[Bavfan]

So even if using winter tires, do you add weight to the trunk to increase traction in the snow? I know our cars are balanced nearly 50/50, so handling is good, but do you find putting any weight in the trunk makes for better traction in the snow?

I've just got some new Michelin Xice-xi2 on my non xdrive E90 and am thinking about putting a sand bag or two in the trunk when the snow comes.

[2kaccordocoupe]

I don't find it necessary to add extra weight, I drove up to blue many times in snow storms. What I find really helps is having a full tank of fuel. I try to keep it above 1/2 when in the deep stuff.

[jasonintoronto]

i had a rwd e92 335i and didn't need more weight.

[Andy M]

I grew up in Edmonton where it's so cold even polar bears stay away.

Anyway in all seriousness, adding weight to a vehicle means you can start moving easier because of the initial traction but adding extra weight will increase your likelihood of skidding. (Think of it this way...which is easier to stop? A small car going at 80 kmph or a semi-trailer going at 80 kmph). Given that you live in Vancouver where there are a lot of hills...

You should at least keep a small shovel in the back of your car though. I've been stuck in some really deep snow up in the mountains in a 4x4 where I didn't have a shovel and needed to dig by hand...not very fun.

[Glim]

Fill your tank often in winter time, a full tank weighs 100 lbs.

[hubble bubble]

NOT. Winter handling is great as it is. I live in calgary and ski in the rockies every weekend. I love driving 120 km/h to Banff laughing at all the SUVs in the ditches.

I like the point about keeping the gas tank full. I try not to let it get below 1/2 full in winter.