I read but did not listen... F1 tires in snow/ice

[mhiner]

Before anyone blasts me too hard here, I did something that I swore I would not do when I bought this car (2007 C-Srt8 10,700miles) because most of my decision was based on what I read online, mostly here. It had F1 tires on it that are original and while many of you have said "DO NOT DRIVE THESE IN BAD CONDITIONS" to which I have full intentions of putting RSA's or Proxy 4's on, I did not listen, well I did but thought that my years of involvement in motorsports (Winston Cup and NHRA Pro Stock) that I was a good enough driver not to have driven over my head... So I'm idling down a hill (20mph) that has random spots of thin ice and as I try to stop as the light changed... no joy! I could only steer and slide, so I went around two cars sitting still and laid on the horn and flashed my high beams and thankfully everyone saw what was happening (only 200 feet from the top of the hill to the light) and gave me enough INCHES to clear the intersection sideways. I had to play with the throttle a little bit to get the rear end to come around enough for it not to hit a car's front end that was sliding to a stop on the cross road.

BTW the traction control plays havoc when you are trying to purposely spin the tires as your heart jumps out of your chest and you are trying to think of an excuse to tell the old lady about your stupidity of wrecking a car that she just wrote a check for 2 days earlier. While this car did great in the snow with traction control and esp, no joy on ice! While my Envoy was always fine in that condition those F1 tires just get too hard in 18 degree weather. One thing my experience (2 days at that point now 4) did give me was an understanding of how bad I hate the ABS system in this and most cars. I had to play with the brakes because the ABS pulsing was creating more of a problem. Anyways thank you to all that recommended not driving in bad conditions on those tires, maybe someone else can learn from my near miss with my new (to me) hotrod and listen to the other "Experienced" owners.

Michael

[Rambit]

Well Michael, at least it worked out for ya. These F1's just don't like anything around 30 degrees and absolutly hate snow and ice.

Next time someone asks about these tires and winter, I'll be linking to your thread here.

Bernie

[Northern Rider]

Close call, Michael! Glad you got through it unscathed. Thanks for posting your experience here.

I have to admit that I was guilty of the same crime. I drove up from Yuma, AZ to Ottawa in December on my F1's thinking my driving experience would see me through. I drove a Calibre while in Ottawa. Until one day - I took my SRT8 out on clear roads. Well, we had freezing rain that day and I white knuckled it all the way home. Had to make a 7 mile detour (I live in the country) because I could not make it up a small hill very close to my home. Luckily, I managed to avoid hitting anyone or going in the ditch, but did I feel stupid, after being one of the ones giving out the advice about not driving on these tires in cold weather.

[mhiner]

Northern Rider, what tires have you gone with. Its really hard for me to get off Goodyears (I'm thinking RSA's) because I get an awesome discount. Of course I work for a team that races Pontiac's and now I own a Chrysler... Also before a bunch of you start about another thread of winter (all season) tires I am posing this just to northern rider as I have read all most all of the other threads.

Michael

[Jabroni]

Bro, at 18* there aren't many tires out there save for chains that would have been much help to you. Fortunately, you made it out okay. Best of luck from this point.

[Northern Rider]

The RSA's are fine for winter driving.

[Kaisersteiner]

I have drievn the RSAs in snow and ice they they were fine. With the diablo tune I now have is a difference story though...

[Casey]

yeah Michael, glad you got out okay. im guilty of the same thing, just like Northern Rider, and once was enough. they are terrible and just should not be used. i dont know how some people i see around do it. be careful out there.

[bigsnake]

Maybe it's the Diablo tune, but even here in S.C. if the temp gets in the 20's to 30's these RS-A's will spin if you mash the gas at all and if the pavement is wet, watch out! I really don't like them and soon will go to the Proxes 4's. They have 9,500 miles on them!

[wanna300]

are the F1s ok in California rain?