Winter driving - TTS in Chicago area
09-26-2018, 06:32 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Winter driving - TTS in Chicago area
I'm seriously considering getting winter tires and wheels for my TTS for this winter (Chicago area). I'd greatly appreciate the observations, experiences and tips of those of you who have actually done the same in a similar climate. At my age, I'm very aware that the number of warmer weather driving seasons I have left are very finite, and so I want to "do it now" as much as possible. After having foregone the use of my sports cars every winter for years, I'm experiencing anticipatory grief at the thought of storing both of my Porsches this year for 5 months (Nov. thru March). (I would still store the Boxster, of course.)
09-26-2018, 06:57 PM
#2
Rennlist Member
I live in Chicago and have a 991 GT3 as well as a 991 TTS. Although I have never driven either car in the winter one of my buddies who lives nearby drove his 991 GT3 in the winter for I believe two seasons. He put winter tires on a set of aftermarket rims. I believe his commute is about 30 miles each way. An all wheel drive TTS will drive very well in the snow. I have been driving M3's with snow tires for years. Heck, I even out snow tires on a Corvette and drive it year round. You should have no issues driving a TTS with decent snow tires.
09-26-2018, 10:20 PM
#4
Rennlist Member
I used my 993 Carrera 2 cab in Chicago Naperville area for 2 years with Winter tires with no issues other than driving cautiously. Rear engine weight is the key.......I also placed a 50 pound bag of sand in the front trunk to assist the car in the front which was not all wheel drive.
09-26-2018, 10:29 PM
#5
Rennlist Member
I live in the Oak Park / River Forest area and had 911s and Boxsters in the city and I’ve driven my cars year round. I’ve driven mostly on all seasons, although I’ve had other cars with dedicated winters (Mini, M5) as well.
When you start getting further out, plows become more rare, and snow past 7” becomes a problem with all seasons.
I know the salt is the major concern with these cars, but they are just cars, and they still don’t rust easily. I say you go and do it. You will start to look forward, like I do, when the snow starts to fall fast and heavy, to going out for a lovely drive in the snow.
When you start getting further out, plows become more rare, and snow past 7” becomes a problem with all seasons.
I know the salt is the major concern with these cars, but they are just cars, and they still don’t rust easily. I say you go and do it. You will start to look forward, like I do, when the snow starts to fall fast and heavy, to going out for a lovely drive in the snow.
09-26-2018, 10:49 PM
#6
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Yes, thanks, and we met over at The Porsche Exchange, last year I think. In fact, I think it was seeing your TTS on the I-294 Tollway a couple of years ago that got me interested in the TTS.
09-27-2018, 06:12 PM
#7
Rennlist Member
Nice! Your car is absolutely beautiful! I saw you driving a few weeks ago and told my wife I may need to sell mine a get one in Chalk. Love that color.
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09-29-2018, 07:09 AM
#9
Rennlist Member
actually 991 turbo s with stock ride height and dedicated winter tires is an ANIMAL in the snow. The only issue you COULD have is if there is enough snow that you end up being a plow, that could be a little of an issue...but if you have decent road clearing crews and less than 5.5 inches of snow at any given point on the road, you should be fine.
09-30-2018, 06:39 PM
#12
I have had each new 911 turbo model each year over the past 10 years as well as a Cayman and Boxter at the same time. I live in South Dakota, out in the rural area, and have driven the cars year round.
It is important to have winter tires, not only for the traction, but also for the rubber chemistry.
I only drove the cars when the rodes were cleared of snow, but minus temps were never an issue with the correct rubber.
It is important to have winter tires, not only for the traction, but also for the rubber chemistry.
I only drove the cars when the rodes were cleared of snow, but minus temps were never an issue with the correct rubber.
10-03-2018, 12:21 AM
#13
Rennlist Member
The car is great in the snow on proper tires. Clearance is the biggest issue, and if you just drive in salt, over a long term corrosion would become a concern. Here are two threads on mitigating corrosion:
https://rennlist.com/forums/991/9646...r-driving.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/991-turb...-the-snow.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/991/9646...r-driving.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/991-turb...-the-snow.html
10-06-2018, 08:44 PM
#14
Race Car
I plan on driving my TT in the snow up here! Gonna order a set of winters and probably some gray OZ's. I'm looking forward to driving this thing in the winter. Heated seats, heated steering wheel, on winters?? Gonna be great.
10-06-2018, 11:35 PM
#15
Drifting
I was also wondering whether I should buy a set of winter tires and drive it all winter long. What I usually do is just keep my car in the garage and only take it out after warms up. We Usually get warm days during winter anyway. I don’t feel like I’m going to be driving it in the heavy snow. I have another car for that. As such for me, I don’t feel it’s worth the expenditure.