All-season tires or not?
I am offered all-season tires (all-weather) for my SUV. Although these tires have the famous pictogram, should I expect performance equivalent to that of a “real” winter tire?
Paul V.
The proposition of these all-season tires is tempting. With them, no more annual assembly and disassembly in the workshop, the purchase of rims and additional pressure sensors. A bit of savings, though. “All-season” tire components have a wider window of effectiveness (high and low temperatures) than before, but they still struggle to reach the extremes. As soon as the mercury reaches -10°C, the rubber hardens and already loses its effectiveness. These tires remain a compromise for anyone who wants to avoid all the pitfalls of winter. That said, they represent a choice that is both logical and economical for those motorists who wisely stay at home on stormy days.
PHOTO DAVID BOILY LA PRESSE, ARCHIVES LA PRESSE
The SAAQ can issue an exemption certificate which authorizes you to drive a vehicle that is not equipped with tires designed for winter driving. Free, this certificate is valid for a period of seven days.
American destination
We are leaving for Florida in mid-December and returning on March 7th. Should I bring my all-season tires and have them installed in Plattsburgh on the way out, then have them removed on my return to put my winter tires back on for a period of a few days?
Marc S.
You will be able to obtain an exemption certificate from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). This authorizes you to drive without your vehicle being equipped with tires designed for winter driving. Free, it is valid for a period of seven days. During the period from 1er December to March 15, the SAAQ will not be able to issue more than four certificates in respect of the vehicle concerned. It should also be noted that motorhomes are not covered by this regulation.
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Washing the vehicle helps rid the bodywork of particles and agents which adhere to it and which risk seriously damaging it.
Even in winter, we wash ourselves
Is it true that it is necessary to wash your vehicle in winter? Is there not a risk of accelerating corrosion?
Jean-Yves L.
The simple answer is yes. This helps rid the bodywork of particles and agents which adhere to it and which risk seriously damaging it. That said, there is no need to spend unnecessary time polishing the body panels. On the other hand, it is imperative to spray the chassis and wheel wells generously and to pay a lot of attention to the drying period. This is why it is preferable to favor establishments that do hand washing rather than automatic washing machines. And if you notice a scratch on the bodywork, correct it as soon as possible. Rust doesn’t wait.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUBARU
Subaru Forester Wilderness
Mountains and valleys
Frequent trips to Charlevoix during the winter encourage me to look at Subarus (family cars). The concept of all-wheel drive is a bit abstract to me. Would you be kind enough to shed some light on what the all-wheel drive Subaru offers in this regard? I fear the icy coasts of Charlevoix and would like to know the best option to deal with them. If you recommend a Subaru, which would be the best choice in my case?
Anne-Sophie F.
The particularity of Subaru’s all-wheel drive system is that it has constant drive, meaning that all four wheels are constantly driven, regardless of the road conditions. Extremely efficient (especially with winter tires), four-wheel traction necessarily increases fuel consumption. In addition, these vehicles cost more to purchase and are sometimes more complex to repair. Also pay attention to the apparent invulnerability that this device provides, it sometimes causes the motorist to drive at a higher speed. The Legacy and Forester are interesting choices, but do you need a vehicle that big? The Crosstrek or even the Impreza turn out to be more economical, both at the purchase and at the pump. That said, other all-wheel drive vehicles can also tackle the roads of Charlevoix. For example, you could consider vehicles like the Mazda3 or even a Toyota Prius.