Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches Eastern Canada Tonight's Commute Might Be Fun

...to Richmond Hill from Finch subway via Bayview. They're calling for 20-30 cm of snow before Thursday afternoon in Richmond Hill. I'm still on KDW's...say no more.

Speaking of which...

I only got my 98 ATX SE this fall. I know that mechanically, these beasties are as temperamental as sports cars, but how do they behave in winter, specifically handling traits?
I've noticed that the handling seems to be more like a rear wheel than a front wheel, in that powering into corners is more neutral, or even oversteer, rather than lots of FWDs which are prone to understeer quite badly. Honestly, I like that, and much prefer the handling dynamics of a RWD car.

My question: How utterly necessary is winter rubber? (Lots of $$$) Bearing in mind I rarely even crack the secondaries (just call me Grandad ), are (reasonably new) all-seasons gonna cope with our winter? I am well used to winter driving, but I'm used to standard, where I have much more control. This is my first ATX in 20 years of driving, and the lack of 'clutch control' bothers me a bit.

BTW, first opportunity, I'll be on Zehrs parking lot, slipping and sliding and checking handling for myself, but I'd appreciate any comments from people experienced with this car, especially ATX. Any heads up would help.

(To the search nazis: Sorry, dudes, but I tried to search on 'winter and handling', but unless I'm interested in street racing, actual racing, or b!tching about accidents, there's not that much. Also, I have an AUTO! Cant wonder about changing gears so much, eg 'try it in 2nd'- I know how to drive standard)

Cheers, guys,
Tim

The auto isn't too bad in snow with all seasons. The car will only handle as well as the driver tells it too. If you don't want to have to [censored]-foot around then snows are the way to go. I use them on both my Tours and the difference is night and day compared to all seasons. Having said that, not all all-season tyres are created equally.

tx

They've reduced the snow estimate to 5-10 cm. Still no party. Why, oh why, do I always procrastinate on putting on the winter tires???

I got mine on mid-November. I couldn't be happier ... well unless it was 12 months of Summer!!