Hi all, I usually store my RS250 in a garage for the winter period and instead buy a cheap car for the winter months. This year my winter car has decided to snap the cambelt and given the price of the car repairing it doesn't seem that it will be back on the roads so I am now thinking of buying some snow tires and use the RS during the winter also. What are your experiences with using the cars in the winter?
My experience is largely the same as the summer bar 2 minor differences; 1.) I have to start the car 3-4 minutes earlier so the window defrosts first thing 2.) It's more enjoyable to have fun in the car because the limit of grip is much lower and best of all you do so with minimal tyre wear. This isn't directed at you at all but to around 60% of the UK population as as soon as it rains people seem to struggle to drive let alone frost or ice. I left the house at 4.30am today and took my F80 M3 (405ft-lb at 1,850rpm) and it's perfectly useable you just use your right foot in a sensible manner. I know our country is god awful for road maintenance as I work a lot in Germany and it's incredible how the roads are taken care of with heavy snow. But cars are to be driven and enjoyed not pampered, and it doesn't matter what car you can still have a smash driving incorrect. Just adapt to the conditions and you'll be fine. Be safe out there and you'll have no issues. The old cliche is being worried about the other drivers out there, well they exist all year round not just the winter least in winter everyone moves slower so chances are if they cock up it'll hurt less anyway.
OP where are you based ? Megane RS certainly doesn't need hibernating in the UK even if you have to stick winter tyres. I am still on semi-slick, which is bordering on stupid and negligent though...
I am based in Denmark - so it is more or less 50/50 if we will see significant amounts of snow or just grey weather and rain during the winter. I fully agree that it is a matter of being sensible - I have never had a crash in my 12 years driving so far and also don't plan to. The reasons for the wintercars the last couple of years have been mostly to avoid the additional wear on the RS that salt etc. on the road causes but also a bit the fact that somewhat high horsepower and snow isn't always the best combination - and of course the fact that a cheap wintercar could be bought for the same price as a decent set up alloys and tires for the RS
I'm on winter tyres and using it daily. It's usually in the garage over winter but this year I've decided not to bother with a winter hack. It goes in the garage every night so I don't have an issue with frosted windows. I'm currently getting 35+ mpg on my 50 mile return commute which is 60% B road and 40% dual carriageway.
They've been brilliant so far Neil, far better than I expected. Both on the road and track, wet or dry (but not in standing water obviously). 6k miles including 5 track days. Had to rotate them and rears (ex front) down to 3/4mm. Probably 2 or 3 track days left in them. Brilliant and cheap as chips for my needs. I had planned on Cup2s next but I can't really see the point at more than twice the price...
Wouldn't get cups if you're happy with what you have... because I doubt any difference would justify the extra cost!
True. I reckon the Nankang probably have no more grip than a Supersport where the Cup will have 10% more than either. The big difference between the Chinese jobs and good UHP road tyres is that when the temp/pressure are stabilised (at around 2.6bars), they stay stable for a long time and without chewing the shoulders.
Well I would definitely go for some snow tires. Ultrac Vorti's are really bad in snow (as expected) - had a couple of scares this morning
Although some like to think different the megane Rs is regular passenger car abit a performance one so it's designed to be used in the winter! You don't need any special tyres ect although they will help. Just drive it as you would any other car in bad weather.
It's just a Megane at the end of the day designed for all year round driving, just adjust your driving according to the conditions and/or fit winter tyres
