Kill

I agree with the others about using snow tires on all 4 wheels. I know where you are going with the idea of just using 2, and that makes some sense with regards to traction while accelerating, but the real thing to be concerned with is stopping, and you want all four tires working as hard for you as possible during that process.

You also want all four wheels with consistent grip. This helps in cornering AND stopping.

[berj]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

You also want all four wheels with consistent grip. This helps in cornering AND stopping.

Add to this that everything I've read says to put thinner and smaller rims/tires on the car in the winter -- thinner so that there's a smaller surface area on the snow, allowing the car to sink in better and smaller.. well.. to be honest I'm not sure why probably just for less rim damage. I'm sure someone more knowledgeable can shed some light there.

[paulv]

I knew that everyone would say go with 4 tires/wheels but wanted to make sure. Thanks for the posts. I was looking at a recent TSB (Dec '05) and it shows winter tires to be the same size as the summer tires (rims also). BTW, it suggests only 2 tires for winter: Conti Winter Contact and Michelin Pilot Alpine -- any opinions out there?

Just a quick note about me -- I currently have an 03 Mercedes E320 and always had the dream of a 911 but those are too expensive for my wallet. Although the E320 has been "relatively" reliable, I don't think my good luck would hold out for another MB and I really don't like the SLK's which is MB's answer to a roadster -- the Boxster is perfect for me! At least that's what I've been telling my wife in addition that she'll inherit the E320

Thanks again.

Regards,
paul...