Winter's here..

Good timing. Yesterday we had our first snow that lasted more than a few hours. Only a cm or two, but it's -5 to -10C, so it stayed! I finally got a chance to try out my Nokian WR tires. I couldn't get them to spin up on the side roads. The car just accelerated at full throttle. Most of the main roads are clear already. These temps. are the worst for slipperiness. Once it gets below -20C ice isn't as slippery any more.

When starting out on ice, the car will spin, pause, spin, then go. Nice. Just keep the accelerator pedal down a bit and let it do its' thing.

I did notice that the traction control seems much less sensitive if the ICE is running. Is that just coincidence or real?

Anyway, as in my previous experience with these tires, they make driving in snow and ice fun! You just go. No drama.

I'm wondering why your mileage is suffering so much, Tideland? I'm still at 5.3 or so. It must be colder here than Vancouver. Perhaps it's the humidity? Many of my trips are relatively short.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(daniel @ Nov 21 2007, 11:05 AM) [snapback]542415[/snapback]</div>

That's good to know. I replaced the OEM Integritys with Hydroedges in June. I've obsessed over the fuel economy hit they caused, but the handling on wet and dry pavement is much improved. We don't have ND-like snowfalls in these parts, but I'm glad to know they'll do well in our not-uncommon icy conditions.

 

they're calling it cold around here... i disagree.

 

According to Nokian the WR is as good as a winter tire. I've never used a winter only "ice tire" as they are so limited in use (don't drive them very much on dry roads - they will wear out in no time). The WR lasts. Not as long as a summer tire would, but 100,000 km is not bad (that's about 60,000 mi for those who are metrically challenged ). They can be had from the US for about $100 each online. After shipping, tire tax, and duty, the Kal price isn't too much more.

Well today I got down to 5.5 l/100 km. Sigh. Depressing, until I remembered the anti-Prius would be doing 15 to 17 l/100 km. And it wasn't nearly as entertaining to drive.

Then, on the way home, the last five bars were at 4.7 or so. Light at the end of the tunnel.

 

So did you order yours from the US? Kal has a monopoly in Canada for Nokian tires. So with that, they charge a little more. It's not too bad, particularly if you can find a manager who has half a brain like we did. He was willing to charge a reasonable price in spite of the monopoly.

Are you listening Nokian? Monopoly's are the worst thing you can have if you want to sell a lot of tires!

 

Toronto got their first taste of the white stuff this morning as well... the forecast said 20cm was coming overnight , but I found only a dusting this morning - mabe 3-4 cm max - but it was enough to make the roads mucky and icy. Helloooo, 2+ hour commute! <_< Unfortunately, the snow continues to fall, so the evening rush is not looking any better... :mellow:

On a side note, last winter was pretty weak so I never got around to testing my VSC. This morning I intentionally took a corner or two a little more aggressively than I normally would and got the VSC to engage and was rather impressed at how stable the car remained (no understeer at all) as I was serenaded by beeping. :lol: (I have my Micheline X-Ice's on the car, second winter)

Very impressive! I love this car. B)

 

I'm simultaneously saddened and ecstatic that the first thing I'll have to do after picking up our Prius (in a few days!) is block the grill and put on snow tires.

It's pretty consistently been -15C in the morning for the past week. I wonder how many Chinooks (read: reprieves) Calgary will be getting this year?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Nov 22 2007, 10:57 AM) [snapback]542897[/snapback]</div>

Oh, you also noticed that?

For my FJ I was going to put on studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta SUV 5. The price per tire was breathtaking. So I went with Toyo Open Country G-02 Plus studless truck tires.

I still believe that on glare polished ice, the studded Hak's would have had an advantage. However, the Observe's are very good, and easier to live with.

 

WEll, I just spent more of my Christmas shopping money than I care to think about for new winter tires for my Prius, but at least I know I will be safer with my Hakkapeliita RSi tires when the snow finally flies here in Maine. My last car, Chevy Malibu, never needed snows, but I was told the weight distribution in the Prius is different and they are necessary in the Northeast. Thanks to all those on this chat who gave tire advice, too.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cuttooth @ Nov 22 2007, 06:41 PM) [snapback]543016[/snapback]</div>

What is blocking the grill, and why would one do it? Thanks.

 

Well, it's a cool -18C or 0F here this morning. With a nice gentle wind.
Don't misunderstand. It's not -cold- until it gets to -30C. It's "darn cold" at -40C/F.

My mileage is constantly dropping, along with the ambient temps. Now down to 5.7 l/100 km. I haven't driven yet today, but if I do I expect the mileage might drop to or below 6 l/100 km.

Just to put this in perspective, last winter in temps about this low, I had a rental Hyundai POS. Had no room inside (my legs were cramped side to side), an uncomfortable seat, took forever to warm up, and didn't handle very well. It got 12 l/100 km - a small car "gas guzzler"! The anti-Prius (2001 Nissan Pathfinder) got 17 l/100 km.

I love my Prius.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Nov 26 2007, 01:51 PM) [snapback]544322[/snapback]</div>

Yes, is almost zero degrees in vancouver , b.c. now, waiting for the snow to test my 2 days old 2008 Prius, and see how well this car perform without snow tires, just all season tires. hope is ok around burnaby mountain area, close to brentwood mall

do you have snow tires on prius ?

 

It's all white in Spokane this morning. Opened the blinds, and UGGGH!!! I don't like it.