Does anyone know how the 05 handles in the snow with the stock tires?

Should I change them?

If so what kind of tire?

 

i doubt very well, because the simple fact that its RW Drive... good luck...

 

i live outside of boston and have had my car since november of last year and drove it all through the winter with my stock tires. it handles awful in the snow, i would recommend getting snow tires which is what i think i am planning on doing but have not looked into yet.

 

Im considering studded tires, just for the worst part of the winter. Can you use snow chains with the stock tires? It also might help to weight down the trunk. How well does the traction control and ABS work on snow/ice?

thanks

 

I haven't driven my 05 in the snow, nor do I ever intend to... but, I used to drive my old '68 coupe in the snow. I used studded tires on the rears and put several concrete cylinders in the trunk. I was more confident in that car than I have been in any front wheel drive car since then.

 

I am getting Dunlop M3's put on in the next few weeks for the winter. Supposedly the best snow tires (performance) that are made for these ponies.

I'm using my stock 16" rims for the snow tires and then picking up 17" bullit takeoffs with the Pirelli's in the spring - That way no need to make switching off for the winters anymore of a problem and got a sweet looking set of rims for the summer )))

 

Studded tires work better than non-studded tires, but the studs can come out at speed, but usually don't do any visible damage. Chains are for very low speed driving. If they come foo, they will do visible damage. Best solution is to by a beater for the winter, but if that is not possible, I'd personally go with the studded tires.

Hamidlmt's suggestion of some weight in the trunk is a good suggestion too. It will help with traction. I always used bags of sand though so I could sprinkle it on the road in front of the tires for added traction if necessary.

One other thing to consider related to the "get a beater" thing. Many places put salt or other snow melting chemicals on the road which can over time be very hard on your car rust-wise. For example, in Minnesota you hardly ever see any old cars ('60 vintage for example) because they have all rusted away.

Regarding use of the traction control feature on the Mustang, I remember reading somewhere that this can cause problems in snow, kind of like running your cruise control, but I can't verify that, so you might check with your Ford dealer or do some web research on it.