Hi folks,
This is a question for you guys who live up north. I'm going to move to Toronto and am going to take my convertible with me.
How is it having a roadster in a place that snows alot? I am originally from a country that does not now and currently I am living in Atlanta so have no idea about the day-by-day during a heavy winter. What are the experiencies and tips you can share with me?
Also what about snow tires for crossfire? I've heard it is better to have a set of 18" wheels with snow tires. Is it true?
I've heard also that in Toronto I need the headlight to switch on automatically once I start the car. Have anyone done that to one's car? Front plate? That sucks no?
Any comment is welcome.

 

I honestly keep my car in the garage when it snows and we have sufficient snow here in Colorado. I have only driven the car once in the snow and it did ok with the summer tires. If you plan on driving a lot in the snow, I would recommend getting a set of all season or winter tires. I would recommend a second vehicle if you can afford it (an old Jeep Cherokee for $5000-$7000 will do the trick nicely!).

 

My advise is to get yourself a Winter beater. I do drive my Limited all year round but seldom in the snow. Biggest problem is the amount of salt that is put on the roads and the "other guy" who isn't used to Winter driving running into you. BTW the US east coast and mid west got a lot more snow than Toronto for the past few Winters! Welcome to the GWN, TO ain't so bad!

 

5 years with no problems in Michigan.

 

2 winters in MN and no issues either. Goes through up to 10" of snow that I know of. as someone said, worst part is someone running into you because of their lack of skill. The roads are generally cleared. Your best is to get a set of winter tires. on 18's all around. But even if you fon't the TC, and the ESC and the fact that the car is almost perfectly balanced is a good thing and you'll be fine if it is your daily driver. I know Toronto, little in the way of hills so you'll be fine there. Oh, and BTW, only new cars sold in Canada require the auto headlights that I'm aware of. Your grandfathered, but you do need to have your lights on at all times so don't forget that.

 

I live in Quebec and in my area we have all the snow that the others don't. Baby is put in hibernation. Use the Quattro for the winter.

As far as bringing your car into the country from the U. S. you might try this link, could help avoid a situation.
Good luck
Welcome
www.car4sale.ca/import/import_to_canada.php
more here, never mind the question, look at the answer
Google Answers: U.S. citizen registering a car in Canada.

 

You guys are very helpful!!
I do have a spare set of 18" chrome wheels from my PT Cruiser. I believe they fit on the Crossfire.
Which snow tires can I put on them? What about TPMS?

 

If you have a spare set of rims from a PT (and I doubt they will fit since we have Mercedes offset), get the most aggressive winter tire you can fit. If it's a slapstick, switch it to Winter mode. Put a couple bags of sand in the trunk over the rear axle. My XFs hibernate. They are ok but not great in snow/ice and as everyone said, you can be as careful as can be but some moron will hit you. Read some of the posts about waiting for parts. I'd buy a winter beater. Mine is a 2003 A6 with 170k miles.

 

These cars are excellent in the snow. Do a search for "winter driving" there are pages of info. Get the best winter tires you can afford. Check the owners manual for winter driving tips and how to use the REST button.18 inch wheels all around will lower the rear slightly and balance the car nicely, and the narrower rear tires will give better traction. Washing the car every week, especially underneath, will keep it rust free. Find a deserted parking lot and learn how your car behaves on slick surfaces when accelerating, turning and braking. Remember "four wheel drive" means you get stuck further out and deeper in.

 

My 2004 Crossfire is OK in snow with Goodyear F1 all season tires. However, since my wife and I are both retired now, I'll drive her front wheel drive Lexus ES 330 when it snows. All the posts about our Crossfires being so quicly being "totaled" out by insurance companies, with seemingly little damage, has made me Paranoid.

 

Thanks for all replies folks.
I am really really in doubt what to do. I mean, I will take the car with me but do not feel like let my baby on snow and salt. I start thinking of a snow beater...
Goldwing, my rims are multi-bolts. I know it fits the PT Cruiser with is 5x100 and also fit other cars but I forgot which ones. I'm wondering if in the worst case I can buy a 5x100 -> 5x112 adapter and use the rims with snow tires if needed.

 

I do know that 200mph tires have prevented my movement in a flash surprise snowstorm.
Actually both Chrysler and MB suggest going to 18" at all for corners for winter driving.
I am lucky enough to keep mine stored 4 months out of the year, with daily driving as an option for those beautiful winter (like summer) stretches.

 

The problem with these cars especially SRT's that have been lowered (mine, close to 2") is
the lower front air dam works very well as a plow. Even those not lowered are third rate for true winter transportation

 

Someone else said by a beater, I agree.
Keep it in the garage in the winter. West coast is wet slippery snow with lots of salt. Not worth driving it in winter if you like it.

 

I live north of Toronto.
Here's a quick snapshot:
March 31 - Oct 31 - Nice for driving your Crossfire;
Nov 1- March 31 - Nice for shovelling your driveway. "Buy the beater" as previously suggested..
I live 1.5 hours north of Toronto and believe it or not, the winter here is very different compared to Toronto. We get alot of snow compared to Toronto. I will be putting my Crossfire AWAY for the winter months (Nov 1- March 31). I don't think I'm even going to let it peak out during the winter months.
Rear wheel drive in the winters north of Toronto??? --- uh uh - Not going to happen..
Hopefully that's a snapshot of the winters to expect...
Good luck.
Droid.

Also, if you need any help importing the car into Canada, let me know. I just did that last week with my new Crossfire purchase from Michigan.

 

Look on the bright side, living in Toronto, there's a good chance your rear window will last longer than it would in Atlanta.

 

Guys,
I like some much this forum because you all comment and give suggestions. Very united group and it makes me more proud to be a Xfire owner.
I already installed the front bumper plate using some straps. It is not that bad. I think it will require also the DRL but I will figure out once I get there.
Reading alot about how to storage the car during winter. I am really considering buying a beater.
Reading also about how to save some money changing the insurance to only fire/thief during winter but many people say to drive it some day during the 4 months once the temperature is above freezing so not sure I can do that. Who knows what can happen during some short drive.
Another thing is to find a storage because I'll probably have one spot. Unless I leave the poor beater in the street.

 

Colorado Cruizer has a nice front license plate holder. Check out the photos in his gallery.
Message - CrossfireForum.org Gallery

 

I have gone several winters with my Crossfire in Connecticut. I found the Pirelli Sotozerro tires to be a good choice. 18" wheels and 240's in the front, 245's in the back, or else the traction control will rattle you.

 

I am guessing you are refering to Hail dammage?
This one went right over me.

I would suggest 225's for the front not the 240's mentioned above.
Being from Montana everyone knows Narrower tires for snow NOT WIDER. There is a big difference in tires and snowshoes

I agree to the Buy a second car but disagree with Beater maybe a four wheel drive so you're totally covered. I have The SRT, a small 4WD SUV, a 4WD Crossover and a full sized pick-up. And what keeps me from going Crazy from "Crossfire SRT Winter Withdrawls" during our sometimes long winters is a full Static Race Simulator with all my SRT perimeters and measurments.