Road trip Canada

[Qacer]

Folks,

I wanted to get out of the state for a bit and visit Canada. I'm going to be driving a 97 Toyota Corolla with 120,000 miles. I'm not sure what kind of tires I have. I'll probably get it checked tomorrow. Anyway, I've never driven through the snow and that is my main concern.

For all the Northern states and Canadian folks, do I really need to get snow tires? It's only going to be a one time use. How is it driving in the snow? Is there anything else I need to know? I'm quite unprepared, but the goal is to have the cheapest road trip possible. We're just broke college students.

Thanks!

Update

Looks like we're going to be renting. I think it's a much better option that driving my old car. Plus, I think we will be taking a different route. Instead of going pass NY, we are going to Detroit, Michigan. From there, we're going to cross the border to Toronto.

Update: 12/17/2004

Toronto is a VERY beautiful place even in the winter!! I've never walked so much in my life trying to explore the city. Plus, the girls were beautiful even when they were bundled up. Imagine with less clothes during the summer? Wow! I may stop for another visit during the summer months. I'll put some pics up later.

 

[acemcmac]

no, dont get snowtires. just pick a different time of year. if you get stuck in a snowstorm, its gunna BLOW

 

[toekramp]

k, word to the wise, you're heading the wrong damn direction. FL = GOOD, CA (canada) = BAD

 

[Yzzim]

Get your brakes checked FOR SURE and USE THEM!! Watch out for black ice and give yourself plenty of breaking space in case there's ice.

Oh, and fill your windshield washer with some DE-ICER washing fluid. Take another gallon with. You will thank me later.

 

[Bootprint]

Remember to pack/pick up a ice scraper/snow brush. Toronto area doesn't have any snow yet, we had a bit on Monday but it's all melted.

 

[amdskip]

For your wiper fluid, try finding some stuff that will help in defrosting your winshield faster. It is usually a purple color.

 

[Yzzim]

Originally posted by: amdskip
For your wiper fluid, try finding some stuff that will help in defrosting your winshield faster. It is usually a purple color.

DE-ICER worth it's weight in gold when you're in an ice storm

 

[Qacer]

Alright, I got DE-ICER washing fluid on my list. My friend just sent me a link of the weather towards Toronto. It looks like we are going to be passing lots of snow. Hmmm.... I guess I gotta think about going to Canada. Hmm.. Maybe California or Mexico.

 

[nakedfrog]

Don't forget the kitty litter and sterno.

 

[Scouzer]

I'd suggest as soon as you hit snow, you go off into a parking lot somewhere, and do some practice driving...

Its basically just ensuring your brakes don't lock (if you don't have ABS) and being PATIENT and SMART.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: Qacer
Folks,

I wanted to get out of the state for a bit and visit Canada. I'm going to be driving a 97 Toyota Corolla with 120,000 miles. I'm not sure what kind of tires I have. I'll probably get it checked tomorrow. Anyway, I've never driven through the snow and that is my main concern.

For all the Northern states and Canadian folks, do I really need to get snow tires? It's only going to be a one time use. How is it driving in the snow? Is there anything else I need to know? I'm quite unprepared, but the goal is to have the cheapest road trip possible. We're just broke college students.

Thanks!

As well it should be. No amount of technology - tires, chains, electronic gadgetry on the car - will compare to experience. In all seriousness, I'd say postpone your trip. You're coming up right at the start of snowsquall season, and I would not suggest that an inexperienced snow driver - let alone one from FL with zero experience - make that trip. Not trying to bag on you, just an honest opinion from a Canuck. :beer:

- M4H

 

[Qacer]

So I shouldn't worry much about snow tires, eh? Just brakes?

 

[Yzzim]

Originally posted by: Qacer
So I shouldn't worry much about snow tires, eh? Just brakes?

Snow tires would be a waste. Get your breaks not because you're going to Canada, just because you're going on a trip.

If you do go to Canada, check your anti-freeze too. Wouldn't want the engine to lock up

 

[Qacer]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
As well it should be. No amount of technology - tires, chains, electronic gadgetry on the car - will compare to experience. In all seriousness, I'd say postpone your trip. You're coming up right at the start of snowsquall season, and I would not suggest that an inexperienced snow driver - let alone one from FL with zero experience - make that trip. Not trying to bag on you, just an honest opinion from a Canuck. :beer:

- M4H

Thanks! I actually want honest answers because I still have a few days to decide. I really wanted to see Toronto bec. it seems like a cool place to visit. I know the timing is bad, so I guess I will weigh in the responses. I guess I was relying on the fact that my calendar marks Dec. 21 as the start of winter, so me being a Floridian is still thinking that it shouldn't be snowing that bad.

 

[Yzzim]

Originally posted by: Qacer

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
As well it should be. No amount of technology - tires, chains, electronic gadgetry on the car - will compare to experience. In all seriousness, I'd say postpone your trip. You're coming up right at the start of snowsquall season, and I would not suggest that an inexperienced snow driver - let alone one from FL with zero experience - make that trip. Not trying to bag on you, just an honest opinion from a Canuck. :beer:

- M4H

Thanks! I actually want honest answers because I still have a few days to decide. I really wanted to see Toronto bec. it seems like a cool place to visit. I know the timing is bad, so I guess I will weigh in the responses. I guess I was relying on the fact that my calendar marks Dec. 21 as the start of winter, so me being a Floridian is still thinking that it shouldn't be snowing that bad.

Snow doesn't wait until the start of winter

In Minnesota we're kinda lucky not to have any snow on the ground now. Makes for a dull Christmas, but makes the winter go by that much faster.

 

[Schrodinger]

Heh no snow in Toronto

But you will probably encounter it en route.

 

[Yzzim]

Oh, don't stick your tongue to a steel pole

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: Qacer

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
As well it should be. No amount of technology - tires, chains, electronic gadgetry on the car - will compare to experience. In all seriousness, I'd say postpone your trip. You're coming up right at the start of snowsquall season, and I would not suggest that an inexperienced snow driver - let alone one from FL with zero experience - make that trip. Not trying to bag on you, just an honest opinion from a Canuck. :beer:

- M4H

Thanks! I actually want honest answers because I still have a few days to decide. I really wanted to see Toronto bec. it seems like a cool place to visit. I know the timing is bad, so I guess I will weigh in the responses. I guess I was relying on the fact that my calendar marks Dec. 21 as the start of winter, so me being a Floridian is still thinking that it shouldn't be snowing that bad.

It's definitely a nice place - so are some of the smaller towns along the way, like Guelph, London, and Kitchener/Waterloo. I just wouldn't want your trip up north to be soured by plowing full-steam into a bull moose or some other beacon of Canadian wildlife due to a patch of black ice.

Good site on driving tips.

From the site above, as well:

Make certain the antifreeze will protect your car to the winter temperatures you'll experience in your area. In the Ottawa region it can get down to as low as - 45 degrees F. By the way, this is very important. If the stuff freezes, it expands, and it's bye-bye engine block.

"When in doubt, follow a Canadian."

- M4H

 

[Qacer]

Thanks for the tip! I'm definitely shopping for anti-freeze tomorrow. If things go as planned, we are going to Montreal after Toronto before heading back down to good ol', warm Florida.

I'm hoping to take as many pictures as possible. If any ATers from the places that we pass want to meet us at a local McDonald's, then feel free. Also, I think we can fit one more in the car. So for anyone interested (especially in the Tampa area), let me know. We can probably make this an AT Road trip of some sorts. LOL. I just hope we don't end up on the local news right next to a ditch.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: Qacer
Thanks for the tip! I'm definitely shopping for anti-freeze tomorrow. If things go as planned, we are going to Montreal after Toronto before heading back down to good ol', warm Florida.

I'm hoping to take as many pictures as possible. If any ATers from the places that we pass want to meet us at a local McDonald's, then feel free. Also, I think we can fit one more in the car. So for anyone interested (especially in the Tampa area), let me know. We can probably make this an AT Road trip of some sorts. LOL. I just hope we don't end up on the local news right next to a ditch.

Make sure to take pictures of the snowfall, bleak conditions, and general Winterness to show your friends in FL.

"Yeah, it was fine, and then we crossed the border and BAM, it fell on us all at once!"

- M4H

 

[simms]

It is WINDY here. and it rained tonight. We have about 5cm of snow coming in.. 2 inches.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: simms
It is WINDY here. and it rained tonight. We have about 5cm of snow coming in.. 2 inches.

Mmm, freezing rain. Gotta love that. Visible to Zero in two seconds.

- M4H

 

[Iron Woode]

I just checked the forcast for southwestern Ontario and there is only a small chance of snow and/or freezing rain for the next 4 days. Don't scare the poor guy so much with stories of massive blizzards and such.

 

[simms]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

Originally posted by: simms
It is WINDY here. and it rained tonight. We have about 5cm of snow coming in.. 2 inches.

Mmm, freezing rain. Gotta love that. Visible to Zero in two seconds.

- M4H

Almost at 26,000 there M4H.

I know. Gotta pull out the shovel...

 

[simms]

Originally posted by: Iron Woode
I just checked the forcast for southwestern Ontario and there is only a small chance of snow and/or freezing rain for the next 4 days. Don't scare the poor guy so much with stories of massive blizzards and such.

I live here. There's been forecasts of freezing rain and SOME (I did say 2 inches. ) snow.

And, a few days ago there was a wind warning because the wind went to about 70-80 km/h. (i dunno.. 40-50mph? around there).