pseconds

Okay, so I'm in a northern place that has already had the first snow. My rear wheel drive GS could barely get going from a stop sign on flat ground. Getting RWD in a snow climate was not a smart idea I guess, but I'm kinda committed at this point.

I was going to add some weight in back to see if that helps. Do I put the weight right over the rear axle, or further back? And how much weight? I've got good, fairly new all-season tires, and not excited about spending $1000 on winter tires.

What do others do?

PsykotiK

you need winter tires if you want to survive

ChronoR

Do you have winter tires with useful tread on it? If not, that's the very first thing you need to go get if you plan to drive in the snow at all.

Htony

Even with set ofo winter tires, without LSD, it'll be tricky. Couple sand bags in the trunk may help too.

MustangSal

Tire chains (or snow chains).

pseconds

Well, my question was more about weight placement and amount. Winter tires are not an option at the moment.

er34

Weight really makes very little difference in slippery situations, the slightly added grip is offset by the fact that your car has to work harder to get the increased mass moving. It could also make you more prone to spin out in turns, wears out your rear suspension faster, and less fuel efficient.

You don't need to spend 1000 to get winter tires, because actually ANY winter tire is better than all season due to the softer compound designed for the low temperatures..

I run Pirelli Ice Zero FR's and my car drives like a tank. Tirerack carries them for $162 a tire and that's a 19"! If you have 17" or 18" rims, you can find even cheaper options.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Pirelli&tireModel=Ice+Zero+FR&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=245HR9IZFRXL&tab=Specs

Just my 2 Canadian cents(worth 1.5 US cents)

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Just get snow tires and you’ll be fine.

joedaddy1

iTrader: (1)

you are in MN.. it should be mandatory for winter tires for the cold/snow winters there...

best tip for driving in snow with a lighter RWD car for 10+ years... winter tires + full tank of gas fill-up the night before the big storm..

good luck..

JellyBean

Over the rear axle, right behind the back seats. If you place the sand further back you start creating a lever arm that will shift weight from the front wheels, and you need just as much traction up front as on the rear tires. But I'll chime in and suggest 4 snow tires too, please.