Getting Tobius winter ready

In Florida

So I kind of had a frustrating day, or maybe the week leading up to this day was. The end goal was to get Tobius ready for our trip up North, the cold/snowy North. So I wanted winter tires and antifreeze for the windshield washer fluid… IN FLORIDA

So I started about 3 weeks ago calling places to get winter tires. The first call was to Toyota, since I thought going to the homeland of the car would be my best option. Let’s recall the conversation, after the polite pleasantries.

Me: So I am looking to put Winter tires on my car, a Prius.
Toyota: Okay, we have All-Seasons for you.
Me: No, I do need real Winter tires.
Toyota: It really doesn’t snow in Florida. Ma’am, you will be okay with All-Seasons.
Me: Since I am going up North, I will need Snow/Winter tires. Can you order those.
Toyota: We can not get Winter tires in Florida.
You are going to have to change tires when you get up North.

So what would I do with my current tires then? I did say goodbye nicely, but it seeded this “Do I look stupid”-feeling… and it only got worst.
The 3rd call to Costco was the best one, they were willing to order the tires as long as I could come and pay for them first. It makes sense, I know, but I do not have a membership so kept trying a few more options.

It took me 4 calls before I talked to Kameron, who’s first response was “Are you taking a trip to the snow?” and that in itself felt me welcome at DiscountTire. They ordered the tires and we made an appointment for a week later. They called me before the weekend that the tires were in and I could come early if I wanted, but I rather waited. (I know they are going to eat gas)

The windshield washer fluid was even more humiliating. Since it froze one (1) night lastweek, I got lauched at in 2 different stores, since you really don’t need antifreeze for the hard(ly) freeze in Florida. But why do peoples think that, either because I am a woman or a foreigner, I am to stupid to know. A nice and friendly employee in ACE went the extra mile to find me a bottle somewhere on the top shelve.

So here we are today, back home from a bunch of frustration, but Tobius is ready for snow and looking spiffy with brand new wheels.