quick question about this car in snow

[andrewmay9]

Im in the toronto area and our winters can get pretty bad and i have my 2014 frs as my DD so i will be taking it through the winter. Just wanted to know how this car holds up in winter with proper snow tires? I only have experience driving FWD cars in winter with all season/snow tires so a bit worried about the upcoming winter.

Also i was curious about rust-proofing. I've been told that i don't need to rust proof the car just keep it clean by washing it every other week, just undercoat the bottom with a spray which i intend to do at the end of october. Any insights on this? I came from a rust-bucket mazda which even rustproofing couldn't save.

[roddy]

This car is surprisingly good in the snow with a proper set of tires. I've had mine through two winters now. My recommendation: a cheap set of 16" steel wheels and Bridgestone Blizzaks (either the WS70 or the new WS80) in a 205/55/16 size.


I would get it rust-proofed...heavy salt use in southern Ontario. Use either Krown or Rust Check. I use Rust Check.

[jvincent]

I'll second what @roddy said. I was fine last winter even with the shit-ton of snow we had.

I had Toyo GSI-5 in 205/55/16 on mine. Allow wheels though. No ugly steelies for me.

[roddy]

For sure the steelies are fugly, but they're durable, and touch-ups are easy...if they start to show some rust, a quick spray with some black tremclad, and you're good to go. My own personal reason for running steel wheels in the winter is that alloy wheels (especially clear coated ones) tend to develop leaks around the bead after a couple of seasons in the salt.

[drewbot]

OP please use search in CANADA subforum...many threads

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74317

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49559

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57277

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55047

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57498

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50899

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56581

[that_guy]

I ran mine for 2 seasons on Conti Extreme Winter Contacts because they were non-directional unlike the Blizzaks allowing me to rotate them around the car and keep wear even - especially important on a lowered car. Mine were mounted on steelies and I simply sprayed the wheels and welds with rust proofing cavity wax to prevent rust. Worked great.

The car is exceptional in winter if you drive smart. Never drive in winter on all-seasons or summer tires.

[Rayme]

It will be the most fun you ever had in snow...and on 4 wheels

[1Cor10:23]

Good tires as suggested by everyone will serve you fine. Just use common sense - if it's really bad out, don't drove. I drive mine last winter and found that I felt more confident driving in the snow in VSC-Sport; nannies kicked in a lot less so the car was more predictable. The worst is when it starts kicking in when you're turning at an intersection. It's better to have a predictable slide then having no idea when it might decide to do some uneven stabilization.

[BRZZZZZZZZZZ]

Originally Posted by Rayme

It will be the most fun you ever had in snow...and on 4 wheels

My WRX is way more fun in the winter...

Still a great car for fun in the winter.

[D_Thissen]

Mine survived a winter in NW Ontario (Thunder bay to be exact). With winter tires (General Altimax Arctics 205/55/16) I never got stuck once!

[Kazuya]

Rule of thumb for me after the hell on earth last winter is, if you're plowing, you ain't driving.

[krayzie]

Originally Posted by BRZZZZZZZZZZ

My WRX is way more fun in the winter...

Finally someone that didn't write funner.

[Rayme]

Originally Posted by BRZZZZZZZZZZ

My WRX is way more fun in the winter...

Still a great car for fun in the winter.

I had a WRX and I respectfully disagree.

[BRZZZZZZZZZZ]

Originally Posted by Rayme

I had a WRX and I respectfully disagree.

I'm willing to bet your WRX did not have a welded rear diff and front LSD installed+other goodies.