I will be moving to Vancouver and I'm wondering if I can get by using the stock tires on my 2005 RX8.

I will be driving to White Rock and Abbotsford frequently through the winter.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated. I was planning on switching to my winter tires later this week, but please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

I will be moving to Vancouver and I'm wondering if I can get by using the stock tires on my 2005 RX8.
I will be driving to White Rock and Abbotsford frequently through the winter.
Any feedback is greatly appreciated. I was planning on switching to my winter tires later this week, but please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

At some point soon you must switch to winters. (The first day of black ice - is my rule of thumb) - actually.... that's when I park my car for the winter.

I tested what would happen, driving around New Westminster in light falling snow with my stock tires. I was about to parallel park into a "slightly" snow covered parking spot. Best parking job I have ever done... sliding completely side ways right into position, like a hovercraft.

Scared the crap out of me.

Snow tires? or park the car, and get a great set of boots?
Yeah, I picked boot last year :D

You could get away with it (I did last year, and will this year) by:

1. NEVER drive it near or below freezing if the roads are slippery; and,
2. Use Extreme Care on dry roads if near or below freezing - the tires will not come up to temperature and traction will not be consistent

Also, your insurance company will notice what tires you have on in the event of a claim....

So, take from this what you will, but the bottom line is that the RX-8 is not a reliable cold weather daily-driver on summer tires.


edit: Re-read that you will be driving a fair distance - remember that the weather in Abbotsford is often different (worse) than in White Rock. Put on Snows.

Guys, thanks very much for your prompt replies.

Getting auto insurance in Vancouver may be a bit of a headache, but I thankfully have a good driving record. Cost in Manitoba for my RX8 is approx $1,500 annually for full coverage.

I will have the winter tires installed - thanks again.

Insurance in BC is through the Provincial Insurance Corporation - ICBC. Although, you can chose private coverage (eg: Canadian Direct) for collision and comprehensive.

With full discount from ICBC, ~$ 1,500 should do it. Get a letter from your present insurance company that states that you have no at-fault claims before you leave (and prior insurance companies for the past ten years if you can).

Also, get any damage (especially glass) taken care-of before you insure your car here. I think that they will inspect your car and exclude anything they notice.

You should also have proof of how long you've owned the car. ICBC collects Provincial taxes on vehicle imports unless you've owned the car for over a year(?).

Check out all of the above on www.icbc.com It's been a long time since I've brought a car into BC.

Will follow your advice. Appreciated.