Us Yankees

[zelio]

It seemed like I was HEARING the studded snow tires for weeks after the snow melted here in Portland, Oregon last winter. Of course, there ARE signs all over the interstates about "chains" and there are even questions about the use of chains on the Oregon DMV test, so I a not sure which will be best for the Elio. The fenders and clearance do present an issue for further study!

The only time I need chains (and then so far only to have them in my vehicle) is for my monthly trip to Medford. I believe studded tires are OK but if the sign says chains required I will simply have to turn around and return home. I have cables for my Camry but am physically unable to put them on the tires myself. As important as my meetings are I suspect the cost of studded tires will be prohibitive. I wonder if it is possible to rent studded tires for a trip? Hmmmmm that could be an interesting side business. LOL :-) Z

 

[Music Man]

For us within the snow belt, in all honesty how do you think the Eliot will fair in the white stuff?
Do you think snow tires are an option?

Welcome, toxotes, from the Bayou State of Louisiana, and the future birth place of the Elio! Great to have you as a new member of our Elio Family Forum.

Never lived up north, but don' you guys put your "snow tires" on each winter and then replace them with regular "street tires" come Spring?

Should be the same thing for the Elio, I would think.

 

[toxotes]

Thank you muchly Music Man
Switching is what i was thinking'

 

[CheeseheadEarl]

I'm not an artist by any means, but an Elio with mattracks on front and a ski out back aught a get a fella out to the fish shack in style!

 

[zelio]

I'm not an artist by any means, but an Elio with mattracks on front and a ski out back aught a get a fella out to the fish shack in style!

OK everyone, I know someone on here designed something like this but can't remember who or where it is posted. Anyone remember? :-) Z

 

[Joshua Caldwell]

The only snow concern I have about the Elio is when people cross the road at an angle, will it kick the rear around to follow the rut and cause problems?

 

[Eliometer]

My current Hyundai Accent hatchback is the worst thing I've ever driven in the snow. I fishtail with two inches on the ground even with my badass Winterforce snow tires. I can't surmount an incline into a parking lot in sleet! I hate this car for that reason.
A few years back I drove a 1999 VW Golf hatch. Same size car. I don' t know what was different but that Golf was like a tank in the worst of snow and ice.
I'm REALLY hoping the Elio performs like a trooper in the nastiest of conditions. And I don't mean 17 inches of snow (hell, I'll just stay home.) I mean when you get out of work and it's going back and forth between sleet, ice and rain.

 

[wizard of ahs]

My first car a '59 VW and many after that one. They certainly had amazing traction on Ice & snow. I hope we find the Elio somewhat similar to the VW. I later drove a front wheel drive Audi and the traction sucked.......so not all FWD vehicles perform the same. I couldn't afford the AWD Quattro at the time.......which had amazing traction too.

I'll probably end up storing my Elio over the winter season.

Remember the VW had rear wheel drive with the motor over the drive wheels...I'm thinking the Elio may not fair as well....BUT I'm waiting to give it a try

 

[rracer]

For winter, I'm thinking that a snow tire on JUST the rear will alleviate SOME oversteer and fish tailing.

 

[Rickb]

Remember the VW had rear wheel drive with the motor over the drive wheels...I'm thinking the Elio may not fair as well....BUT I'm waiting to give it a try

Yep, I remember. However, the VW Golf........the Beetle's replacement was front wheel drive and it had velcro like handling. I don't know what it is about VW's but they did/do handle well under all road conditions.......maybe gear ratio.....and not overpowered. I'm looking forward to seeing what Elio has to offer in the handling department beyond sheer fun on dry pavement.