How to prepare for a long winter trip in a RW Drive car!?!?

Question

So I'm traveling from SW Missouri to NW New York State at the end of February. I need help. I'm really nervous on the driving conditions. I own a 2001 Toyota MR2, this car is RW (Rear Wheel) Drive and the engine is in the back. I have to go however, and flying and renting a car is, somehow, impractical. So I need something that I could purchase or buy that would improve my chances against the snow and ice.

If someone from the area that owns a small vehicle like this, and could give me advice would be great. Also nothing too expensive, I'm up for anything except for purchasing all around new tires. Thank you for the tips and information in advance! : )

Answer 1

I will give you some advice that I have wanted to give so many others.I live in rochester ny and I hold a class a license,I have also performed in locally made movies as a stunt driver/cordinator.Take it slow and easy when you get into town and leave plenty of distance between you and the car infront.Find a big parking lot with no obstructions.Make sure it is snow covered completely and practice taking off and stopping.You will get a feel for the snow after awhile.once you get a feel start swirving the car at 20 mph and try and recover and keep an imaginary straight line.once you start getting good at it increase your speed 10 mph at a time.Just always be sure to leave enough room for the car to slide if you can't recover.You aren't going to flip the car over as long as there are no curbs or dry spots or some other type of obstruction.This practice will give you a good feel for the snow and prepare you in advance for unexpected sliding which will happen sooner or later.
Cars react differently to certain types of snow so going to a parking lot once in awhile is a good idea and a hell of alot of fun once you get over the heeby geebies of it.Bridges tend to get icy faster than the road so be careful.As long as you leave enough distance and don't make sharp turns then you should be alright.Front wheel cars are easier to handle for the beginner.Good luck!

Answer 2

i own a repair shop, and have made similar trips like this ,i would want to carry a few bags of sand with me ,it will help you with weight and traction,and also help you if you get stuck,the roads will be in pretty good shape as far as the interstates go,but you,ll have to be careful on the side roads when you get off,for the most part of that car should go pretty good ,because the weight of the engine is on the rear wheels,this is going to help you a lot,just make sure you take some blankets and provisions with you in case you get stuck in a traffic accident or a bad part of the road they might have shut down temporarily,have some snacks and drinks available also,a good first aid kit is handy ,just think ahead of what you might need ,and take it,you have heard the old saying ts better to have it,and not need it,than to need it and not have it,well go by that,and don't get caught without on this trip,i think you,ll be alright as far as driving goes,that's about all i can tell you except don't leave your common sense at home,take it also,good luck i hope you have a good and safe trip.

Answer 3

Well, I was going to say winter tires until i saw the last line of your Q.

Other than that, just take it easy on the gas around the corners. Your engine in the back may help with traction. Things shouldn't be too bad by late Feb - the worst of winter will be over.

If it is snowy or icy, just reduce your speed, keep lots of distance from cars ahead of you and brake gently and much earlier than you would on dry pavement.

I wouldn't reccomend any chains or straps. First off - metal chains are usually illegal to install in most areas (pretty much everywhere but remote or arctic locations). The rubber or plastic type ones may be legal and help snow and ice traction, but they will reduce traction, control and braking power on bare pavement.

Answer 4

Actually other then making sure your car is mechanically sound, a good set of winter specific tires would go a long way.

Answer 5

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/snowhome.html
these are great bought them from this uk website took a while to get here though..hope this helps good luck.........

http://www.vulcantire.com/chain.htm?refad=GooSnowChains