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Newbie to RWD and Ice/Snow, any suggestions??
I am excited. Just got me a used 2013 Scion FRS-10 series, with 21K miles and no mods on it. It is a clean car and single owner.
I have always wanted to get FRS/BRZ, more inclined towards the BRZ due to bells and whistles but the 10 Series takes care of it. A bit of background- I wont be driving the car regularly. It is for fun and to get around town and enjoy it during the summer. I might be driving it about 5-10 days a month and sometimes might have a long gap of about 3-4 weeks in between. It will be parked in a covered garage, so won't be covered in ice/snow. Any suggestions about storing it for long periods of time without driving (disconnect battery etc.).
The car is going to be in Anchorage where temperatures are between 0 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit in the winters and mostly ice (not much of snow as compared to Maryland). After reading the blogs here, I am thinking to get a set of steelies and Blizzak WS80 205/55/R16, not really looking for performance winter tires. Just something to keep safe and be able to drive from 'point a' to be 'point b' without getting in the ditch. However, the tire specialist recommend getting the stock tire size and some recommended me to get the studded tires, Hankook I*Pike RS. One guy suggested getting Himalayan (never heard of them). Any suggestions? Also, using 205/55/R16 would that pop up any mechanical problem, rotor rubbing etc etc. The tire specialist wasn't sure if it would be a good idea to use a different tire size other than recommended by the manufacturer. The 205/55/R16 are considerably cheaper than the 215/45/R17 for sure.
Should I and can I install a block heater? Would it help for the 6 months of cold in Alaska. In Fairbanks they say it is a must, not so much of it in Anchorage?
RWD on snow/ice maybe not the best advise, every car dealership wanted to make sure I knew FRS/BRZ is a RWD. But I think if you get proper tires and drive slowly, it shouldn't be a problem. I have driven RWD trucks and Camaro but only in Florida. Mostly AWD SUV, or FWD Sedans and Hatchback in Snow.
About the FRS, how much of a reliable car is it beside the few quirks? Just like any other Japanese car, just regular oil change and maintenance? I don't have a heavy foot.
Any other recommendations or suggestions for a newbie to FRS?
Thank you all
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