[akselsoft]

Anyone have any real winter experiences with the VW EOS? (especially in Ottawa)

I hear comments about buying winter tires but no real comments about how EOS does in the snow.

With winter coming in, I'm on the fence on what to do. We just picked up a Jetta as our second vehicle so we do have a fall-back but two drivers with one car isn't a good fit.

Did anyone have their EOS out in any of the winter storms last year?

 

[neh321]

I do recall there was once a thread entitled something like "Eos is rubbish in snow" a couple of years ago!

If you search through you should be able to find it.

 

[akselsoft]

Thanks - I did read that - but it de-generated into a conversation of "don't eat yellow snow"

And it sounded like there was a real discrepancy between what tires people had.

That's why I'm interested. We're not in snow yet - but after having a Mustang (no snow tires) out in the snow, I'm just trying to figure out the right approach.

Interesting thread for sure.

 

[akselsoft]

On your point about the pedal (in the previous post), the 2009 EOS with the VIS actually has a nice (or annoying) warning when you have winter tires to warn you if you go over 100km.

Of course, that doesn't help you when you're starting from a red light.

 

[GOgg]

That was my thread. After bitter experience it seemed it was down to the Bridgestone tyres. Moving to Pirrelli helped but not a significant amount. If we had snow long enough then snow tyres would be a better option but with our mild climate not practical.

 

[akselsoft]

Thanks Graham...we're definitely thinking winter tires - as most people in Ottawa and other colder climates do - but if the car doesn't handle winter well even with them, then it might not be worth it.

 

[Beaut EOS]

Beaut EOS

We have been driving our eos for 2 winters here is Southwestern Ont. You definately need snow tires if you upgraded to the 18 inch low profile tires. With winter tires she handles well in the snow and ice and we are in snowbelt country. Hope this helps

 

[akselsoft]

Thanks - Beaut. Definitely does help - we have the 17 inch and will be booking in with the dealer soon

Thanks again

 

[TOTLEOSM]

I'm in Ottawa and got my snow tires last year, they made a world of difference. I drove my baby confidently through the snow last year.

The year before I was across town for the day and had to drive home on the Queensway and I wasn't sure if I would make it.

I haven't put my snow tires on yet, looks like this week we may actually get some snow

 

[McEos]

A couple of years ago on their yearly winter car test, a Finnish magazine tested among others EOS. They noted that only challenges for winter motoring where some extra noises coming from the folding top. The noises were dependent on the outside temperature and how much ice was there on the roof. The magazine also noted that there might be issues with the frameless windows freezing and causing problems when opening/closing doors, an issue that is shared with all cars with frameless windows.

Otherwise the test concluded that EOS is a usable winter car, giving it a 8.1 / 10 rating. Rating suffered from not the best driving lights and emissions.

To my own experience driving EOS in winter time in Finland I have had not problems at all, just some noises from the top, but that is expected. No leaks and it is warm in there. Just need to remember to keep the glass roofwindow covered as if it is exposed then drivers head feels the cold coming through the glass. And also winter tires are a must, but then those are compulsory by the law in Finland during the winter time.

I have the magazine test as a PDF, but as it is Finnish I guess you guys can't get much out of it

 

[McEos]

EOS must be ok for a winter car if Santa drives one!

 

[KarKrazy]

Wintering with an EOS

I just bought my used 07 EOS on Dec 8th. In Toronto we got a nasty storm that nite. My car came with a set of Goodyear Eagles that lived up to my expectation. Toooo hard. Grip, even for an all-season was abysmal.
The next day I put on a set of Hankook iPike winter tires (235-45-17) on original alloys. (Getting a new set of 18" wheels/tires in spring.)

I researched a lot of tires and the Hankooks weren't my first choice but I really didn't want to spend the money for Continentals and several others were already sold out.

But I did see a lot of positive reviews of the iPikes and so far I would say I'm quite impressed...and that doesn't come easily with tires. Lots of city plus 6 hours of reasonably high speed driving on the highway. Quieter than I expected.

I need more time to assess grip as I just turned in a leased BMW 328xi (all wheel drive.)

Can't wait for spring!!!!!!!

 

[akselsoft]

We bought a package ($$$) from ByTek here in Ottawa with alloys and Toya tires. So far, they are working out really well.

Our only problem now is that our fuel flap has broken - and without a way of getting gas, well, I suppose that's one way of ensuring she doesn't get driven in the winter.

 

[McEos]

Just had a real winter experience with my Eos. Desided that I needed a wake up after work. Lower the roof and drove home, minus 10 centigrade and there was some motorway driving on my 30 min drive home. Wad not too cold, having the cover for the backseats would have made the drive even more fun. Now there was a cold breeze in the footwell during motorway driving.

Of course I have special winter tyres so grip is not an issue.

 

[neh321]

I know a good shrink (psychiatrist that is!)

 

[McEos]

Just did some real winter driving, yesterday covered 700km in temperatures ranging from -21 C to -34 C. Even after sitting couple of hours at -34 C then 2.0 FSI started without a problem and everething in the car worked like a dream. However some frost formed inside the glass roof and had to keep the blind drawn to cover it as the cold really radiates through to the cabin if the glass roof is exposed.

Doors worked fine, glasses dropped without problems etc. Had the car parked in -34 C and did some short distances. No problems what so ever. Car heated up quickly when drove a longer trip.

 

[neh321]

Just did some real winter driving, yesterday covered 700km in temperatures ranging from -21 C to -34 C. Even after sitting couple of hours at -34 C then 2.0 FSI started without a problem and everething in the car worked like a dream. However some frost formed inside the glass roof and had to keep the blind drawn to cover it as the cold really radiates through to the cabin if the glass roof is exposed.

Doors worked fine, glasses dropped without problems etc. Had the car parked in -34 C and did some short distances. No problems what so ever. Car heated up quickly when drove a longer trip.

You didn't say if you had the roof down?!!!

 

[McEos]

har har, I have done crazy things, but not that crazy

Even if someone is crazy enough to try, fortunately the top does not operate at those temperatures. Below - 18 C the seals get so hard that even the sunroof strugless to open, normally does not open at all. The part of the roof that has the back windows freezes to the rear deck and refuses to move.

I know, I tried to open the top just for the fun of it when it was -14 C. Manual says that the top operates at -15 C, but not below it. I say that it operates until -12 but not below it. So to all winter open-top motorists out there, VW has scrooed you, you can not open the top at -15 C

 

[sunbird]

Hi,

I live in Calgary where we get "real" winter as well but colder and less snow than Ottawa. I have a 2008 EOS and each fall I spray all the roof seals with Krytox and install snow tires on 16" wheels. The car is great in the mountains, starts fine at -40C and I have had no issues at all.

 

[laf929]

My EOS drives like a sturdy little tank in the snow. At least as well as my Subaru did. Maybe better. Tonight for the first time I heard a creaking noise from the roof while driving home after car was outside all day in 15 degrees F. Makes me nervous! Anyone else?