hi All I just bought a 2007 xjl vanden plas
i live in toronto canada and was told that on icy roads this car is not safe and many people do not drive this car in winter.
i wonder about your experience
yes i can buy snow tires
yes traction control
but whats your input?

thanks in advance

 

I live in California and I don't drive my car in Winter either, unless the weather is clear and dry; I don't want to feed the Rust Monster. I know I'm not alone in this, but I also know that Many Jag owners world wide drive their cars year around.

Doubtless someone from your part of the world will stop by and answer you, and one of the Mods will also direct you to the correct section where other owners can help you.

Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums sldagn,

Good to have you with us.
I live in AZ and have no idea what snow is.
I expect with snow tyres you can drive in the snow if you wish.
Check with the others in the tech section XJ XJ6 / XJ8 / XJR ( X350 & X358 ) - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help

 

Welcome to the forum sldagn,

Good to have you with us at Jaguar forums.

Jaguar have a Winter development and testing centre based in Timmins, Ontario. Is this more or less extreme than Toronto?

Follow Norri's link in post #3 to the X350 forum for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for info on regular issues.

Please remember to add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User CP button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.

Enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

Hi neighbour, I live in Mississauga and have had many Jaguars in the last 20 years, I presently have a 2007 xj8 and from November to end of march I have a set of Blizaks fitted and the car is great in the ice and snow, The first Jaguar I had was a 1995 xj6 it didn't have snow tyres and was a handful, I got my present winter tyres on special at Costco,
regards
Dave
2007 xj8

 

Welcome! I see you've found your way to the Canadian regional section. As mentioned, winter tires are must, like on any RWD sedan.

 

Welcome aboard.

 

Welcome to the forum

 

Welcome.

 

welcome to the forum - enjoy!!

 

I drive an XJ6 as my daily in Kentucky. We get snow in the winters, and while I'm sure it's not as bad as Canada gets, we've been hit with 12 inches before.

As far as my experience with snow and my XJ6 goes, it's not as bad as you might think. At least with mine the long wheelbase, low center of gravity, independent suspension and weight help keep it on the road. It's nowhere near as good as 4WD, but I haven't had many issues, despite not owning a pair of snow tires, not having traction control and no ABS brakes.

It's been sideways more than once, but that's only been on sheets of black ice in areas where they neglected to salt the roads. Nearly any car would have gotten away from me in that situation. Let it be known though, that I didn't wreck because I managed to drift the car through it (barely, don't want to repeat that experience), not because it was good at regaining traction. It's just very controllable in a slide. I'd definitely learn how the car acts when it gets away from you. Drive it like you would any RWD car in snow, and with good tires and shocks I wouldn't foresee any serious issues.

LnrB makes a good point about the rust though. Since you drive on salted roads, I wouldn't recommend using any heat wraps on your exhaust pipes if not absolutely necessary. They'll trap the salt and rust like crazy. It's unlikely it has any from the factory, but it's possible. I'd either spray the undercarriage of the car with something rust-resistant if it's not been done already or wash the undercarriage after you drive on salted roads if you want the body to stay rust-free. I haven't found mine any more rust-prone than other cars of its era, but rust is always something to watch on older vehicles. Luckily yours is a newer car, so it may run into significantly less trouble in that aspect, but I'd still take precautions. Mine's managed to stay rust-free so far aside from my exhaust pipes.