Aside from all-wheel drive, which type of car is best suited to winter conditions? SUVs, Pickups, and Sedans – and which one has all-wheel drive, if applicable – are among the best choices. In this article, we’ll cover the pros and cons of each type and provide tips on which car makes the most sense for snowy weather. After all, we want to keep our family and our car safe, right?
SUVs
SUVs go best in the snow if you’re going to drive in a snowy climate. The extra ground clearance and higher seating position allow you to see better on the road, and most SUVs are equipped with 4WD or AWD to handle off-road driving efficiently. Of course, these vehicles can be pricey, so you should also consider safety features, such as traction control and anti-lock brakes.
The first thing you should know is that driving in the snow is dangerous and a snowstorm can cause a variety of dangers for drivers. Low visibility and severe loss of friction can result in a devastating crash. SUVs are the best option in such conditions and have become one of the most popular vehicles in America. Whether you’re a first-time driver or a seasoned veteran, an SUV can make a huge difference in your safety and your peace of mind.
Sedans
While you may think that SUVs and jeeps are the vehicles of choice for winter driving, this is not always true. Sedans offer enough room to navigate snow and ice without hitting the ground. They may even have more space than SUVs. If you live in a snowy climate, a good sedan that can handle winter conditions is a Toyota Avalon. Listed below are some of the best sedans for the snow.
Pickups
Although the term “off-road” is used to describe a variety of driving conditions, most drivers only use these roads on dirt. Most pickup trucks are equipped with four-wheel-drive (AWD) systems that provide power to all four wheels. The locking differential locks the front and rear wheels, minimizing the risk of them getting stuck. The traction of a pickup is very important during the winter months, and a snow tire can make all the difference.
In the snow, two-door models with long beds and two-wheel drive are the least traction-happy vehicles. Single-cab pickups, on the other hand, are often not the best choice for family vehicles. Today, the trend is to look for pickups with more rear-seat legroom and smaller beds to balance weight distribution. Pickups go best in the snow based on factory options and driver preferences.
SUVs with all-wheel drive
While most people think that SUVs with all-wheel drive go best on snowy roads, these vehicles are available in all shapes and sizes. First, decide what size of vehicle will be most comfortable in winter conditions. You could opt for a small Subaru Impreza AWD or a full-sized pickup truck. A part-time AWD system is also available on many vehicles, which uses the front tires to propel the vehicle until the traction begins to deteriorate. At that point, the power is transferred to the rear wheels. There are pros and cons to each system, and decision makers need to weigh brand preference and performance before committing to a particular option.
A full-time all-wheel drive system sends torque to all four wheels at the same time, irrespective of traction conditions. This system doesn’t offer the best fuel economy, but the car’s traction is much better than with on-demand systems. Subaru uses this system on most of its models. Its fuel economy advantage is not as high, but its added traction makes it the best SUV for snow-covered roads.
Trucks with four-wheel drive
While you may prefer a 2wd truck for everyday driving, you may find that you need a 4WD truck for extreme weather conditions. If you’re a young driver, a 2wd truck may be less comfortable on snowy roads and will require some preparation before winter weather strikes. For the best driving experience in the snow, look for trucks with all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD system automatically distributes power to all four wheels and locks one if it detects tire slip.
Weight distribution is another important factor when driving in the snow. If all of the weight is on the front end, the back end will slide. To compensate for this, add extra weight to the bed with sandbags or water tanks. They can be strapped over the axles for added weight and will regulate the vehicle’s weight without becoming missiles during a crash. Sandbags are ideal for weight distribution.