They usually don't inspect tires very closely, they're just looking for awd. Of course, they may cite you when you crash on them...

 

Because they sand the roads in Tahoe, I've taken to putting blue painters tape on my front bumper and lip when i go up to help protect our already crappy paint.

 

i just got back from tahoe and it was snowin like crazy all weekend. in situations like that, it might suck to drive through all that snow lowered. i saw a lowered integra suck on the side with snow all up in the fenders.

 

This is a good point. When I got back from last year's Tahoe trip the paint behind each wheel well got sand blasted.


Regarding Ride Height:
Compliance is more important than ride height when it comes to snow.

 

i just got back yesterday from Tahoe... started snowing on Sunday...

the only thing I'd say is - make sure you have snow rated tires
and you'll prolly push some snow around w/ your nose since people use the same track for their tires (resulting in snow piling up in the middle)

shouldn't be a problem though. It's still flat roads under all that snow...

 

I was up in Tahoe this weekend as well and spend a good portion of last winter up there. You should be fine as long as you're not planning on traveling on unplowed roads. The only problems that I've run into are snow getting packed underneath the rear diff, which makes you high-center, and loss of traction because of sh1tty tire choices. After I got snow tires last year, I told myself I'd never go up again without them. It's the single best thing I've done for the car for snowy driving. HUGE DIFFERENCE. Oh, and we've been driving my wife's '00 RS which is lowered as well.

Snowy driving recommendations:
- drive slow.
- carry a small shovel (avalanche shovels are great, but you can pick up a similar one at Autozone for about $9)
- drive slow
- carry chains (though you most likely won't need them, but better safe than sorry)
- drive slow
- go drive around in a safe environment and get loose (it'll help you when it eventually happens on the road, and it WILL)
- drive slow

-Brian

 

i have a 05 sti and im planning on going to tahoe this week, anyone think i'd survive the trip on stock tires? =)

We should have a I-club Snowboarding/Sking trip b4 christmas

 

yea - remember -
if you brake to hard, your wheels can lock because of slippery conditions...

all-wheel drive or not - when wheels lock, all cars are the same.

 

The chain checkers just asked if I had AWD, nothing else. The S-03s held up though. The back end slipped when I tried a minor 'swerve' but it was expected since they are summer tires. I had a set of chains with me if it ever became undrivable with them. I want to get some winter tires for my stockers though.

 

I'll be up there on the 21st-23rd. Look for an '02 WRB with STi goldies

 

I'm thinking about heading up tonight.

 

I'll be up there the 26th through the 31st. Look for sideways BRP 2.5 RS sedan with a lunatic at the wheel.

-Brian

 

The STI book says no to snow chains. I also didn't want to risk the stock tires in the snow. Summer tires don't work well below freezing. I thought the reason to not drive a lowered car is because snow can build up under the car.

 

iw as thikning the same thing, but the sti tires looks like its pretty high performance grip tires. i have afeeling it'll be pretty bad in the snow, and probably even in the rain, its best to get soem snow tires. right guys?

 

right - M+S at a bare minimum.