I'm thinking I'm going to drive my NA Miata over the Sierras for Xmas. There will be snow, how much? Could be a decent amount, although the roads are fairly well plowed.
Does anyone drive their Miata in the snow regularly? If so, do you have tire recommendations?
General Altimax Arctics are my favorite on the Miata.
My favorites a while ago were Pirelli's. But times change, as do compounds and tread patterns.
I drove my Miata's in Michigan Winters from 1997-2014. Great car for the snow.
I know a guy who has had a bunch of Miatas over the years and has driven every single one of them all year long in even the worst New England weather. Any good snow tires (Michelins, Bridgestones, Generals, etc) should be fine.
My son drives his NB all year, using snow tires in the winter. I can't remember what snow's I put on there but they aren't the best anyway. It used to be Blizzacks, but I haven't bought snows in several years.
A bunch of us do. Get some good snow tires and you will be fine.
I run my 95 which has an open diff on the General Altimax's and would only have a problem if beaching it was a real risk, but I am on coilovers which increases that risk.
Biggest thing will be rust mitigation especially on the rockers in front of the rear wheels.
Oh hellz yeah! Driving a Miata in snow with winter tires on all for corners one of most entertainig automotive things on the planet. The key is winter tires on all four.
It'll do great until the snow is over the rockers. Blizzak WS-80's if studs aren't allowed, General Arctic Altimax's studded if they are.
General Altimax Arctics (195/55-15) are the best at snow and are acceptable on ice. They handle steep hills (in Iowa, seriously!) in blizzard conditions with over an inch of accumulation on the ground.
You shouldn't be driving on straight ice, but patches here and there won't cause you to crash. If all four wheels are on glare ice, your traction will be essentially zero and momentum will carry you. If there's snow on top of the ice, gentle inputs and momentum control will be required, but you can drive well. Studded tires improve this.
Generals on snow-covered ice:
The only tire I know that's legitimately better in both ice and snow is the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2. It's double the price and I don't know if it's double the performance. It is available in 195/55-15 though! Discount Tire was willing to order it for me but I went with the Generals instead.
What is this "snow" of which you speak? 
It's been 18 months since I moved out of the mid-Atlantic and that's one thing I sure as hell don't miss.
Thanks guys! Sounds like it can be done. I used to drive my E36 M3 all year with snow tires and it was no problem.
But let me ask, has anyone tried these General AltiMax RT43 all seasons in the snow? LinkLink
I'll only be driving in snow once a year, so I'm wondering if I can get something that will do well in the snow (with "chains" as a backup option in the trunk), but then drive that tire the rest of the year. I'd love to not have to buy two sets of tires.
while you can and Im sure they will be ok at full tread depth, todays snow tire technology keeps real snow tires softer and more pliable in colder temps, and thats part of getting better traction in the snow and ice.
In reply to CyberEric:
What is your tire size?
I have general RT43s on the xb currently and loathe them. They're better then the Hankook platinum (I forget the model number) no seasons in the snow that I previously had on the car. But they're nowhere near as good as a dedicated snow tire and outside of road noise and treadlife they stink at everything else when the road isn't covered in white stuff. Their sidewall is just too soft, you get no transition response or turn in.
In reply to WildScotsRacing:
185-60-14
In reply to captdownshift:
Good to know, TR gave them a great review so I was thinking they might be a good option, maybe not.
If anyone knows of a good all season that also does okay for a once a year snow trip, lay it on me.
If you throw decent snows on all corners, I say doo eett!!
CyberEric wrote: In reply to WildScotsRacing: 185-60-14
Ouch! There's almost nothing left worth having in that size, anymore. If you don't want a separate snow set, AND have any inclination for occassional spirited driving, I think you would be much happier with a set BFG G-Force Super Sport A/S plus a full set (4 each) cable style snow "chains" in the trunk.
I thought owning multiple sets of tires was a requirement for a NA miata. I mean if youre ok with 14" it costs ya what, $50 to pick up an extra set of wheels?
In reply to WildScotsRacing:
Thanks, I'll check those out. And yes, I do some spirited driving in the dry most of the year. :)
In reply to RedGT:
Yeah, I would love to pick up some 14s, I've been looking. But I'm leaving in a week, so time is a consideration.
CyberEric wrote: In reply to WildScotsRacing: Thanks, I'll check those out. And yes, I do some spirited driving in the dry most of the year. :)
Just don't confuse them with the G-Force Comp-2 A/S, different animal, and I am rather annoyed that BFG isn't making them in 14 inch sizes myself.
Do I need to post the photo again?
Woody wrote: Do I need to post the photo again?
Do it!
If you're only looking at one round trip a year over the mountains, I'd get a set or two of Auto Socks. I got some for my truck, and tested them. I stuck it in over a foot of snow in two wheel drive, installed them, and drove out in two wheel drive. They are fabric tire covers that go on in about five minutes and won't tear up your car. I was surprised with now well they worked.
You'll need to log in to post.
