I’ve had my GT-Line AWD here in Colorado at elevations of 6k’ and 9k’ since April. With winter approaching, I’m curious how it performs in snow and on slick roads. I know there’s a snow mode, but this is my first EV, and Kia stock tires aren’t always known for their standout performance. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any good tips you’ve learned about driving it in winter conditions. Thanks!
With any car, always get snow tires. Stock all-season tires are only okay for light snow. True snow tires are the best option if you need to commute in snowy conditions.
Jason said:
With any car, always get snow tires. Stock all-season tires are only okay for light snow. True snow tires are the best option if you need to commute in snowy conditions.
I used to think snow tires were overhyped. I grew up in a snow state and got good at driving in all seasons. But then I got a set of snow tires and was shocked at the difference.
@Ronald
Yeah, even with AWD or 4WD, the difference is huge.
Jason said:
With any car, always get snow tires. Stock all-season tires are only okay for light snow. True snow tires are the best option if you need to commute in snowy conditions.
If you have a flexible schedule (like working from home), you can get by with all-seasons by waiting for the roads to be cleared. I managed fine this way with a RWD Model 3. But if you have to be somewhere no matter what, then snow tires are essential.
Jason said:
With any car, always get snow tires. Stock all-season tires are only okay for light snow. True snow tires are the best option if you need to commute in snowy conditions.
I’ve got Continental winter tires, and the EV6 handled perfectly in winter mode on icy roads.
@jabali
Here in Europe, all-season tires are okay for some winters, but on ice, they can’t compete with Nordic studded tires. Choosing the right tires depends on what kind of winter you face.
Jason said:
With any car, always get snow tires. Stock all-season tires are only okay for light snow. True snow tires are the best option if you need to commute in snowy conditions.
Living in Norway, I can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t use winter tires if they live where it snows. In Norway, we actually have laws about which tires to use during the winter.
In stock form, it handles pretty well, but snow tires definitely perform better. Use snow mode to lock AWD and limit regen so you don’t skid from sudden regen braking. Also, be ready for front collision and radar assist errors when snow or ice builds up on the sensors.
I put snow tires on my GT-Line AWD and it handles great. I swapped the stock wheels with 19s from a Wind for my snow tires.
Mark said:
I put snow tires on my GT-Line AWD and it handles great. I swapped the stock wheels with 19s from a Wind for my snow tires.
Same here, but on a Wind AWD with the tech package.
I drove through the winter of '22 and part of '23 in Denver on the stock all-weather tires, and they did just fine. I was commuting from Lafayette to Centennial daily without any issues.
I’ve been through two Chicago winters with no problems. That said, we don’t have hills here, which definitely helps.
Gabriel said:
I’ve been through two Chicago winters with no problems. That said, we don’t have hills here, which definitely helps.
Same here. We also use a lot of salt on the roads, which helps. I’ve never even needed to switch to snow mode.
We’ve got a GT here in Colorado and it does great with all-weather tires. Regen braking is helpful for slowing down. We drove to Steamboat Springs in the middle of a snowstorm without any issues, just remember to take it out of Eco mode.
@sorphia
What’s the issue with Eco mode in snow?
olivia said:
@sorphia
What’s the issue with Eco mode in snow?
Eco mode essentially makes the car run in RWD most of the time. You want AWD for better traction in the snow.
olivia said:
@sorphia
What’s the issue with Eco mode in snow?
Eco mode essentially makes the car run in RWD most of the time. You want AWD for better traction in the snow.
Makes sense, thanks!
olivia said:
@sorphia
What’s the issue with Eco mode in snow?
Exactly. Eco mode mainly uses the rear motor, but switching to Normal engages AWD for all four wheels.
olivia said:
@sorphia
What’s the issue with Eco mode in snow?
Exactly. Eco mode mainly uses the rear motor, but switching to Normal engages AWD for all four wheels.
Yes, Normal is RWD most of the time but will kick in AWD when needed. Sport mode engages AWD more aggressively, while Snow mode locks AWD to ensure both motors are always working but limits power to prevent skids.