Need some advice from Canadians

[drharris]

I'm a Californian, doing temporary duty in Washington DC, before a two-year assignment in Ottawa (US State Dept). I just bought a 2010 EX35 AWD Journey w/ 18" wheels and assorted pkgs. I will be driving to Ottawa in mid-February. I clearly don't need snow tires in DC. Although temp goes down to 0 degrees C on occasion, it rarely snows hard enough to stick.

It sounds like snow tires are the norm both getting to Ottawa and for driving there. From the forum, it looks like Blizzark WS-60's would do the job and that I'm better off getting them here before heading north. Can I use them in DC despite the lack of snow/ice most of January and into early February? Am I better off waiting until just before I leave to put them on? How late in the year do you leave snow tires on in Ottawa? Would I be OK with the stock all season 18"?

If I go the snow tire route (which I'm inclined to do), I'm planning to order a set through Tire Rack and have them sent to a local garage for installation. They recommend going with a 17" set rather than 18". Do you all agree that makes sense?

Any other general advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[st_donjuan]

Hi drharris,I lived in Montreal for 7 years, til 2007.We normally leave snow shoes til late March or early April.Some leave them til May...Lazy ones...I don't remember exact temperature, however your snow shoes won't last long if the temp is above 10 C, which is about 50 F.(Tire would be too soft)So, if the temp of Dc area stays below 50 F, you can swap them any time.Also, since last winter, Quebec drivers should mount snow tires, unles you will get a ticket.Difference btw 17" and 18"?? Well, IDK...lol

Mike

[Obsidian EX]

Snow tires are a must, but not required by law (unless you plan on registering your car in Quebec). I would suggest installing them before your drive to Ottawa, as you will still benefit from the winter rubber compound while driving around in the cooler temperatures of DC.

I normally install my winter tires by mid-November and take them off early to mid-April (depending on how fast the snow is going).

Can't comment on the 17's vs the 18's, as I have 17's for both seasons. There are quite a few good winter tires, and the Blizzaks should certainly fit the bill.

My only other piece of advice would be to go to the North Face store and pick up their Himalyan parka. Arriving in mid-February is going to be cold, especially by California standards!!!

Welcome to Ottawa. It's a great city, and hopefully you enjoy your 2 year deployment.

[majorg]

I am not a Canadian but have quite a bit of experience with snow tires, so I'm chiming in. First, in your situation I'd stay away from ws-60 or any dedicated snow tire. I'd go with winter tire instead (Dunlop M3/D3 is a great choice among many others). Snow tires are only good for snow. You'll chunk them in no time driving on dry pavement. Also, tire noise is significant and dry handling isn't great on those high treadblocks. A good winter tire will do the double duty you require much better - less wear in the dry, and still very good in the snow. I run Dunlops M3 on my EX35 (and on my wife's Merc). I am in Philadelphia area, not much difference from DC. Second, the rule of the snow is: the smaller diameter the better. Especially when you need to cut through slush and snow. Bigger tires means wider tires and they tend to climb on top of the snow rather than cut through it (your pressure is reduced due to larger contact patch). I have a 17" wheels to which I mount my M3s. This way you'll also save some money on replacement tires since 17" are cheaper than 18".

[AWGD8]

I am not a Canadian but have quite a bit of experience with snow tires, so I'm chiming in. First, in your situation I'd stay away from ws-60 or any dedicated snow tire. I'd go with winter tire instead (Dunlop M3/D3 is a great choice among many others). Snow tires are only good for snow. You'll chunk them in no time driving on dry pavement. Also, tire noise is significant and dry handling isn't great on those high treadblocks. A good winter tire will do the double duty you require much better - less wear in the dry, and still very good in the snow. I run Dunlops M3 on my EX35 (and on my wife's Merc). I am in Philadelphia area, not much difference from DC. Second, the rule of the snow is: the smaller diameter the better. Especially when you need to cut through slush and snow. Bigger tires means wider tires and they tend to climb on top of the snow rather than cut through it (your pressure is reduced due to larger contact patch). I have a 17" wheels to which I mount my M3s. This way you'll also save some money on replacement tires since 17" are cheaper than 18".

Michelin Xice Xi2 is great for snow, ice and dry cold day (below 40 degrees)! I have them for 2 winters now, great on snow, ice and dry road.... (less rolling resistance, longer treadwear).

[wanderer1980]

drharris, it's funny that I am also possibly going to relocate to Canada next year! Now, I still don't have an EX35 but may be getting one... :-)

My question actually is, with the US EX35, what modifications do we need to make? I know that daytime running lights will be necessary in Canada. So we need to make this change on the EX35, but what else do we need to fix before it is all legitimate in Canada?

[KJ911TT]

If you're from the States and aren't used to driving in the snow, I would DEFINITELY recommend getting snow tires while in Canada.

Here's a good article to help you choose between Performance Winter tires and Ice and Snow tires.

http://www.caranddriver.com/fe...tests

Personally, I use Performance Winter on my EX and other cars because I don't mind the car getting a bit sideways in the snow and like the fact that the dry and wet handling isn't sacrificed too much. On the other hand, my GF uses Ice and Snow tires because she's not comfortable driving in the snow and takes it easy in the dry and wet anyway.

- Kalson

[drharris]

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I had a good practice yesterday driving around Washington DC after 20" of snow fell the previous 36 hours. The biggest danger was not how well my new EX handled (excellent, even on the stock 18" Dunlops), but avoiding everyone else sliding around.

I think I will have winter tires before I leave for Ottawa.

[drharris]

I confess I don't know what mods need to be made. As a diplomat, so long as I don't sell the car in Canada, I believe I get an exemption. I don't think, however, that there is much of consequence. I got good information about which manufacturer warranties were honored in Canada here: http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?lang=english. They have some good links that you might be able to track down the answer. Here's another good site that has a lot of info about importing cars: http://www.importcartocanada.info/category/faq/. Good luck!