Edmunds Answers questions

Which is the most safe car running on wet or snow?

tom160 — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:50:32 GMT

Which is the most safe car running on wet or snow?

I live in Wisconsin. Which is best, AWD, ESC, or both?

joolee8503 — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:17:13 GMT

I live in Wisconsin and I had some trouble with my front-wheel drive car this past year in the snow. I plan on getting a much smaller, lighter car but should I be considering AWD, ESC, or a combination? I hesitate to get AWD because of fuel costs, added weight, etc. Suggestions? Right now I am looking at Subaru (for AWD) and also Toyota and Honda.

Difference between all-wheel drive and front wheel drive with traction control?

jvanlenten — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:10:56 GMT

Safety and road handling between all-wheel drive and front wheel drive with traction and stability control

Is AWD better than FWD in snow and ice?

tdtylr — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:42:09 GMT

What is the difference in performance between AWD and FWD on snow and ice?

What is the best way to warm up a car during winter before driving it for the day?

blop2008 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:39:07 GMT

I have had a Toyota Corolla CE 2010 since July 2009. It's a leased car for 4 years. My questions is this: What is the best way to warm the car when leaving for works early in the morning during winter? Some still suggest leaving the car turn on for 5 mins before departure to work. I read an article from Toyota that the car should not be turned on that long to warm up the car for several reasons, but rather should be warmed up by (from what I recall) warming the oils manually (I don't recall how, I'll need to re-read the article) way before leaving home.

This is a general question. If you need more specific info about my car, please let me know.

Rear visibility, especially in rainy weather.

papa12 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:04:25 GMT

How is the rear visibility? It seems like the amount of glass in the hatch door is quite limited.

The rear windshield wiper is also quite small. Any issues with visibility in rainy weather?

We get lots of condensation on the inside of the glass. How well does the rear defog work?

If I go to Lake Tahoe do I need tire chains on the front and back tires ?

Sekou37 — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 15:16:15 GMT

do i need chains for the front and back ?

How does the Dodge Charger RT AWD handle in snow and ice?

murphypb — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:53:42 GMT

How Charger RT AWD handles in snow and ice.

4 cylinder 4 wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicle recommendations?

cjmiron — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:46:29 GMT

My girlfriend is looking for a 4cyl, 4wheel drive or all wheel drive Forester type vehicle. In essence, she wants something that won't take up too much gas yet provide traction since she is moving to Minnesota and is not accustomed to winter driving. Please recommend vehicles of this type that I can help her research (i.e. Jeep liberty, Forester, etc.) Thanks for your help ya'll!

I am thinking about purcasing the Chevy HHR but am wondering about how it handles in the snow?

megbee — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:48:48 GMT

We live in Northern Indiana and get a lot of snow. Just wondering if anyone has any experiences in snow and ice? Thanks

Looking for a car other than an SUV that works well in the snow. Live in the Northeast. Good on gas.

bart58 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:41:44 GMT

Looking for a used car that is several years old.

AWD Toyota Sienna minivan performance in snowy conditions. On a par with mid-size SUVs, yes or no?

mvossler — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:15:04 GMT

Our 2002 Odyssey just doesn't cut it when we are driving in snowy conditions in Eastern Washington. Something we do a lot during the winter. Buying a mid size SUV would be a real step down in terms of access to the back seats for the kids and cargo space. We are thinking of buying a Sienna AWD. I wonder how it does in actual winter driving.

How are Chevy S-10 Xtremes in the snow?

lyerden — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:00:14 GMT

Does the fact that they're low to the ground cause difficulty or impracticality?

I'm looking at a 2000 Chevy S10 Xtreme, 4 cylinder, RWD, fully loaded.. minus snow tires.
Is it worth my time? I live in upstate NY, where we get plenty of snow 8 months out of the year. Would this be a foolish move even if I did get good snow tires and maybe some weight in the back?

Which is better: studded or ice radial winter tires for Nova Scotia, Canada ?

rolandl — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:55:29 GMT

Winter in Nova Scotia is unpredictable. We may have deep snow or not: definately slush and black ice.

I'm looking to buy a 2006 Lincoln LS and was wondering how they handle in the snow, it being rear wheel drive? Any owners?

joeey — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:51:06 GMT

Im looking to buy a 2006 LS and was wondering how they handle in the snow..it being rear wheel drive???any ower?

Buying a new crossover. 4 or 6 cylinder engine with automatic transmission. Conway NH. What is best traction option, AWD or manual 4WD?

tomb8 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:50:11 GMT

I have a toyota camry now... need to get up some steep hills in snowy situations, I am just not sure if AWD will do the job... or would standard 4WD be better?

How are the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetles in the snow?

bloodyirishman — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 16:56:33 GMT

How are the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetles in the snow?

Can driving through deep snow for a short distance mess with the front-end alignment?

jyork326 — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 13:56:55 GMT

I live in Michigan where we got several inches of snow on Friday. My car operated well on Thursday night. I drove .5 miles on roads where plowing had not occured. The following day while driving, my car began to shake at 35 mph. Is it possible that snow is lodeged up inside the front end causing this? I am quite sure driving through the deep snow had something to do with this. Now we are in frigid temperatures, so snow may still be lodge up in the front area.

My AWD 2009 Nissan Murano keeps getting stuck in the snow and this snow is not that deep.

dana716 — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 21:12:49 GMT

Love my car, drives great on the ice and snow, but if the the snow is deep at all it easily gets stuck! The first time it happened was understandable, but I should have been able to pop it in AWD and easily get out of the situation but it was not so, finally figured out how to turn off the safety feature that would not let me rock the vehicle and that helped a little, but still took a lot of coaxing to get unstuck. Then I got stuck again the next day, Later had my husband play around with it and he got it stuck, and the snow was seriously not even 6 inches deep!! Not very happy about this as I live in Idaho, and they don't plow the roads very well which is why I wanted an SUV. My previous vehicle was an 05 Hyundai, Tucson with 4WD and I had no problems in the same driving conditions!! Anybody had the same problem or have any suggestions for this maddening problem... Thanks!!

I want a small sedan that's good in the snow. I have a Chevy Aveo now and hate it in the weather.

luckylinda — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 12:28:23 GMT

I have a 2005 chevy aveo that is horrible in weather...wind, snow, rain. I've always had good tires and bought some snows this year but its still not very good. Any suggestions for my next small car?

Has anyone experienced problems driving - skidding/sliding or braking) in the Chevy Aveo 2008 in small amount of snow 1-2"?

Helen715 — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:44:31 GMT

We just purchased a 2008 silver aveo for a great under $10,00 price, having downsized from a 2000 ford explorer. we had snow for the first time since purchasing the car and had to drive extremely slowly 5, 10 miles per hour) and experienced skidding and sliding from the back tires. Could it be that we haven't recalled how to drive in a regular car having had an suv for 7 year? We're almost ready to cash it in and go back to the suv, but as we age, we need a car that will not be so high to step into (hip and knee problems). We think we might need to reload our tool kit and jack in the truck for more weight??? Any help out there? Please? Especially since we really like the car (me 58, spouse 64). Any ideas on what to do?

How is the Scion xB in the snow?

richdesh — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 11:20:00 GMT

I live in New England and we get a lot of snow in the winter. Has anybody had any experience driving the XB in the snow? How does it handle?

2007 Nissan Quest Minivan. It is TERRIBLE in the snow. I have gotten stuck in 4" of snow and skid all over. Help!

gretchenc1 — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:35:26 GMT

My 2007 Nissan Quest Minivan is so bad in the snow - even with snow tires. It skids all over the place; I have had to be pulled out of 4" (and less) deep snow many times; it slides on flat surfaces that have a dusting of snow; I got stuck on a flat road that I had parked on that had a little bit of ice (the wheels just spun and spun and the car did not move). I am SO frustrated. I live where there is snow 5 months a year, and a "mud season." I feel very unsafe in this car. Is there anything I can do? Has anyone else experienced this with the car?

I brought a Dodge Charger with rear wheel drive. Was that a mistake?

mshemi — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 01:56:03 GMT

I brought a Dodge Charger 2007 with a hemi and it is rear wheel drive. will it drive ok in bad weather

I'm searching for a safe, peppy, and reasonably priced subcompact, and willing to buy recent model used car.

petrolmom — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:29:35 GMT

I like the Fit, Yaris, Mini, and Versa. Safety is important, and will do winter driving.

Do I need to use special snow tire chains for a Mini Cooper?

gilroygal — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:22:48 GMT

I have a hardtop 2009 Mini Cooper and will be taking it to the snow for the first time this week. Do I need special chains, or can I pick some up at a local auto parts store?

I'm looking for a sporty car that can perform well in Michigan snow/ice weather. Suggestions?

lil_ufo — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:38:46 GMT

I discovered I could not get my retractable hardtop and AWD, but do you have suggestions for a sporty car that performs well in ice/snow. I loved the look of the Volvo C70 with the top down, but with the top up, it looks like any other car.

How does the Toyota Prius perform in heavy winter conditions (like VT) with steep hills and deepish snow?

billc9 — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:01:42 GMT

I would be commuting from Boston to VT on weekends and I currently drive a Saab with four snow tires, which is great. How would the Prius compare in snowy and icy conditions?

With rear wheel drive, how well does a Dodge Charger perform in slick conditions (i.e. snow)?

xxthematmanxx — Mon, 11 May 2009 09:54:20 GMT

I am considering a Dodge Charger. I have not driven a RWD vehicle in many years and am curious as to how well the RWD Charger performs in the snow.

I'm looking for anyone who has a Toyota RAV4 Sport. I'm concerned about what I am hearing about bad performance in snow ?

veamer — Wed, 20 May 2009 23:06:06 GMT

I'm looking to buy a RAV4 - I love the Sport model but would take the base model in a pinch. We've been doing a lot of research on the RAV4 and while doing so my husband and I found a lot of negative comments on the performance of the tires in the snow.

I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee (just totaled it in an accident) I loved having a 4-wheel drive for in the winter.

Am I going to be disappointed with the RAV4 for my winter driving months?? This would be my first new vehicle and I don't want to be disappointed. Any information would be greatly appreciated... thank you...

Is the Ford 150 ok for plowing snow in CT? What specs are best for limited private snow plowing? KennF

kennf — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:46:16 GMT

I own a large warehouse facility in CT and want to get a small pickup truck for plowing snow. I don't want it undersized or over. We generally plow 20-30 times a year. Which truck is best? What specs should I focus on?

Thanks
Kenn

My 05 Chevy TrailBlazer 4x4 is horrible in the winter. Would a front wheel 4x4 Chrysler Pacifica be better? Considering a trade.

thebostonian — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:56:26 GMT

I bought the trailblazer new trading in a front wheel drive all wheel drive not realizing the huge difference in handling. When the on demand shuts off you are back in rear wheel drive, yikes! Living in Ontario this is not very condusive. I find the on demand doesn't come on that much anyway and I can't spend the winter locked into 4x4 as this will wear out the truck. I have not invested in snow tires yet because I am afraid this will only provide some improvement not enough. Should I sell the gas guzzler?
I was thinking of a front wheel all wheel Pacifica.

How to use the 4 wheels drive in the snow road situation? Lexus GX 470.

LEXUSGX07 — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:28:38 GMT

I am using a GX LEXUS 07. I would like to use four drive wheel for the safest in the snow situation today. Can you give me some detail instrucsion for this case?

2009 Ford Escape. All wheel drive vs four wheel drive. Which should I choose?

stevemaplegrov — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:10:27 GMT

I am looking to purchase a 2009 Ford Escape 3.0 liter V-6 and am debating between All wheel drive and front wheel drive. I drive mainly on freeways, highways, and city driving. I won't be going off road.

Also, I live in Minneapolis, which means snow and ice in the winter. From a performance and safety perspective, is there much difference between all wheel vs front wheel? I understand that all wheel is approx $2,000 more expensive, so want to make sure I really need it before I pay extra.

Also, will there be much difference in resale value?

How do rear wheel drive cars handle in the winter with snow & ice? I am thinking about an older Lexus GS 300.

stephenabelson — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:26:36 GMT

i am thinking about getting a 2004 or 05 lexus gs300, wondering how the rear wheel drive handles in the snow and ice.

How good is a Mitsubuishi Eclipse in the snow?

rawbar — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:15:54 GMT

Can you drive an Mitsubuishi Eclipse in the snow without going all over the road?

Is it better to 4WD or 2WD in a few inches of snow on my Toyota FJ Cruiser when 4WD disables ABS/VSC and TC?

mch52 — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:21:25 GMT

I have a 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser. It has an the 5 speed auto transmission. It has vehicle stability control, traction control and ABS but only in 2WD.

In the old days when we didn't have the "safety" features as they are called it was a no brainer and we used 4WD when in the snow and ice to at least help maintain control of the vehicle (while driving at a safe speed for the condition of course.) Now with the safety features only enabled in 2WD is it better to keep the truck in 2WD where IF you start to slide VSC takes over or is it better to use 4WD (and caution) so you may not need the feature which wouldn't be there in 4WD if needed? Thanks

Would 185/65R14 tires/wheels be an acceptable winter replacement for P195/55R15 on 2008 Honda Fit Sport?

ottawan2 — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 13:30:06 GMT

We have the 185/65R14 tires on steel rims for a 1997 Civic Si and wonder whether we can keep them for the Fit.

Do you know of any problems with 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid in the snow as it relates to the engines losing power? Thanks!

don120 — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:13:15 GMT

I'm considering purchasding a 08 Toyota HH. My broker suggested I look into the engines losing power (?) during snowy conditions. Anybody know anything about this?

Also, any trouble with the battery packs reported?

Thanks!

Please list smallest AWD cars and SUVs.

tvs2 — Tue, 13 May 2008 17:51:23 GMT

I have small garage and live in snowy mtns. Looking for used or new smallest AWD cars or small SUVs.

Please recommend a car - not very knowledgable on the subject.

ro22ne — Sat, 31 May 2008 09:32:58 GMT

looking for mid-sized sedan, which to me means adults can comfortably sit in the back seat. Has to be awd or 4wd as I am not a particularly good driver in the snow. I like to keep my cars a long time so it has to hold up, needs to be reliable and not start to break down after several years. Not a gadgety guy so electronic bells and whistles are not critical but I would like some pizaz - I really do like the interior of my Tribeca. For example a single cd player is just fine. I don't follow cars too much but the legacy and impreza are a bit spartan on the inside. Overall,the honda accord and toyota camry are a little less of a car than I am looking for A quiet ride is important. It should drive and handle nice but I am not in need of performance driving. I pretty much have to have a nav: Ideally in the dash but if the dash dimension front to back is deep enough to mount a portable nav it might be acceptable(the legacy dash is not). Gas mileage is important but I know I am trading some off with the awd being a priority. I think I should be able to get in the mid 20's at least. Leather is preferable and would like to factor into the cost. Priced around 30 (a little more or less) would be good. I would consider a year or two old with low mileage. Your suggestions are truly appreciated.

Will a 2008 Honda CR-V AWD be OK in snow without use of chains?

gbohatch — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:51:33 GMT

During winter months we drive to Big Bear Lake in California and to Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. We have 2000 Mazda Tribute AWD that has 4WD lock button and have not had to use chains. Will the 2008 Honda CRV AWD do just as well?

What is the best value AWD car for 110 mile daily commute, Car? SUV? It's driving me crazy!

bontrac — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:47:57 GMT

Here's the scoop. I just got a job that has me commuting 110 miles a day from Denver to Colorado Springs. We have 2 cars currenlty 2005 G35 RWD (mine), 2002 Prius (wife's). My wife has a big commute as well, so swapping the cars won't work. I am thinking a wagon (subaru,crossover, or SUV). I can't just get a Corolla, because in the winter I will need an AWD option and we are adopting 2 kids. So the car needs to be roomy enough for a car seat, good enough on gas, and reliable. I thought I would ask the experts. Cars, I have test drove, Mazda cx9, Toyota Highlander, Hundyai Sante Fe.

What newer model year (2004 +) small 4x4 vehicles have rear wheel drive when in 2WD mode?

rckymtngal — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 03:03:01 GMT

My daily commute consists of 20 miles of downhill curves going to work (Colorado foothills so snowy in winter). In the winter I like to use 2wd going downhill using the gears and rear weel drive to maintain speed control, but then like 4wd for climbing or deep snow. I am looking for a smaller vehicle with 25+ mpg, but am having difficulty filtering through all of the AWD SUV's out there. Any help identifying models and years with 4x4 and rear 2wd would be appreciated. I might even consider a small truck.

Our 04 Toyota Prius doesn't do well on snow. Is this true for all hybrids? Any suggestions for a larger hybrid in winter?

pjb — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:35:04 GMT

Our Prius has little or no traction in snow and ice conditions. We like to cross country ski and would prefer to replace our old van with a SUV-size hybrid big enough to go on winter ski trips and for traveling across mountain highways. Are all hybrids inherently bad in winter weather driving conditions? If not, which mid-size SUV hybrid is best for winter driving and for storing gear? Or, do we have to settle for the traditional gas engine with the least air emissions -- which SUV would that be? Thanks.

South Central Washington State

Anyone have experience driving in snow with Scion xA or xB? Heard bad things but like both cars.

redbozoz1 — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:52:47 GMT

I'd just heard from a very young driver that his xB wasn't good in snow and want to confirm or deny this as I'm seriously considering one of these as my next car!

What is best sedan and best SIV for driving in snow?

bridgetsj — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:55:21 GMT

We need to purchase a car or SUV for CT. Which are safest for driving in snow?

2008 BMW 328xi Coupe with 18" wheels and run-flat performance tires. New wheels and tires for winter? Which?

spinoni — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:02:21 GMT

To get a better ride and handle winter conditions, do I need to buy 17" wheels and nopn-run-flat all-weather tires? What tires are recommended for the best combination of ride and performance? The 18" wheels + run-flat tires in the sport package I got are pretty harsh riding. If I get non-run-flat tires, is there room for a spare under the car?

I bought a 2004 Ford Freestar with very low miles. Should I get the cooling system flushed after 4 years?

jdwfinger — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:02:41 GMT

Even tough I have low mileage, after 4 years should I get the cooling system flushed??

I need a 4 wheel drive vehicle, not too expensive. We have a lot of snow in the winter and my driveway is very steep. Suggestions?

princesspea — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:09:30 GMT

Like most people we are on a budget, I had an accident which totaled my Lincoln Navigator, bought a used Ford Explorer turned out to be a real Lemon, $7000,00 dollars later in repairs. I need a reliable used 4 wheel drive vehicle.
Can you please advise me on a decent used vehicle.

Thank You