Snow Tire as a Spare?

[Gloria]

MSL - Are you referring the the 80-20 like your Subaru would have or the limited slip differential in the newer models? I think ( based on personal experience ) that the independent wheel ( limited slip ) does respond differently in handling when one tire is different in tread. As the slogan goes: "Transfers power from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip". In the 80 - 20 if a back tire slips, the power gets transferred 100 to the front tires as a set not individually as in the limited. In which case it wouldn't be a huge deal.

I think for where you are driving Rockski, you will appreciate having the extra studded if you get a flat. I driven those roads a couple times in the winter and can get very slick and desolate out there. Even if it is for piece of mind.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

MSL - Are you referring the the 80-20 like your Subaru would have or the limited slip differential in the newer models? I think ( based on personal experience ) that the independent wheel ( limited slip ) does respond differently in handling when one tire is different in tread. As the slogan goes: "Transfers power from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip". In the 80 - 20 if a back tire slips, the power gets transferred 100 to the front tires as a set not individually as in the limited. In which case it wouldn't be a huge deal.

Sorry for late reply. Discussed this briefly with DH last night while driving. Frankly, his reply made my eyes glaze - Ha, don't get into techno-babble with an engineer! (Was this actually spoken in English? )

Well, obviously I'm no auto tech, but we've been running 4 studded snows for 3 winters now, with great success, no issues. He again underscores the importance of maintaining optimum pressure and checking it regularly. Ditto the probability of mishap that can occur from twice-yearly remounting, breaking the bead, etc. Still contends that the investment in 4 extra wheels for mounting winter snow tires is worth every $.

And apparently, all is a done deal where RockSki's decision is concerned - and peace of mind is a small price to pay. Hope there is never an occasion to need this!!

 

[geargrrl]

thumbs up on extra snow wheels. Tire stores around here charge $20 per tire to switch out rims, plus it IS so hard on tires.

Bolt ons are great. DH bought an impact driver so now he'll do them. No more waiting around for "free" switch outs. They may be free but my time isn't.

 

[Jilly]

I'm not sure if studs are allowed in Alberta. They aren't in Ontario or Quebec. But as Rockski said, snow tires are mandatory for Quebecers. I moved cars from 4WD to AWD. Don't really like the AWD in the winter. So I got a set of snows for last winter. Felt so much better. They are on rims, plain steel, makes the truck look crappy, but its winter.

And I should think about getting them on! Long range forecast has 20+cm of snow for Tremblant next weekend. R word around here.

 

[RockSki]

Thanks again for the helpful input.

I had to postpone the garage appointment until next week because an appointment with the orthopodic specialist came through (good news -- hurrah!). So the deal is not yet done...

Good points, MSL, about tire pressure, extra wheels for the snows, and visual inspection...

It probably is overkill to have an extra snow as a spare, but given that the Forester can store a full-size spare and that this car is intended to be a keeper, I'm willing to err on the side of caution. My S/O is probably still rolling his eyes in his sleep, but that's ok.

Even if we had to change a tire in or near Banff, that's over an hour from home (Calgary) and I've had white-knuckle syndrome on the road up/down from Sunshine and on the Banff-Calgary stretch of highway more than once. It's hard to predict what conditions will be like around the next corner. I think that I probably worry more as a passenger than as the driver -- I wonder why?

 

[SkiBam]

I think that I probably worry more as a passenger than as the driver -- I wonder why?

I do too. Perhaps it's something to do with the fact that as the passenger, you're not "in control."

Slightly off topic (but this thread has talked lots about Subarus), I've just bought a 2005 Outback to replace my somewhat rusty (and needing a new clutch) 2000 Legacy. I take delivery Monday and sure hope I've done the right thing. It's got a fair number of kms on it, but seems in very good shape and has lots of goodies, including heated seats. Comes with the snow tires on, which is good, except for the fact it has no summer tires, but I have a while until I have to worry about that. Our "main" car is hubby's Honda Fit, which is a great little car and extremely fuel efficient, but I'm not happy using it as a ski car. On our x-c tours especially, we're often on very snowy, hard-to-reach places, which the non-Subaru folks (and there aren't many in our group!) frequently have trouble in.

Must ask about the spare on the new car.

 

[RockSki]

Well, in the end, I was 'talked down' from purchasing an extra snow and an extra rim as a spare. But having this discussion on the forum really helped me feel that I was making an informed decision. Thanks, Divas!

 

[geargrrl]

In general, Subarus have the reputation of cars that run forever if you take care of them, at least the older ones. I am big Consumer Reports followers, and some of the newer years have had major issues that preclude getting 250 K out of them, but on the older ones I know it can be done. So good luck with that!!

The '95 I gave my son with 145K on it is doing great. Well, with the exception of an improper flat bed tow in Phoenix. The tow company broke the Axle and drivetrain by not strapping it down properly. The insurnace paid for it, but I sure hope that all the damage is taken care of. He's had high hope of getting 200K out of that car.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

In general, Subarus have the reputation of cars that run forever if you take care of them, at least the older ones.

Sorry to hear about this older Subaru mishap, gg :mad: fixable??
Agree about the older ones. Have had some repairs but still wayyyyy cheaper than cost of new/newer. Here is my '97 at 150k taken in Sept aboard Lake Champlain ferry Looks pretty good, eh?

 

[geargrrl]

yes, his comprehensive paid for the mishap, and they are going after the tow company. He got a new driveline and front axle out of the deal, car drives better than ever. I just hope there's not hidden issues that will out later.