A post on the forums prompted me to post this poll. For those in the snow belt: How do you find your G6 in the snow and on the ice? If discussing, please indicate what you're using for tires.

I just was driving one this past weekend up north (with snowtires) and it seemed quite good. Not the best, but more than adequate!

Also, if posting, mention the model you are driving since the Traction Control System is different between the "V6" and "GT" models.

"V6" uses enhanced traction control system which uses engine torque reduction/upshifting only. Similar to system used on Grand Am.

"GT" system can also activate brakes which more quickly limits wheel spin

Also, if posting, mention the model you are driving since the Traction Control System is different between the "V6" and "GT" models.

"V6" uses enhanced traction control system which uses engine torque reduction/upshifting only. Similar to system used on Grand Am.

"GT" system can also activate brakes which more quickly limits wheel spin

Thanks for the tidbit! I didn't know that. :)

It's okay we just had a major (not really) snow dump by victoria standard. All I have is the stock allseason that come with the GT. The Tires that came with the 01 GA se1 were better in the snow. The one thing that was better is the car feel heavier than the GA so was able to track in the snow and slush easier. By the way I'm from the maritimes that why I mention "victoria standards"

I voted for the second one, "It's ok..."

I have the GT version with the stock tires it came with. I went from a '97 Tahoe with 4x4 to this. And right away we had ice storm for the first two weeks I had it. Then we got 10+ inches of snow. It did wonderful in the ice but ok in the snow. I say ok because it was dragging bottom on the snow in a few places and going up a hill from a stop took a while. But the traction control did help.

Now, Pontiac...put AWD on the G6 and you will have an even better car for us Northerners in the snow belt ;)

v6, no traction control.. and you can guess what I voted for. ;)

Its just like my Grand Am was. I usually have to turn of the traction control just like I did in my Grand Am.

I'd like to bring this topic back to the top again as I am readying to rent a G6 in the snowy pacific northwest. Presumably it will be a 2006 model, other than that, I don't exactly know what to inquire of y'all. Could one or more of you list how to go about using the "traction control" in packed show & ice conditions as well as one or the other? Is the "traction control" standard in the '06 models or an option. Has anyone ventured putting cable chains on their '06s? Just some information to aid someone who is looking for answers before he encounters the winter weather conditions. Thanx in advance. I will post with how I did upon return. :D

i have the standard Contenentals on my '05 GT. after reading the 'stats' on the Contenental Tires i was rather apprehensive about driving in snow. i bought mine in August of '05 and the first real heavy rain we had i thought the traction was terrible so i really wasn't looking forward to snow and ice.

but suprisingly, it did very well as far as i'm concerned. i DID however turn off the Traction Control as well as i got tired of hearing that 'racket' when the T.C. is engaging. it seemed to me to work better without it anyway. :D

i'm still planning on changing over to the Yokohama Avid's when my current tires are worn out. i think i'll get better 'wet' pavement traction.

Thanks for the tidbit! I didn't know that. :)

i have another idea....when making up a 'poll', how about leaving it OPEN for 30 days to give everyone a chance to vote? even though i check the site nearly every day, today is the first i have seen this.

if it WERE open today, i vote for "its great"

Have the 18" Goodyears on my '06 GTP coupe A4 . Traction in the snow here in Cleveland has been great, and the traction control system has worked well, although I usually find I can react and make changes faster than the system does. Haven't got it really out of control to test the system, but it's like the airbags...really don't want to test them.

After a heavier snow fall last winter, the OEM Conti's barely got the job done. The TC was ever so annoying that I ended up turning it off as TC can hamper forward mobility if the weather is bad enough. I drive throughout Central to Northern Ontario frequently throughout the year and when the temps are very cold (-40) the snow is a lot harder and the G6 can get through light snow fine on two lane roads. When the temps rise (-10) and the weather is bad, I park the G6 and drive the Durango (4x4) with BFG tires.

A lot of people don't have the patience to drive on snow covered roads, and once traffic starts to build up, they get all the more impatient. Or, it's the opposite, they're TOO cautious and do 20km/h on a clear road and start to brake a mile before their turn. This is when I prefer having my V8 over the V6. AWD traction definitely helps.

Some northern roads that get plowed, don't get plowed by trucks, but by motor graders, whose tires leave marks similar to driving over rumble strips for miles on end. The G6 feels as if it's going to fall apart after a couple miles of this, so again, when I know they'll be out and what roads will be open that I'll have to take, it's the Durango at the top of the list. The longer travel suspension allowed me to travel a touch faster over the grader tread marks on the snow covered roads.

After a heavier snow fall last winter, the OEM Conti's barely got the job done. The TC was ever so annoying that I ended up turning it off as TC can hamper forward mobility if the weather is bad enough. I drive throughout Central to Northern Ontario frequently throughout the year and when the temps are very cold (-40) the snow is a lot harder and the G6 can get through light snow fine on two lane roads. When the temps rise (-10) and the weather is bad, I park the G6 and drive the Durango (4x4) with BFG tires.

A lot of people don't have the patience to drive on snow covered roads, and once traffic starts to build up, they get all the more impatient. Or, it's the opposite, they're TOO cautious and do 20km/h on a clear road and start to brake a mile before their turn. This is when I prefer having my V8 over the V6. AWD traction definitely helps.

Some northern roads that get plowed, don't get plowed by trucks, but by motor graders, whose tires leave marks similar to driving over rumble strips for miles on end. The G6 feels as if it's going to fall apart after a couple miles of this, so again, when I know they'll be out and what roads will be open that I'll have to take, it's the Durango at the top of the list. The longer travel suspension allowed me to travel a touch faster over the grader tread marks on the snow covered roads.
I couldn't hang, if my road gets an ice cube on it I'm calling in sick.

Since we are digging up old threads...

I had Falken 912s this past winter. They definitely aren't the best winter tire, especially with the frequent trips up to PA. I'm hoping to replace them before winter time and going with Goodyears or maybe Dunlop Sport.

It's decent as long as there is less than 4 inches on the ground. Any more than that and I just park it for the day.

It's decent as long as there is less than 4 inches on the ground. Any more than that and I just park it for the day.

lol 4 inches...in Canada 4 inches is nothing :D

i have some Blizzak WS 60's on 17" chrometechs and have no problems going thru prob 18" or more of the light powdery snow and no problems going thu about 12" of heavy wet snow. i was busting thru drifts of light powery snow that were as high as the hood on I 90 in south dakota on my way back from class in january no problems.

lol 4 inches...in Canada 4 inches is nothing :D

You guys must plow the roads :o

You guys must plow the roads :o

yea, with the front bumpers of our '6s. xD
I'm running a set of Nokian WRG2s and I've not had a problem yet. And that a mix of highway, back-roads, alleyways, and a wee bit of offroad :beer:

Depends on the weight of snow, not necessarily the amount we get in order to get around. 8" of light snow versus 2" of packed, would be the same to drive through. 8" of packed snow would be a problem as it would go into the front lower air dam, causing drag to the point where you'll eventually get yourself stuck.

Even with the new General UHP tires on my GT, they hold their own in the winter! Still, my area has only received about 1/4 of the normal annual snowfall this year. I can't complain!

Had the worst winter in a very long time (texas panhandle) and this was my 2nd winter's worth of driving. I'm also a pizza driver, so I got my fair share of (a lifetime's worth) of experience this year. Tires on the G6/GT are fairly balding, but still manageable, and with the traction control not too bad and without the TC it was fairly fun :D

I hope this Poll is an accurate representation, we just got a G6 for winter driving because it's a front wheel drive car.

I hope this Poll is an accurate representation, we just got a G6 for winter driving because it's a front wheel drive car.

this poll is a terrible representation as it was only open less than 30 days.
now many years have passed & im sure improvements have been made.

a new poll should be made.

this poll is a terrible representation as it was only open less than 30 days.
now many years have passed & im sure improvements have been made.

a new poll should be made.

There were no major changes made to the G6 in its life span. Bottom line comes down to tires, drivetrain layout, and traction aids. Being an open diff gives the g6 a harder time in moving from a stopped position. However the lack of an LSD makes it safer in conditions in which you hit black ice at road speed. Being FWD mostly negates the main concern which is for RWD cars with an LSD in snow and ice conditions (tail spin).

My fiance's GT was a freakin tank in the snow last year, I had Continental Extremecontact DWS tires installed on it and it went through the snow with no issues at all. Now I drove my GXP in a snow storm last winter and I have to say it was horrible. I blame it on the fact that the factory Goodyear Eagle LS2 tires absolutely suck. If you get a good set of tires on the car it will make all the difference. If you can afford the extra money I would suggest looking into snow tires for your G6.

My fiance's GT was a freakin tank in the snow last year, I had Continental Extremecontact DWS tires installed on it and it went through the snow with no issues at all. Now I drove my GXP in a snow storm last winter and I have to say it was horrible. I blame it on the fact that the factory Goodyear Eagle LS2 tires absolutely suck. If you get a good set of tires on the car it will make all the difference. If you can afford the extra money I would suggest looking into snow tires for your G6.

yes i absolutely agree.
my car loves the snow. but when i had stock tires on, no.
if i would have thought to turn the traction control off it
wouldnt of been so bad. the sound of tc going on so much
with my bad tires made me not want to drive my car.


i drive it through a couple feet of snow everyday
before the snow plow guys come plow it. they lazy.