PSM

I have a '99 C2 where PSM was not an available option. I was wondering the disadvantage of not having PSM when it comes to driving in the snow (or even in heavy rain). Will a good set of snow tires suffice? Thanks.

I was wondering the disadvantage of not having PSM when it comes to driving in the snow (or even in heavy rain). Will a good set of snow tires suffice? PSM is designed to intervene when the computer detects that the car is either in an oversteering or understeering condition by determing if there is a delta between the car's yaw and steereing angle. Most sport's car drivers will disable their car's stability management system prior to undertaking any spirited driving. Although PSM and Traction control devices provide some benefit in slippery conditions, they don't replace snow tires. I have a son who found it almost impossible to drive in the snow in his BMW 540, but had no problems at all when he bought a wheel/snow tire package from the Tire Rack.

Snow tires are best. The PSM will only help you make the most of the available grip - snow tires will give you that extra grip. The good thing about PSM (like ABS really) is that it never sleeps - even if you are tired or unaware that there is something on the road the system will still kick in to help you. However, next time I do an AutoX I turning the thing off Barry

Do you have traction control? I wouldn't drive your C2 in snow with snow tires if it does not have traction control. PSM is vehicle skid control which works in concert with traction control to reduce your chance of a spin by applying individual brake force to the front wheels. Traction control, which was available your year, will prevent the rear wheels from spinning. Even with my C4 and snow tires, I get a little wheel spin before psm and awd kick in bcause of the torque so im sure that without traction, you would spin the tires a bit, esepcially in turns or starting off. Bobby

My car does not have traction control. So are you suggesting that I should not be driving my car in the snow, even with snow tires?

911's have very good weight in the rear for traction... you don't need the traction control in the snow on this car... just some good performance snow tires... and drive in a higher gear than your use to... this will deliver the power less abrubtly to the rear wheels.

Get the snow tires and drive responsibly. PSM and/or traction control are great aids but they are not substitutes for good tires, winter driving skills, common sense and responsibility. People have been driving rear wheel drive cars in the winter for a long time (even Porsche). Whereas, front wheel drive does offer some advantages over traditional rear wheel drive cars it is not like rear wheel drive cars are undrivable. Be aware that the weight distribution of your 996 offers some advantages and disadvantages over other rear wheel drive cars. It will provide better traction because of the weight over the drive wheels (similar to front wheel drive) however you must realize that when and/if you �fish tail� that rear weight makes it more difficult to control. Get the proper tires got to a open parking lot in the snow and drive a little to see how the car reacts. I am not suggesting doing �donuts� but instead do some sudden stops and turns and see what happens. Simulate driving conditions so that you are not surprised by the car.

Amigos my experince has been that on my 986 and 986S I had no PSM installed I drove both cars with Snow Tires Mounted during the Northern New Jersey winter without a problem, now my 03 Targa has the PSM and It did help me once (that I was aware of) on a rainy day. If you drive smart and aware with good snows (Dunlop M3 winter Sports) you should be fine. Go getem killer :-)

Thanks for all your advice...will get the snow tires this year.