The "Sonic in the snow" MASTER thread
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CyberGreyTURBOZ
New member
In the snow you definitely have to slow down from your summer time romping, but snow tires really change your view of driving in the snow. I had a 07 Supercharged Grand Prix before my sonic and i ran second hand Blizzaks on 16in. rims instead of factory 17in. The more snow you we had the better it handled. You need a few inches to get something for the tires to grab at, but driving down the highway in 3-7 inches of snow(Not fresh powder) I could make and emergency lane change like i wasn't in snow. Check for the lane to be clear next to me, turn hard, slide for a second while tires find traction catch it in the next lane with a small shimmy and the back end just sets right back in line. I would drive in anything at anytime in that car with no problems. They don't make you invincible in snow, but you definitely have more control than the other people sliding around you on the roads.
LorbeerTLC
Member
FYI: Ultra-Low Profile Tire Chains
Over here in Washington State, if you're going to cross the Cascades during the winter and it's snowing, the State Patrol can make it mandatory that in order to cross, you MUST chain your tires up, even if you have on snow/studded tires. The only exception is if you have AWD.
I know due to the low clearance between the tires and the struts, chains are not recommended on the Sonic (and on some other new GM cars too). However, I found chains that will work. They are an "Ultra-Low Profile" tire chains and I've had them installed by a tire dealer and he told me they'll work. I tried them without any problems.
Here's the site if anyone is interested.
Sub S Low Clearance Tire Chains
Over here in Washington State, if you're going to cross the Cascades during the winter and it's snowing, the State Patrol can make it mandatory that in order to cross, you MUST chain your tires up, even if you have on snow/studded tires. The only exception is if you have AWD.
I know due to the low clearance between the tires and the struts, chains are not recommended on the Sonic (and on some other new GM cars too). However, I found chains that will work. They are an "Ultra-Low Profile" tire chains and I've had them installed by a tire dealer and he told me they'll work. I tried them without any problems.
Here's the site if anyone is interested.
Sub S Low Clearance Tire Chains
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Mikebfbsdy
New member
Yeah, I forgot to mention that too. Snow tires are really the single best thing to help you stop and not slide as much. Any other drivetrain combo or car engineering won't do half as much for you as an upgrade from all seasons to snow tires in the winter.
ahtoxa
New member
And don't skimp on good snow tires either. While some of the cheaper snow tires offer a better tire compound compared to all season, there are still better options out there. You can also stud them if this is allowed in your state. Ice traction gains will be significant, at the slight compromise of dry handling.
LS1notFOUND
New member
the sonic will have most of its problems when your passing over the end of driveway type mess stuff where the light weight will simply beach it and have the wheels hanging in the air.....however because of that its easily pushed out by nearby drivers or on-lookers. 
Buffalo, NY native and I can tell you, you appreciate little cars with good tires once you get them moving. I did a good job of putting my pick up into a curb, rim didn't like that, but even with "ok" tires it didn't get stuck.
Buffalo, NY native and I can tell you, you appreciate little cars with good tires once you get them moving. I did a good job of putting my pick up into a curb, rim didn't like that, but even with "ok" tires it didn't get stuck.
sx sonic
New member
It'll be interesting to see how this car does in the winter. My rwd sieraa was absolutely horrible from a stop and really bad up to about 30mph, after that it was great and a lot of fun around empty roads
I have the feeling the sonics gonna be the opposite, better at getting going not so good once moving..
I am a little nervous about fwd in snow thou, with rwd if your heading straight for somethin there's the option of trying to power into another open lane or at worst just looping it out. Fwd ur going straight no matter what
-tyler
I have the feeling the sonics gonna be the opposite, better at getting going not so good once moving..
I am a little nervous about fwd in snow thou, with rwd if your heading straight for somethin there's the option of trying to power into another open lane or at worst just looping it out. Fwd ur going straight no matter what
-tyler
jennie421
New member
A good pair of snow tires and sensible winter driving practices and you should make it with a FWD. I've got many many Minnesota winters under my belt in small cars with only FWD.
jennie421
New member
They are a must!
jennie421
New member
Get snow tires. Put the regular ones on in the spring and summer and the snow tires in the winter.
SonicCalgary
New member
We had an early dump of snow in Western Canada with 15 CM, (a little under 7 inches for you American readers), and a combination of not being used to a manual transmission, and the crappy hankook's the factory put on, it was an interesting trip to work. I got the hang of it after a while, but these tires need to go.
One strange thing, and if anyone could verify this, when the anti lock brakes activate, the radio shuts off. The dealership says it is a safety feature, but it really threw me for a loop.
I don't know why, but I forgot to activate the stabilitrack. Just not used to having it, so forgot to hit the button. Maybe with the tires and staiblitrak, it might have been a little more manageable.
But take my word, get those factory Hankook H438's off your car if your have any kind of snowfall in your area.
One strange thing, and if anyone could verify this, when the anti lock brakes activate, the radio shuts off. The dealership says it is a safety feature, but it really threw me for a loop.
I don't know why, but I forgot to activate the stabilitrack. Just not used to having it, so forgot to hit the button. Maybe with the tires and staiblitrak, it might have been a little more manageable.
But take my word, get those factory Hankook H438's off your car if your have any kind of snowfall in your area.
indigogirl17
New member
Also interested in the winter-handling
I live in NW Ohio. I always loaded 60 pounds of kitty litter in the back of my previous car, a 1998 Ford escort station wagon. Do I need to just plan to do this?--I have the automatic 4 door sedan.
I live in NW Ohio. I always loaded 60 pounds of kitty litter in the back of my previous car, a 1998 Ford escort station wagon. Do I need to just plan to do this?--I have the automatic 4 door sedan.
laborsmith
New member
SonicCalgary, the Stabilitrak is already engaged which is why some people press the button to turn it off during winter weather driving situations.
indigogirl17, the engine and transmission are over your drive wheels so I am not certain how much effect 60lbs of kitty litter would have.
On a few occasions I have slammed on the brakes thus engaging the ABS and not had the radio turn off.
Laborsmith
indigogirl17, the engine and transmission are over your drive wheels so I am not certain how much effect 60lbs of kitty litter would have.
On a few occasions I have slammed on the brakes thus engaging the ABS and not had the radio turn off.
Laborsmith
$ub$onic
The Sticker Guy
I've always done this with every vehicle I've owned car or truck
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lambertsonic
New member
The sonic is great in the snow , I have bf Goodrich slaloms winter tires . We do get a lot of snow here , and having snow tires is a must . When I go out to my cottage in the mountains there is steep hills covered in ice and the sonic drives up alright . The traction control is kind of annoying and I usually had it off last winter .
I decided to forgo the winter tires for the first season this year. A combination of suck winter last year and not wanting to shell out 200 for TMPS sensors, plus a few bill for wheels...yada yada. I didn't want to go cheap snow rims or just swap them on my 15's just yet. I might hate myself for that call. Anyway, here's hoping I don't end up in a ditch.
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HareBrained
New member
Has anyone gone without TPMS sensors? Is it just a light or does it do more?
I know of some people who put their TPMS sensors into the spare tire and then didn't have to worry about what tires were actually on the ground.
I know of some people who put their TPMS sensors into the spare tire and then didn't have to worry about what tires were actually on the ground.
laborsmith
New member
I have not but expect there to be a chime for a moment and the light which you will quickly adjust to and won't be a problem. Our friends at OnStar may be another story, though, so if you do it let us know how that works.
I have read the sensors in the spare tire does not work but can not remember why that does not work.
Laborsmith