I was wondering what a good air pressure area is for during the winter. Im only 16 and havent had my license during the winter yet. I was thinking maybe around 30-35 psi.

 

That is about the range I would keep (30-35PSI).

Also, if not done within the last 30,000 miles/3 years, I would replace coolant with fresh 50:50, or 55:45 to 60:40 in some regions in Canada, etc... At the same time, I would also replace thermostat unless it is not that old.

If your battery is over 4 years old, I would give it a consideration as well (some maintenance free type batteries seem to last as long as 8 years).


JPN

 

What do you guys think?

is it a bad idea to change just your front tires to snow tires?

Anyone try the chains? they are actually available in the catalog that I have (accessories for s80).

 

Solely a personal opinion; I would put all fours.

It is usually the rears that lose traction on a FWD vehicles (the fronts do lose traction too in heavy snow), giving you fish-tail numbers. As long as you can afford it, I would put all 4 snow tyres, but I am not a skilled driver so hear 2-3 more opinions. Nokia or Bridgestone Blizzak seems to have good reputation but compare other brands as well, as Nok & Brig are usually the pricey ones.

I have never used chains, but there seems to be some reinforced plastic/composite chains available.


JPN

 

Unfortunately here in Ohio the chains are illegal. With our crappy roads I don't know why but they are. I normally run 34 psi year round but that's just me. Some of the others on here may have better suggestions.

 

I just live on a really steep hill which gets steeper as you approach my driveway. My tires handled the hill fine, but I had to really give the revs a push to march up ther(no traction controlls on too) . Now that I think about it my psi could have been set to 39, which is probably why..

 

As a Canadian living in Northern Ontario and experiencing severe winters, I swear by winter tires and put them on all four tires. I don't put winters on for the traction, but improved performance and handling on ice and in snow. Putting only two tires on does not accomplish this.