Winter fun...

[friedfood]

I just though I'd put in a comment on winter driving. I know many have already read or heard this, but I am doing this for my safety. I am by far no expert, but driving in Montreal, Quebec I am pretty versed in snow, ice and slush driving. Us here in Quebec (as is probably with the rest of Canada) drive around in conditions that would close some entire cities. After personally witnessing that 30+ car pile up on a major highway here yesterday, I cannot stress enough the safety of winter tires.

It is important to remember that all season tires DO NOT MEAN WINTER TIRES! Anyone who drives with decent winter tires on will say the same thing. Besides the winter tire's tread, the compound of the rubber also makes a huge difference. At about 7 degress celsius (44 F) all season tire's rubber starts to harden to a point where it would be like driving on bricks. Winter tires use a different compound which allows the tire to continue to be soft in extreme temperatures to aid in traction. If you live in an area where it is cold and snowy PUT ON WINTER TIRES not only for your own safety, but for the safety of the cars and people around you. All season tires should be renamed to 3 season tires. Some places it is against the law to use anything but winter tires during the winter season.

About 3 weeks ago I put on a set of new Toyo Garrit winter tires. I had my first real opportunity to try them out yesterday in our little snowfall we had in Montreal. I was impressed not only with the tire's performance in the snow but also how my Mini drove in the snow. It was like a little tank. The traction control seemed to be working in overtime, but all in all I felt very confident. I was a little apprehsive when buying the Mini coming from a Subaru just for the winter reason. I can honestly say I felt as confident in the Mini as I did in the Subaru and maybe even a tad more.

Have a fun winter!!

[Rakey]

never heard of seasonal tyres here in the UK

[MINNOW]

No snow here yet, record breaking high temperatures this week, I could get used to this!
This will change of course, but I'm ready as the MINI is wearing Toyo Observe G02 Plus winters in 185/60R15, so bring it on!
Had the car out for a highway cruise today, these winter tires are OK on dry roads, a little noisier of course, but I kept the speeds low, around 110 km/h and they were fine. (a few short bursts to 150 km/h for fun, but sustaining that is risky for a nasty ticket)