Yeah, I can't remember the last time I downshifted without rev-matching. But Josh nailed it; when you're downshifting (while the clutch is in), just give the gas a quick tap to bring the rpm's up. It means smoother downshifts and you won't lock up the tires (I don't know if it's happened to you yet; when you're aggressively driving and you downshift too quick, the engine will be spinning too quick for the transmission, so the wheels will lock up for a split second... not a good thing if you're on a slick surface).

And for starting out, make sure you're in second and take your time with letting the clutch out and make sure you let the clutch out smoothly.

(and yes, rev-matching actually saves your clutch a little wear and tear... think about it like your car dropping on a giant treadmill... if the wheels aren't moving, the tires will chirp and then they'll start spinning... but if the wheels are spinning close to the speed of the treadmill, the tread on the tires will be fine.)

 

Probably both. All-season tires are just so-so in snow and ice. Wider tires sure aren't helping, but 195s aren't excessively wide. I run 195/60-14s.

I'd try to have a new set of tires by the beginning of winter if you aren't running dedicated snow tires. If your old ones aren't fully worn yet, just sell them or save them until spring. I'd recommend just going with dedicated snow-tires on cheap steelies. Keep a close eye on your tire pressures too.

Driving on snow and ice, the main rules are to operate all controls as gently and smoothly as possible, and allow yourself more room than you think you'll need.

 

alright..thanks for all the information...im going to buy some snow tires for my steelies..i was looking to buy these cause they are the only winter tires expert tires has...and also cuz i got a coupon for $20 off of $30 or more..i got 2 of the coupons so imma get 2 snow tires for 60 bucks...i kno i kno..im a cheap ***

 

Pulll the E break up, cut the wheel, and floorrrr ittt!!!!!!!! jk. just go easier on the gas.

 

Yeah, winter driving is all about being smooth and balancing the throttle, brakes, and clutch... too much throttle and you won't have control, too heavy on the brakes and you won't have control, and if you're not smooth enough with the clutch you can lose traction really easily. Also, you have to be extra careful around turns.