Did a search, but didn't see anything specific to my question. We plan on driving my gf's Prius to Big Bear Lake/Mountain this winter for a ski trip. We're from the desert in Arizona, and have never dealt with driving in snow. We're a little concerned about driving this little car up a snowy mountain when we've never had to deal with these conditions before. We also don't have snow tires, and buying them for one weekend seems pointless. Ideas? Thoughts? Would we be better off renting an SUV?
We know we'd need them, but is it really that simple? Will we be safe driving up an down an icy mountainside?
If you have never driven in snow it's time to study up, driving an SUV or Prius. Major hwys will close to 2 wheel drive vehicles if chains won't cut it. If the same major hwy goes ice, they close to all traffic. You'll be alright driving with common sense and a little prep.
Hello from MinneSNOWta! Hope you haven't yet left on your trip to the "North Country." Some hints on how to get around in winter conditions... The first thing you should do is check the remaining tire tread. If the tires are fairly new, and you're careful, you should be fine. Keep an eye on the air pressure; softer tires are not your friend. The best thing you can do in winter driving conditions if the roads are questionable is to increase your following distance. And no sudden hard braking, if possible. Take sharp curves with caution or you may unwillingly leave the road. We had the worst winter in 20 years here last year, and our Prius with the original 3 year-old tires came through like a champ (we have since replaced them because they were at the end of life). Friends in Duluth (150 mi. north of me) have a Prius, had even more snow, and they too had no problems. Just don't use the car as a snow plow. Good luck, and have fun!
Another tip for driving on snow/ice is to avoid changing lanes if possible and if you must make it as gradual as you can.
Pretty simple: snow is a low friction surface. Keep the speed down and avoid fast or sudden maneuvers. Maneuvers include: - braking - allow extra time and distance - try to let the car slow down naturally instead of applying the brakes; don't try to stop suddenly for lights that have just turned red - better a ticket than a sitting duck in the middle of an intersection. - accelerating, especially from a stop: allow time to accelerate; the traction control is likely to kick in, and when it does you back off and try again gently; never try to pull out quickly into traffic. - cornering - don't corner fast; if you feel it sliding don't panic - better to slide into a snowbank than to overcorrect and send it into a spin. - changing lanes - grip is worse between lanes - make the change slowly and make sure you're completely into the new lane before trying to straighten. While there are always a few 4-wheel fools, my few years here in Maine have shown me that most drivers are sensible and patient in the snow. EDIT: Also, beware changes from above to below freezing. The melt produces slush, which can also be nasty and then a re-freeze adds ice and it can make conditions treacherous. Many cold dwellers would prefer consistent freezing or snow to daily melt and re-freeze.
