The Snow Broke My 8!
12-13-2003 | 10:25 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
The Snow Broke My 8! New Info! Need Help!
So there I was...first time in the snow, not a mile from my house and doing exactly 17 mph when it happened...got moving slightly downhill...back end came around, slid towards the sidewalk, front wheels jumped the curb and pulled the back end around which slammed the left rear tire against the curb. Busted the rim up real bad and definately threw it out of alignment. I got towed to the local Mazda dealership, but they won't be open till Monday and I've got no idea the extent of the damage. I know the axel isn't completely broken b/c I drove it about 30 ft afterwards to get out of traffic, but the tire is visibly out of alignment. GRRR!
I've got a spare rim, so that's no big deal, but I really hope the axel/U joint/struts/etc are alright. I guess I'll find out Monday.
I've got a spare rim, so that's no big deal, but I really hope the axel/U joint/struts/etc are alright. I guess I'll find out Monday.
Last edited by FighterPilot; 12-16-2003 at 12:15 PM.
12-13-2003 | 10:45 PM
#3
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: NC
I think we're going to hear of a lot of 8s damaged by driving in the snow. I know Gordon has been warning all of us for a while, but, at least in the US, cars are typically sold with all seasons. I've bought many new cars and my 8 was the only one that required a tire change to make it through the winter. I think most people that don't read this board would have no idea that "summer performance tires" = "DON"T DRIVE IN SNOW". I wouldn't have. Anyway, I hope the damage is minimal FighterPilot. Get good snow tires and the 8 is great!
12-13-2003 | 10:59 PM
#4
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
What is the deal with Mazda and the dealers? They seem to be very determined to get these RX8s out this winter on factory tires.
I probably would have had a similar problem with our last big snow storm, but I couldn't move my car 20 ft out of my parking lot.
I'm also interested in the other posting where a dealer threatened that the warrenty would not be valid with non-factory tires/wheels.
What does Mazda know about this car that they are not saying?
I probably would have had a similar problem with our last big snow storm, but I couldn't move my car 20 ft out of my parking lot.
I'm also interested in the other posting where a dealer threatened that the warrenty would not be valid with non-factory tires/wheels.
What does Mazda know about this car that they are not saying?
12-13-2003 | 11:09 PM
#5
Registered
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia, PA USA
Originally posted by Natew00
I'm also interested in the other posting where a dealer threatened that the warrenty would not be valid with non-factory tires/wheels.
I'm also interested in the other posting where a dealer threatened that the warrenty would not be valid with non-factory tires/wheels.
It is hard to find a shop which has a mounting machine that can handle 18 inch rims, and virtually impossible to find one that has experience with a TPMS system like this.
The best choice at this time is separate rims and snow tires either with or without the TPMS monitors. The monitors adds $100 a wheel, and Tirerack has been selling them installed on aftermarket rims for some members.
12-14-2003 | 12:33 AM
#6
Rev Addict
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 992
Likes: 0
From: Kawasaki Japan..Rep'n the Shin Maruko!!!!
Re: The Snow Broke My 8!
Originally posted by FighterPilot
So there I was...first time in the snow, not a mile from my house and doing exactly 17 mph when it happened...got moving slightly downhill...back end came around, slid towards the sidewalk, front wheels jumped the curb and pulled the back end around which slammed the left rear tire against the curb. Busted the rim up real bad and definately threw it out of alignment. I got towed to the local Mazda dealership, but they won't be open till Monday and I've got no idea the extent of the damage. I know the axel isn't completely broken b/c I drove it about 30 ft afterwards to get out of traffic, but the tire is visibly out of alignment. GRRR!
I've got a spare rim, so that's no big deal, but I really hope the axel/U joint/struts/etc are alright. I guess I'll find out Monday.
So there I was...first time in the snow, not a mile from my house and doing exactly 17 mph when it happened...got moving slightly downhill...back end came around, slid towards the sidewalk, front wheels jumped the curb and pulled the back end around which slammed the left rear tire against the curb. Busted the rim up real bad and definately threw it out of alignment. I got towed to the local Mazda dealership, but they won't be open till Monday and I've got no idea the extent of the damage. I know the axel isn't completely broken b/c I drove it about 30 ft afterwards to get out of traffic, but the tire is visibly out of alignment. GRRR!
I've got a spare rim, so that's no big deal, but I really hope the axel/U joint/struts/etc are alright. I guess I'll find out Monday.
Did you have the RE 40's on it? They are classifed as all weather tires..but, like they said Gordon has been warning us about snow and they 8...
9-K Rever
12-14-2003 | 10:05 AM
#7
Institution Escapee
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 150
Likes: 1
From: Alberta, Canada
The stock RE040's are classified as performance summer tires, they are definately not all-weather. We're going to be seeing a lot of posts like this over the winter I think, Mazda should inform people better of the type of tires on the RX-8, it seems so many just don't understand.
12-14-2003 | 11:45 AM
#9
Bert angry!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
Originally posted by Natew00
What does Mazda know about this car that they are not saying?
What does Mazda know about this car that they are not saying?
12-14-2003 | 11:46 AM
#10
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Phila, Pennsylvania
I am sorry to hear that Fighterpilot... I made it through the first big storm and knew that new tires were a must. I ordered wheels and blizzack's from tirerack and will keep ya posted on how they run. They are probably making a killing this year just from rx-8 owners in this club... The set will be here tuesday but I wish I had them today cuz its snowing yet again!
12-14-2003 | 01:17 PM
#11
The Stickinator
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR.
Sorry to hear about your unfortunate accident FighterPilot. Winter tires are a must especially in light weight vehicles but again even more so when you run summer tires. I recommend to everyone that they purchase a seperate set of wheels and not just tires. In the long run you will see a $$$ savings because you won't have to remount and balance your tires and 18" snow tires aren't cheap. I found 17" wheels for $60/wheel and you can get tires ranging from $120-$259/tire depending on what kind of tires you want. When I was looking at the tires I wanted for my baby they were $259/tire on the 18"s. So I went middle of the road and spent less. My traction is great and I have had no problems getting around town or stopping in the winter.
12-14-2003 | 02:10 PM
#12
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Yeah...I've definately learned my lesson...snow tires will be on before I go out again in the snow. This was my first time on snow in a RWD car and it seemed to happen out of nowhere.
My biggest problem now is that if the damage is anything more than simple balance and alignment, I might be in trouble. I'm in the Air Force and due to report to Texas the first week of January (only reason I got this car in the first place...going to warmer climates). If the damage requires more time than that to fix, I'm not sure what I'm gonna do.
My biggest problem now is that if the damage is anything more than simple balance and alignment, I might be in trouble. I'm in the Air Force and due to report to Texas the first week of January (only reason I got this car in the first place...going to warmer climates). If the damage requires more time than that to fix, I'm not sure what I'm gonna do.
12-14-2003 | 02:15 PM
#13
"...I'm a Dapper Dan man"
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 840
Likes: 1
From: Newport News, Va
Bad boy, baaaad bad boy! (sound of wrists getting smacked with the proverbial ruler)
You were told time and time again that you should not take the 8 out and play with it in the snow!
It's not like we didn't warn you! Now you have to explain to the Rotary God why you went and took YOUR 8 out in the wet stuff without putting on it's galoshes! :D
You were told time and time again that you should not take the 8 out and play with it in the snow!
It's not like we didn't warn you! Now you have to explain to the Rotary God why you went and took YOUR 8 out in the wet stuff without putting on it's galoshes! :D
12-14-2003 | 03:27 PM
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
After reading this thread I starting doing research (nothing better to do today because its SNOWING and I don't have my snow tires yet!).
The RE040 tires are in fact, SUMMER PERFORMANCE tires. There is even a suggestion that they not be used in summer in very wet, rainy areas.
Now, I don't know about the rest of you, but my dealer (and the MAZDA literature) never said anything like, "Hey dude, by the way, after plopping down $28k for this vehicle, the first thing you really need to do is buy SNOW TIRES if you are going to be driving it in snow this winter." In fact, for my old RX-7s I had snow tires. I just think that MAZDA, and at least the dealer I bought mine from could have/should have warned me in BIG LETTERS about the snow tire thing.
Maybe the board here can do a real service to newbies and get the word out - DON'T DRIVE IN THE SNOW ON THE STOCK TIRES!
Ok. Maybe I've got a touch of cabin fever. I'll stop the rant now. Thanks, that's better. So drive safely out there.
The RE040 tires are in fact, SUMMER PERFORMANCE tires. There is even a suggestion that they not be used in summer in very wet, rainy areas.
Now, I don't know about the rest of you, but my dealer (and the MAZDA literature) never said anything like, "Hey dude, by the way, after plopping down $28k for this vehicle, the first thing you really need to do is buy SNOW TIRES if you are going to be driving it in snow this winter." In fact, for my old RX-7s I had snow tires. I just think that MAZDA, and at least the dealer I bought mine from could have/should have warned me in BIG LETTERS about the snow tire thing.
Maybe the board here can do a real service to newbies and get the word out - DON'T DRIVE IN THE SNOW ON THE STOCK TIRES!
Ok. Maybe I've got a touch of cabin fever. I'll stop the rant now. Thanks, that's better. So drive safely out there.
12-14-2003 | 04:10 PM
#15
Registered
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, AB
Originally posted by mellenmb
Maybe the board here can do a real service to newbies and get the word out - DON'T DRIVE IN THE SNOW ON THE STOCK TIRES!
Maybe the board here can do a real service to newbies and get the word out - DON'T DRIVE IN THE SNOW ON THE STOCK TIRES!
Yeah, that would be handy, wouldn't it?
Regards,
Gordon
12-14-2003 | 05:46 PM
#17
Institution Escapee
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 150
Likes: 1
From: Alberta, Canada
Originally posted by Gord96BRG
You mean something like having a sticky thread about winter driving and winter tires at the top of this forum section? You mean like having dozens of threads in the Tires and Wheels section and Canada regional section over the past 4 months discussing winter tire and wheel selections, which included warnings starting in August that the OEM tires would be useless in winter? You mean like having one forum member who has made it practically a personal crusade to post in every thread discussing winter driving in the RX-8 and point out how the OEM tires will be useless and that people should get winter tires?
Yeah, that would be handy, wouldn't it?
You mean something like having a sticky thread about winter driving and winter tires at the top of this forum section? You mean like having dozens of threads in the Tires and Wheels section and Canada regional section over the past 4 months discussing winter tire and wheel selections, which included warnings starting in August that the OEM tires would be useless in winter? You mean like having one forum member who has made it practically a personal crusade to post in every thread discussing winter driving in the RX-8 and point out how the OEM tires will be useless and that people should get winter tires?
Yeah, that would be handy, wouldn't it?
ROFLMAO :D
12-14-2003 | 06:39 PM
#18
Bert angry!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
I understand peoples' frustrations about having to buy snow tires, but this is a sports car. And you can see that the tires are low profile. You have to expect to do a little personal research when you drop $30K on something.
12-14-2003 | 07:04 PM
#19
Registered
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, AB
Originally posted by mamccubbin
I understand peoples' frustrations about having to buy snow tires, but this is a sports car. And you can see that the tires are low profile. You have to expect to do a little personal research when you drop $30K on something.
I understand peoples' frustrations about having to buy snow tires, but this is a sports car. And you can see that the tires are low profile. You have to expect to do a little personal research when you drop $30K on something.
This isn't anything new to performance cars. It's also why some cars get a reputation as being terrible in winter - because their owners don't understand the characteristics of summer tires, and blame the car for poor winter performance instead of the inappropriate tires.
Regards,
Gordon
12-14-2003 | 10:07 PM
#20
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
I wonder what I should replace the OE summer tires with when the time comes. I have the snows for winter, but I could get by with less than autocross-quality handling in the interest of wet-weather traction and possibly more tread life with an all-season tire. Has anyone out there worn out their original tires yet and replaced them?
12-14-2003 | 10:15 PM
#21
VW coulda had it...
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 391
Likes: 1
From: Crystal, Minnesota
Of couse I read things on this forum and others about the (un)likelyhood that the stock tires (or any high perf summer tires for that matter) would work in the snow, but hell! Look at 'em! They're wide and flat, with big smooth tread blocks, and the tread doesn't have much open or deep space between blocks.
They look pretty ski like to me. But you want quick response and good grip when the pavement becomes warm and dry again, (in another five friggin' months here!) don't you? Ahh, the beauty of two sets of tires & wheels.
They look pretty ski like to me. But you want quick response and good grip when the pavement becomes warm and dry again, (in another five friggin' months here!) don't you? Ahh, the beauty of two sets of tires & wheels.
12-14-2003 | 10:59 PM
#22
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
I'm sorry if this offend anyone...but i don't understand how ppl can, not know the type of tires when they buy the car... even if it is Four Seasons... i still always change my tires in the winter.. Tires are such a big factor for cars... it is stupid, not to know your tires......
12-14-2003 | 11:54 PM
#23
SEMPER UBI SUB UBI
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, OH
Originally posted by 13B-MSP
I'm sorry if this offend anyone...but i don't understand how ppl can, not know the type of tires when they buy the car... even if it is Four Seasons... i still always change my tires in the winter.. Tires are such a big factor for cars... it is stupid, not to know your tires......
I'm sorry if this offend anyone...but i don't understand how ppl can, not know the type of tires when they buy the car... even if it is Four Seasons... i still always change my tires in the winter.. Tires are such a big factor for cars... it is stupid, not to know your tires......
I was out in my 8 going to dinner. After dinner, I noticed snow all over the ground, boy was I freaking out:-D, but I made it home going very very very slow. If you dont have snowtires, dont drive in the snow.
12-15-2003 | 02:17 AM
#24
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Alaska
Same situation here ALPHAPENGUIN. I went to work in a nice cloudy morning, not a sign of snow. An hour later it just started snowing! So I was freaking out too. I was deciding to take an early lunch like 9am, hehehe...or wait till 12, hoping the underlayer snow dont turn to ice. But eventually it did. Right in the parking lot I couldn't even make 10 feet. I had to drive of in reverse, hehehe.
this was a month ago and since then I took my winter SUV out of the garage.
this was a month ago and since then I took my winter SUV out of the garage.
12-15-2003 | 07:46 AM
#25
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Obviously I made a mistake by not stopping immediately, but like many of you, this weather snuck up on me too. My inexperience in such didn't help and taught me a tough lesson the hard way...but how bout a little compassion for a guy whos 8 is stuck in the shop!?!