BuddyK

So to all the guys out there with C4's and who drive in a winter with snow on the roads - can you advise me? Do you leave PSM off in winter? It sounds very stupid to turn off PSM to me, but to me it seems that the car is better without PSM on winter roads! Am I crazy, or is my driving style crazy or what?

ploglet

I would like to know more on this as well. I am looking at getting a C4S as a driver and here in Colorado we get the occassional snow. Any recommeded tires for the car?

BuddyK

The Pirelli SnowSports seem to be very good at -15 degrees C and hard pack snow roads.

I'd like opinions from some guys here who might have more experience than myself about that "PSM in winter" issue. To me, PSM hinders the performance of the car in winter driving where you want to have some fun around corners - fishtailing about. With PSM left on - the C4 might as well be a tank - it just goes where you steer - no sideslipping.

I think the PSM engages way too early on hardpack snow roads.

With the PSM switch off - you can control the balance of the car better, without any suprises from the PSM computer throwing balance off.

pongobaz

I'm running my C4S year round. The ONLY tires that are Porsche approved, N-rated winter tires and that will fit a 996 C4S or TT on stock wheels are:
Pirelli Snowsports 240
front: 235/40/18
rear: 295/35/18
Sidewall is slightly higher but that is the correct sizing according to Porsche (I checked many times before ordering them). Call Damon at Tire Rack; he knows Porsches and is regularly on rennlist.

man_of_ice

I've driven with and without PSM on ice covered lakes in Sweden with spike tires.

I would _never_ drive without PSM on. While it might feel faster without it, the actual numbers we measured on the track showed different. PSM on was both faster and _way_ more safe.

But hey - if you want a few dents in your car and such, be my guest. Its your car after all!

C4CRNA

I drive in the winter with Bllizzak snows. PSM ON!! it's saved me from sliding into curbs and bushes so I'll leave it on. When the **** happens, it happens FAST!! The don't call it "Please Save Me" for nothing. Take it OFF and do some tight turns in a big parking lot if you like vertigo.

Riad

I drive my C4S all year too and would never take PSM off. One time in an empty parking lot covered with snow I disengaged the PSM and the car was all over the place... no thanks.