I am getting a newer vehicle soon. Last michigan winter in my little 93 saturn sl2 5-speed slid into many many curbs. It makes me want to get an suv with 4wd for my next vehicle, however, gas is quite pricey for one, also, for the $10k I plan to spend, I could get much more in a car. My question is, are modern cars (2000 or newer) safe in snow? What are the best cars in my price range to consider? Should I just get an suv instead? Sorry, I know that was a few questions...thanks for any real answers.
2007-08-02 13:39:22 · 9 answers · asked by Nick 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
A - you haven't learned to drive in snow. Take a course, please.
B - you likely had summer touring tires on your Saturn. Replace them, please.
C - 4wd SUVs have enoujgh more traction that they go further into the ditch when the overconfident drivers go too fast and lost it. More children are injured in SUVs than cars because they roll over more often.
I live in Winnipeg. I have also lived in Saskatoon and Edmonton. I know winter driving, and have NEVER had a winter accident. The last time I slid into a ditch was 1977. I drive a 1995 Escort. My wife drives a 2003 Cavalier. Neither of us had winter tires last year, but we do have excellent all-season tires. In 42 years of driving, I have hit 2 curbs. One was 25 years ago in driving freezing rain, and the other was avoiding a driver sliding around on summer touring tires.
2007-08-02 17:18:45 · answer #1 · answered by Fred C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Someone else said it depends on the driver, not the vehilcle, and to an extent that is true ... when the road conditions are good, we have to watch out for the maniacs ... when the road conditions are bad, we have to watch out for the klutzes and maniacs who have no idea how to drive on snow and icy conditions.
But in addition to the driver skills, there is also such a thing as
* snow tires
* chains
* studded tires
to be used when it is legal ... some states forbid this depending on conditions and time of year.
Snow tires have extra thick tread, so it is easier for them to grip the snow.
Studded tires have something in addition to the rubber, to give the car more traction, to grip the road when there is snow and ice.
Chains have LOTS of metal in addition to the tires, to give the car a heck of a lot of traction when driving on ice.
There is also the issue of how far the bottom of the car is from the road. If you are driving where there is normal snow, or the road got semi-melted due to cars & plowing, then there are piles of slush that freeze over night, most cars can drive over that if you got studded tires or chains.
But one time we had a blizzard (in Kentucky) ... the wind blew up all kinds of snow drifts which then got frozen ... a normal car could not get over these like ice walls ... the only vehicles that could get over the stuff were vehicles with a high distance from ground to bottom of vehicle, and four wheel drive, and also using chains.
2007-08-02 23:27:17 · answer #2 · answered by Al Mac Wheel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chances are an average SUV would be less safe than your Saturn. Four wheel drive really only helps you get a car moving on slick pavement, or if you're a race car driver, power out of slow corners. The four wheel drive does not help with steering or braking, and it sounds to me like your main problem was with steering. SUVs typically have worse steering and less agility than cars.
If you do want something all wheel drive, though, I'd say get a Subaru. They handle incredibly well and have all wheel drive. But it sounds like what you really need is a good set of snow tires - they'll do more for your safety than all wheel drive.
2007-08-02 21:22:56 · answer #3 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 4WD car is not safer in snow. Remember, all cars brake with all four wheels. A 4WD car will not stop any faster, and an SUV will in fact stop slower due to its large bulk.
A 4WD car will allow you to accelerate faster in snow. In other words, you can reach unsafe speeds more easily.
2007-08-02 20:45:12 · answer #4 · answered by lithiumdeuteride 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Modern cars are safer than older cars period.
If you had problems sliding into curbs then that is the operator failing to learn how the car respondes to icy situations. I would examine my driving style if I were you.
I would get a car if I were you. Trucks are torquey and would probably give you quite a problem in snowy weather. I would think you would find yourself loosing traction less in a car than a truck.
2007-08-02 20:47:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with pp. It isn't the car, it's the driver. WE have lived in the snow for years and have owned many vehicles. (MN) and I still love my SUV with 4WD over anything.
2007-08-03 19:41:27 · answer #6 · answered by 2cutekiddos 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the driver--not the vehicle--a good driver knows that there are personal and vehicle limitations--and a good SAFE driver stays home when it is too icy--that's smart. And the best drivers get hit by other crummy drivers--all the time.
2007-08-02 20:42:47 · answer #7 · answered by fire_inur_eyes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the tires are the big thing in the snow and antilock brakes. 4wd in snow doesnt help u just have more tires spinning fwd is better in snow than rwd because rwd fishtails. but tires are the big one and the driver.
2007-08-02 20:44:04 · answer #8 · answered by 300SD 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try studded snow tires. Sand bags in the trunk will help a lot too. You will get more traction.
2007-08-03 23:07:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋