Have any of you ever driven an xA in the snow? I live in PA, so it's a real concern here. I'd be coming out of a 4WD truck (that pretty-much goes through anything) into an xA. I'm not reall worried, because I don't plan to lower it or put any aftermarket ground effects on it. Also, with it being front wheel drive, I know that helps too. The other thing is, if I sell my truck soon, I have an opportunity to get a 2005 RA 1.0. My local Scion dealer just got one in and I like it alot. But those 17" wheels and low-pro tires don't look too snow worthy. Any experience?

 

I live in Iowa so I know about snow. don't know about the xA for sure but I had an echo that got around better than my 4x4 ford ranger in snow, and my wifes matrix with low profile 16s front drive gets around better than my truck did too. You gotta remember with front drive you got all your weight over the drive wheels not like a truck that is worthless in snow unless its 4 wheeldrive cause you have no weight in the back. I got rid of the truck for an xB so we are now with out 4x4s. I'm not worried. my only concern would be if you lived out in a rural area that was the last to get plowed then you might have an occasional issue. over all I wouldn't worry about it too much, you'll be fine, and the rs1 xA has traction control that will be a nice bonus!

 

That's great to hear...thanks. I don't live in a rual area at all. We live in a development and I don't drive far to work. I almost never need the 4WD anyhow. I guess my biggest concern is the 205/40R17 Yokohama AVID H4S tires. They ain't snow tires! :?

 

My Civic was awesome in snow for one reason... I had Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires. Snow tires will make anything awesome in snow. I might get some for the xA, I have a set of brand new steel rims sitting up in my room for winter time but I'm not sure if I want to put the all season tires on them or get snow tires. I think I will wait for the first snow fall. Plus I am looking forward to having ABS since that helps when there is ice some.

 

Hey Matt,

The xA is fine in the snow. I actually bought my car March of this year. The second time I test drove the car was when a big snow storm hit. It was a good way to test out the ABS.

Definitely agree with using snow tires. I think it will further improve traction in the snow and ice.

 

I was kinda hoping to not have to switch out the wheels and tires for winter. Here in this area it be like 6 months out of the year that I'd have some ugly stuff on there. If I don't get the RA 1.0 and I get a "regular" xA, I may go to a local tire shop and trade out the stock wheels and tires of some 16" rims and a tire that would be a good year-'round compromise.

 

I have the same concern about the 17" wheels and lo-profile tires... yokohama says that this is an all-season tire (h rated i think), and from what i've read they should preform in winter conditions. What i've grown *more* concern over is actually damaging my alloy wheels from all the winter crud that is out there. I think i'm going to find some steel rims and some good winter tires and just swap them out after the snow starts to get bad.

~Jonathan

 

I'm going to be my street snow plow in teh snow (I live in boston,MA) as my car is lowered almost 2 inches.

 

i live in ny got my xA lowered with 17" wheels lo-pro tyres... i'm not worried

 

It's good on the dirt, too - the rear end kicks out almost as much as my Integra...I'm looking forward to it :D

 

I'm expecting some serious snow here in my new home at 9,000 feet. I don't want to mess with chains or dedicated winter tires, so I recently bought a set of these:

http://spikes-spiders.com

I got the Quick version (scroll down to see the different models). Pricey but they look bulletproof.

 

Hey guys... let me put my 2 cents in, lol

I also have an RS1, and our tires and rims are really nice. I HIGHLY reccommend a set of cheap winter tires and steelies just so that you can store the enkei rims and yoko tires until spring. The rims and tires we have on our RS1's are very expensive, and the tires are definitely summer tires, even though they claim to be all season. So for preservation's sake, buy a set of winter tires. I just bought a set of 4 15" Bridgestone Blizzak tires with the basic black steel rims for $420 on tirerack.com.... not bad

Just thought I'd say something, good luck in the snow. Please buy winter tires and rims so that you can bling your current rims and tires in spring!

 

when you buy from a place online, do they come ready to toss on the car?? or do i need to find someone in the area to do the change (and balance, etc...) for me?? If i can't do it all myself, i'll just get them locally and have the added convenience. I'm really interested in finding the best deal, and willing to get them online... but i was just concerned about the details.

what size tires did you get to match the same diameter as the 17"? I'm unfortunately quite ignorant about downsizing (there is pplenty of info on upsizing...) any advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

~jonathan

 

most reputable online places send them all ready to bolt right on. they coem mounted and balanced and stuff

 

Whoa! I didnt know Tireack also sell steelies. Thanks for the info. I have the stock goodyears on my xB. I know that thing sucks when wet (little or no traction). I dont want to experiance what it would act like in the snow. :D Also the road leading to me job is like an OffRoaders dream

I wont buy these now due to space contraints. More likely early december. I live in MD. We dont get a lot of snow. More like sleet, freezing rain, and over confident SUV drivers.

To those with the xA RS1.0. Remember to turn off TRACTION CONTROL before you try to get out of slush or piled up snow (push button, TRAC OFF should appear on dash display). It's states somewhere in your owners manual.

 

good advice (turning off the traction)
yup, they come with steelies, or for just $25 more, you can get wheel covers ($25 more for a set of 4 covers)
I would get a 15" winter package, nothing bigger. saves money and stuff..... but dont use the tires and rims that came with the RS1!!!

 

my question about size was more related to my lack of understanding about the sizing (as in 205/40R17)... i understand what the numbers mean... but when it comes down to figuring out how to change the numbers relative to the wheel size i get a bit confused. Add to that the issues of making sure there is adequate space for the breaks... and bore size... and... and.... you get the point. All i know is that it would SUCK to get a 4 wheel winter package and try to get them on your car and they don't fit for some odd reason -- or worse yet.. they DO fit, but not quite exACTly right and so causing damage to the car!!

i do REALLY appreciate the advice!!
~jonathan

 

It looks like I will find out how the RS1 handles in the snow in the morning. It is snowing likfe crazy right now and it starting to stick to the ground. Tomorrow should be interesting. I will let you all know how things turn out.

 

when you shop for a winter tire package, generally you shop from www.tirerack.com (they also have phone service if you wish to order over the phone) very reliable company. the cool thing about them is that you can pick your vehicle and they show all of the possible packages for YOUR car. with the scion xA, it only came up with one package, the "preferred package" was a 15" Bridgestone Blizzak/steel rim combination for $420 for the set. Wheel covers are $25 per set, and with delivery I paid about $520 for the entire set. This is definitely not bad, and I can use these for the next few winters while storing the enkei rims/yokohama tires that came with the RS1.

 

Well, here is my view of the Scion xA RS1 in the snow .... AWSOME!

I drove through a foot of virgin snow with no problems. The only areas where traction became an issue was on packed ice, and outside of spiked tires, nothing will help you. From dry, wet, slush, packed snow, and virgin snow the car handled great.

I think I will stay with the stock Enkei and Yokohamas for now.

Happy Motoring!