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Tips For Picking a Winter Vehicle

How Do You Choose a Winter Vehicle?

The prospect of driving in another Canadian winter is always looming. A lot of people will simply switch out their seasonal tires to prepare for the ice and snow. However, there is another option, such as having a dedicated winter vehicle that is equipped for the job. How do you choose a winter vehicle? Certainly, some platforms are more suited for snowy conditions than others. So, how do you choose a winter? What features should you look for? The experts at Davey Auto Sales have a few tips that will make your search for the perfect winter vehicle much easier. Follow along with us below.

READ MORE: When is the Best Time to Buy a Used Car?

Front-Wheel Drive Vs. All-Wheel Drive Vs. Four-Wheel Drive

One of the most important decisions a person will make while choosing a winter vehicle is to find a model with the best possible drivetrain for the conditions they need to deal with. The most common options are front-, all-, and four-wheel drive. Each one has pros and cons. 

  • Front-Wheel Drive: This drivetrain takes advantage of the engine being over the front wheels that pull the vehicle along. The additional weight helps the tires maintain traction on slippery surfaces.
  • All-Wheel Drive: In addition to having all four wheels turn together, many modern AWD systems can send additional torque to a slipping wheel to improve control in adverse conditions. Also, some AWD systems will automatically disconnect when not needed to help with fuel economy.
  • Four-Wheel Drive: Commonly found on pickup trucks and platforms meant for off-roading, four-wheel drive provides more power and torque for breaking through deeper snow conditions. However, it doesn’t not help with stopping the vehicle any faster, so careful driving is still required on icy or snow-covered roads.

Active Safety Systems

Over the last 10 years or so, almost every automaker has made huge investments in the suite of active safety systems they include with each model. These individual sensors allow drivers to maintain better situational awareness, which is crucial for driving safely in the winter. Some of the most common and critical active safety systems include:

  • Front & rear collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane departure warning
  • LED headlights & taillights

The Davey Auto Sales team knows how to find people the exact vehicle they need to handle almost any need. Make an appointment with us, today.

Aug 12nd, 2023