Driving on snow and ice

[NikLiverpool]

Hi all,

So today first day back at work I had the wonderful (lol) opportunity to test my IM6 on snow and ice.
Car was nice and toasty with preheat and then set it on snow mode while deactivating all ADAS as usual.
I must admit I was a bit apprehensive due to tyre size and spec (summer ones) but I was very pleasantly surprised.
I did the exact route as every day and there is a specific roundabout where every time under these conditions my previous cars (including the AWD model3) will slip and throw the back of the car, even at very low speed.
IM was like a train on rails. I am impressed

Any other experiences?

 

[Don H]

Hi all,

So today first day back at work I had the wonderful (lol) opportunity to test my IM6 on snow and ice.
Car was nice and toasty with preheat and then set it on snow mode while deactivating all ADAS as usual.
I must admit I was a bit apprehensive due to tyre size and spec (summer ones) but I was very pleasantly surprised.
I did the exact route as every day and there is a specific roundabout where every time under these conditions my previous cars (including the AWD model3) will slip and throw the back of the car, even at very low speed.
IM was like a train on rails. I am impressed

Any other experiences?

Hi Nik,
I had my first drive in “decent” snow today, unfortunately mine is the RWD long range so no snow mode ! She was a little lively at first until I put it on eco and used the throttle very gently, even then the rear end would occasionally nip out a bit.
Still a fantastic drive but caution really is the word with the RWD version.

 

[MSvirus]

I had the usual drive for me, yesterday in -16 degrees C and with heavy snow on the road. The consumption was now in the 26,x kWh/100 km, so a bit high, but had to use the heat and fan alot to keep the front windows clear, and there was high rolling resistance. The high heater problem I also have on my MG4 in these conditions.

The car I used have new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV studded tires, so it is the top spec nordic winter tyres for this kind of road surface, and they are great! The car drives the route as it was bare asfalt, and is stable. Around the corners I wondered about the programming of the 4WS system in the slippery, but it was spot on, and the car turned in like a breeze. Really impressed! The drives this time of year is constantly in snow mode.

 

[NikLiverpool]

Hi both. Thanks for the feedback. Good to hear that I am not the only one who finds the IM easy to drive on snow and ice.
I was seriously contemplating of swapping tyres with all weather ones; loved the Cross climates on my 3 but unfortunately I cant find anything for the IM.

 

[MSvirus]

UK might have the climate for those kind of tires (MCC), but compared to real winter tires like the Hakka 10, MCC are closer to a summer tire than winter tire. In fact a former car I bought had MCC as summer tires, and nordic ones as winter tyres. The difference is unbelieveable, as I tested out. Would never drive MCCs on ice or snow after that. I value my safety. But in UK as there probably is lots of clear roads with above freezing and water on them, they could maybe be a solution.

 

[lokych]

UK might have the climate for those kind of tires (MCC), but compared to real winter tires like the Hakka 10, MCC are closer to a summer tire than winter tire. In fact a former car I bought had MCC as summer tires, and nordic ones as winter tyres. The difference is unbelieveable, as I tested out. Would never drive MCCs on ice or snow after that. I value my safety. But in UK as there probably is lots of clear roads with above freezing and water on them, they could maybe be a solution.

Nah, we have yet to experience the type of Nordic weather you guys have. Problem is even if we get a freak blizzard, it clears very quickly and may only be in isolated patches. Dedicated studded tyres and even snowchains can be overkill. Of course, for those maybe in the Highlands with more consistent snow cover, drivers probably keep a set of winter and summer tyres to interchange. For most of us, cross climates are a good compromise. Tend to be less noise too.

Vehicle stability systems do let us get away a lot these days. Although we will need to respect road conditions, a trait Nordic drivers like yourself are imprinted from birth!

I drove my Alfa Romeo Stelvio on stock P-zeros across the Pyrenees last winter over the ski slopes of Formigal. The roads were relatively clear but temperatures were freezing. The LSD and my careful driving did most of the work with the AWD being used sparingly.

the IM6 is of course a much heavier car. Glad to know it performs well enough in UK which is good enough for me!

 

[nigel4]

Hi Nik,
I had my first drive in “decent” snow today, unfortunately mine is the RWD long range so no snow mode ! She was a little lively at first until I put it on eco and used the throttle very gently, even then the rear end would occasionally nip out a bit.
Still a fantastic drive but caution really is the word with the RWD version.

Eco mode probably increases regen, which being rwd may be cause of rear end issue. Perhaps someone can recomend a custom setting.

 

[MikeJS]

Eco mode probably increases regen, which being rwd may be cause of rear end issue. Perhaps someone can recomend a custom setting.

Elsewhere it was recommended to set up Custom with eco and low regen. Not had a chance to try it but once done easy to use with voice.