Gs300Rus

One more question unrelated to the topic.
I know the manual states its RECOMMENDED to fill 91+ Octane gas.
In the area where I live 91 is like like 15-20 cents more expensive than 87. On full tank its usually extra $10 spend.
Is it OK to put in 87, I don't need performance. I need a daily beater (With the hope it doesnt BREAK.

I know those of you in U.S. have much cheaper GAS than in CANADA.

iToaster

You're generally fine using lower grade gas, the engine computer will retard the timing to compensate, although I have seen some people complain of worse gas mileage when using lower grade fuel and return to premium.

On a side note, if the gas is 20 cents more expensive, even on an almost empty tank that's about $4 more.

Gs300Rus

The cost of 87 Octan gas here is about $1.30/Liter, and 91 is up to $1.50 depends on the gas station.
The tank is 75 liters, 0.20 x 75= $15... 15 bucks I would overpay with every Full tank refill.

iToaster

I suppose if you calculate that on liters instead of gallons like I was thinking it might make a little difference...

In any case, it won't hurt the car to try.

MattyG

Ouch bro. Those are serious gas prices in Ontario. I filled up at Costco for $C1.27 per liter for premium. I generally average about $65 to $75 per fill up - that's gonna be good for about two to three weeks.

But I'm in a small city and I only use my car for commuting to work and the occasional highway trip.

The manual for my US GS430 which was imported into Canada, says wherever possible, use 91+ octane and if it has an ethanol blend, to use that.

I think I'm only getting about 250-280 miles per fill so roughly 17 -22 mpg. About average for these.

YMMV.

Gs300Rus

I know. Costco does offer cheaper gas, whenever I can and when the line is not too crazy I fill up there, the prices are usually $1.35/l for 91. Which is GREAT
Those of you in U.S. do get cheaper gas. Last time I filled full tank (91oct) on my family's RX, I've spent about $100.

Lutkis

I wish gas price was that low on here.
98 octane (which I use) is about $2,35 per litre and 95 is almost the same.

Gs300Rus

98 Octane, haven't seen it at our average gas stations. The top is 94 I believe.

Lutkis

Oh, well we don't have anything under 95 that would be suitable for the regular gastank.

JFBPhoto

in Montreal right now the 87 gas is 149.9/L just topped my car and costed me 96.50 on regular!! I said screw premium gas!

for the car in winter. I drove it all witer long with brand new tires and it was perfect. the car is heavy and has a long wheelbase so it's kinda predictable. trction control does a good job when you go from a full stop...not so much on the highway (i turn it off on highways).

Chris147

I would guess that Sweden can be somewhat similar when it comes to driving conditions during the winter.
I've always had FWD cars before, so this was my first winter with RWD.
I have to say with proper studded Michelins on, ice and snow where no big deal for most of the time.
I had the rear end do a little dancing sometimes but nothing too bad.

Only had a minor heart attack the first time the car started twisting while doing around 95 Km/h.
Which was on a icy road along a frozen lake, where the limit was 70.
I think the speed was the biggest problem in that situation.

But i managed to drive my GS as a daily trough all winter without any accidents

I pay 2.17 USD/2.39 CAD per litre for 95 octane, which is the lowest quality available in Sweden.

Arcadian

It's do-able. Get the best snows, don't cheap out. Blizzaks, Xice3, Nokians. If you live in a hilly area you'll find yourself seeking detours. But is pretty good.

Lutkis

You have about the same prices as here. I wonder what's the reason for our (I believe the whole nordic countries) higher octane fuel and US' or Canada's low octane fuel.
Is it the whole EU economical bull**** greenthumb rules or what..

mulasien

So I got my 05 GS300 a few months ago and have yet to drive it in the winter. Everything I've read says that snow tires are a very good idea for this car.

Here's my dilemma: I live in the central U.S. (Kansas City, to be exact). Our winters are wildly inconsistent. Some years it's as dry as a bone, some times we have 2 weeks of insane snowfall and dry for the rest, some years it's a consistent inch or two every other week. Basically, 80-90% of my winter will be on dry but cold roads (the plows are pretty quick and responsive here and it usually melts in a few days), and the other 10-20% will be a winter wonderland.

I believe I've read that snow tires have bad tread life on dry roads, but are a life saver when it's actually snowy.

If I mount snow tires on my existing wheels, I'll be pretty much stuck with them for the entire winter whether it's a blizzard or bone dry.

Additionally, I have a 30 mile highway commute each way every day, so I rack up mileage pretty quick.

How many of you in 'intermittent' snow zones get separate wheels for your snow tires to switch out as needed vs. keeping them on all winter? How is the tread life on snow tires if it is below freezing, but no snow on the ground vs. a similar all season tire?

Obviously just getting a separate wheel/snow tire combo is best solution, but also the most pricey. Anyone have any good recommendations of an inexpensive quality spare set of wheels? I'm not concerned with how stylish they look during the winter.

Input much appreciated

Arcadian

Still think it's a good idea to have snows in stead of just all-seasons. I bought Michelin's for the wife's Cressida, I believe they had a 50K mile warranty.