Best Cars for Winter Driving

You wake up to snow but still have to get to work. Do you know if your car handles winter weather well? In many cases, people find themselves with a vehicle that is either not prepared or does not handle winter conditions sufficiently. If you're looking for a new car to make commuting, traveling, or just general driving more manageable in the winter, there are essential things to know when looking!

What makes a car Good for Winter?

Many factors make a car good for driving in snow. Things like four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive provide extra traction on slippery roads. Four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive achieve this by delivering power to all four wheels. Another feature that makes a car better for handling snow and ice is good tires. This is the main factor in maintaining good traction on slick surfaces, as it allows the vehicle to grip the roadway. Ground clearance is another factor that allows better control in winter weather when the snow is deep, as it will enable the car to move more easily. Weight distribution also is a factor when it comes to driving in these conditions, heavier cars being able to get a deeper grip, but also more likely to get stuck and more difficult to control and lighter cars are prone to slide more but are less likely to get stuck.

There are also comfort features that can come in handy for winter weather. Features like heated mirrors, heated seats, and heated steering wheels can make driving in cold weather much more comfortable.

With many factors to consider when choosing a good winter car, it is also important to acknowledge that being comfortable and not overly confident driving within winter weather is essential. Driving within terrible weather conditions is always a risk, so only driving when necessary in these conditions will keep you and other drivers safe. Being knowledgeable about weather conditions, preparing for winter weather, and avoiding an accident is the first step when you are getting ready for driving in the winter. More information on tips for driving in snow and ice can be found here.

Some cars that have rated well within snowy conditions for 2021 (all 2021):

• Toyota RAV4
• Jeep Wrangler
• Kia Telluride
• Nissan Rogue
• Volvo V60 Cross Country
• Kia Sorento
• Subaru WRX
• Subaru Ascent
• Toyota Land Cruiser
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Hyundai Tucson
• Subaru Crosstrek

This list goes on longer, as most car brands have at least a few cars each year that handle winter weather very well. Looking at vehicles the meet the criteria above will ensure a car that can handle snow and ice better.

It is also easy to upgrade a car you already own to suit winter driving better. Things like new tires can be a quick solution to help with traction in the winter months. Winter tires are also an option that serves their purpose best within the winter, so they may call for an additional pair of tires for summer months, as winter tires are prone to faster wear within warmer temperatures and may reduce your vehicle's fuel economy. Winter tires can add extra traction on slick roadways, but sometimes chains are necessary when extreme weather. Chains provide an easy on and off device with the traction needed for severe winter weather. In addition, chains reduce the number of tires you will need, as they are versatile and can be used and removed based on the weather. For more information on chains for car tires, follow this link to see if they are a good fit for you and your car.

If you are in the market for a used car that will handle winter conditions better, many meet the requirements. However, if you buy a used car, you should take steps to ensure the purchase you made is quality and will last a long time. Knowing what steps to take after buying a used vehicle is essential to guarantee you and your family are safe with your new car.

Recommended used Cars for Winter Conditions:

• Hyundai Santa Fe (This is an All-Wheel drive mid-sized SUV with five seats perfect for winter conditions)
• Toyota RAV4 (This crossover has continuously received high praise because of the comfortable drive that this all-wheel drive vehicle offers)
• Ford Explorer (This larger SUV provides safety and comfort for up to seven people)
• Nissan Rogue (This small SUV offers excellent fuel efficiency while maintaining the ability to handle rough winter conditions)
• Chevrolet Equinox (This all-wheel-drive SUV offers a range of engines so that it can fit exactly what you need from a car)
• Jeep Compass (between 2007 and present. With the all-wheel-drive system, this compact SUV is built for winter conditions. When the snow mode is activated, the car can sense when it begins to slip and adjusts the torque to the wheels accordingly.)
• Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan (2006-2012. This Subaru comes with a symmetrical all-wheel drive that makes it ready for any winter conditions)
• Honda CRV (The Honda CRV comes with traction control and vehicle stability assist, providing a safe ride on slippery roads.)
• Subaru Outback (2016. Subaru is known for their reliable all-wheel-drive system, making this car well equipped for snow.)
• Jeep Cherokee (2014. This Jeep comes with a four-wheel-drive ensuring a safe and powerful drive within snow.)
• And more!

It is crucial to prepare the new or old vehicle with whatever car you plan to handle the winter weather. Being prepared will come in handy if something happens and you find yourself stuck. Wrench is currently offering a winter maintenance package that includes: oil and filter change, tire rotation, new wiper blades, battery inspection, brake inspection, air filter install, cabin air filter install, and a 22-point visual inspection. With this package, you will be prepared for the harsh winter conditions in whatever vehicle you are driving.

Wrench is available in all seasons to help make maintenance and repairs to your vehicle easier. Without the hassle of finding and going to the shop you will have more time to do things you enjoy. Wrench works to make your life one step easier, with online appointment services, mobile auto technicians all at a precise, competitive, and transparent price.