Weight in the trunk for winter driving

[aghuman]

Just wondering how many people put weight in the trunk for winter driving or just leave it normal? I drove it last summer without any weight and didn't have any issues but was considering adding it this year cause I've heard good things about it. Any particular cons about it? I know the added weight will affect fuel efficiency slightly but my main concern is control. Any thoughts or opinions on this matter are appreciated.

Thanks

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by aghuman

Just wondering how many people put weight in the trunk for winter driving or just leave it normal? I drove it last summer without any weight and didn't have any issues but was considering adding it this year cause I've heard good things about it. Any particular cons about it? I know the added weight will affect fuel efficiency slightly but my main concern is control. Any thoughts or opinions on this matter are appreciated.

Thanks

There are several threads that debate the topic to death. In fact the two camps are so far apart on the subject that they are more confusing than helpful.
I am going to leave it as is, with the theory that if it was a good idea it would be included in the owner's manual. If the manual is detailed enough to include a paragraphed on " Napping in Your Vehicle" I think it would mention adding weight.

[aghuman]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

There are several threads that debate the topic to death. In fact the two camps are so far apart on the subject that they are more confusing than helpful.
I am going to leave it as is, with the theory that if it was a good idea it would be included in the owner's manual. If the manual is detailed enough to include a paragraphed on " Napping in Your Vehicle" I think it would mention adding weight.

True, I guess I reached the same conclusion after reading through countless threads that varied in opinion so much. Main purpose of this was the poll aspect to get an idea in numbers of how many people decide to do it or not.

[ToySub1946]

Nothing beats FOUR Snow Tires. Lots of people get by on TWO, but four really makes a difference.

Attached from Consumer Reports: Dec 2014 issue.
Prices NOT for FRS..of course FRS size way more.
Example Michelin X-Ice X13 is $171. each Tire rack..USA Dollars.

[Tcoat]

Yes, snows are critical for these cars I understand!
Mine has a nice set of snowshoes now. Feels like I am driving a monster truck now but should reduce the chances of getting stuck.

[aghuman]

Originally Posted by ToySub1946

Nothing beats FOUR Snow Tires. Lots of people get by on TWO, but four really makes a difference.

Attached from Consumer Reports: Dec 2014 issue.

Yea I would never go with 2, especially with our cars. I personally went with continental extremewintercontacts last winter and had no regrets with them in the 20k I drove with them on.

[aghuman]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Yes, snows are critical for these cars I understand!
Mine has a nice set of snowshoes now. Feels like I am driving a monster truck now but should reduce the chances of getting stuck.

Is your car lowered? If so by how much and did you have any issues with snow clearance? This is the only reason I have held back on lowering my car so far.

[ninedice]

I tried using the stock "all-season" tires last year. I won't make that mistake again. This year I have Blizzacks and 150 pounds of junk in my trunk.

[00NissanNinja]

I don't, Handled the winter just fine without extra weight. Good set of winter tires was all that was needed in my case.

[Teseo]

Why bother with adding weight when this car come with
Traction control? The best you can do its to put nice set of winter tires.
Btw i dont like drive my cars cuz the salt in the road will rust it so i drive a beat car instead.

[extrashaky]

Damn those rims are ugly. Did y'all get them off taxis?

I'm so glad to live in the Deep South where I don't have to ugly up my car to make it through the winter.

[aghuman]

Originally Posted by extrashaky

Damn those rims are ugly. Did y'all get them off taxis?

I'm so glad to live in the Deep South where I don't have to ugly up my car to make it through the winter.

Thanks for the constructive input, much appreciated

[jamies31]

I have driven with and with out weight in the back, Some days your glad you have that weight in there and some your not.
So now I run without and just a good set of snows on.

[CoupedUpSubie]

Originally Posted by Teseo

Why bother with adding weight when this car come with
Traction control? The best you can do its to put nice set of winter tires.
Btw i dont like drive my cars cuz the salt in the road will rust it so i drive a beat car instead.

In the situations where weight in the trunk would help traction control is actually a negative thing. Weight really only comes into play when going up hills at a speed which is too low compared to the amount of traction, causing a loss in momentum. When the wheels start to spin these cars fall flat on their face if traction control is left on. A decent driver can drive this car with good snow tires in up to 3" of snow without much issue, with traction control off.