It finally snowed up here in Anch., AK (2nd latest snowfall in recorded history) so I went for a drive to see how well the E would do without studded tires. With the stock tires/AWD/5 sp. I was glued to the road. It stopped perfectly even going downhill on ice, with the ABS was working OT.
I just thought I would share that since I know alot of people on here live down south so probably don't get to see how this vehicle performs in more adverse conditions. Of course I don't get to drive on the beach so...

Good to hear...I was planning on snowboarding this year, and of course, I'll be driving Ellie up the hill. Hrm, maybe I'll do a two-in-one day. Maybe cruise down to Malibu and see how she handles on the beach, and then up to the mountains to snowboard to see how she handles in the snow...

Ahhh, the joys of living in SoCal... :lol:

(you can hate me now)

Vornon:

I am starting to miss REAL winter. No snow here in Santa Rosa. What hill did ya take her down?

Amy

Between your report and the guy who drives Truckee, I'm feeling confident in the E's snow ability. I'm still getting siped winter beaters though, the stock tires are just too pansy for my tastes.

[quote:ab514bb2fd=" "]Vornon:

I am starting to miss REAL winter. No snow here in Santa Rosa. What hill did ya take her down?

Amy[/quote:ab514bb2fd]

Amy,

Are you from Anchorage? The hill I was speaking of is on 72nd, after the sharp corner. To refresh your memory if you might know where this is, 72nd is off of Lake Otis and near Video City (the one with all the good hard to find movies). Not a huge hill, but it gets pretty icy back here towards the mountains.
I bet I would miss "real" winter, but since Im here I am very jealous of your REAL AWESOME WEATHER ALL THE TIME!!

-Mike

Vornon,

Just spent 2 years in the Muldoon area. Husband was transferred to Santa Rosa in July. I am beginning to miss the critters and snow!

I still think its a bit risky to drive Anchorage without studs. I lived off of Duben in the Muldoon area, and there were times when I couldnt get out of our court without them. I can not imagine driving a sparkling new E without studs. I would be way scared.

It will also be interesting to see how the panels hold up with all the breakup crud. Have you thought of protectant so they dont get trashed? We used to clean my corolla with wd40 but I dont know about those panels. You think they will hold up?

I guess I dont know the hill that well as I spent most of my time north of International. Lived in Fairview at first (that was an experience) and then in Muldoon - much nicer neighborhood than it sounds. Only time I went south was to take our foster kid to Soccer practice at OMalley.

Have fun shovelling! Hey I wonder if you could put a plow on the E?
Amy

Amy,

Alot of military people seem to reside in Muldoon. It is pretty close to base I guess.
As far as the body panels... hopefully they will be fine. I don't see any reason why they would have a problem. I have been looking into how to protect the panels, and the rest of the car, but do not have a plan yet.
Studded tires... I mostly drive my company vehicle (big 2003 gmc van) so the E stays safely and sadly in my driveway most of the time. From what I have experienced so far this winter, I don't think I'll hvae a problem. The AWD and ABS combo is good. It really blows me away.

Mike

I visited my mom when she and her husband were stationed on Kodiak they have 4 weeks of good weather last 2 of july first 2 of august I loved it. As for driving in the cold we have'nt even had a frost here in the deep south. But my house did miss getting hit by a tornado today it touched down a quarter of a mile away rose and came down a half mile further on.