Winter Driving 101: From Essential Tips to 9 Best Cars for Snow

Driving in snow and navigating icy winter roads can be challenging, demanding safety, skill, and the right vehicle to ensure a secure journey for you and your passengers. When winter weather strikes, knowing how to drive in snow and identifying the best cars for snow becomes crucial for staying safe and confident on the road. Proper preparation and understanding can make all the difference in navigating snow-covered roads with ease.

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything about essential tips for driving in snow, from key features of the best cars for snow to the 9 best cars for snow, renowned for their reliability and performance in winter weather. If you read this till the end, you will also learn the reasons why aftermarket car parts are important for driving in snow and then the best aftermarket car parts for driving in snow.

What are Winter Driving Hazards, and How to Prepare for Them?

Understanding winter driving hazards and how to prepare for them is crucial to ensuring a smooth and safe drive-through winter. Here are some critical winter driving hazards and how to prepare for them:

Icy Roads

Icy roads, especially black ice, are one of the most dangerous hazards for driving in snow because they are often invisible to drivers. Black ice typically forms in shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses where the road surface cools faster than surrounding areas. When a vehicle encounters ice, it loses traction, making it difficult to steer, accelerate, or brake. This can lead to skids, spinouts, or accidents, particularly at higher speeds or during sudden maneuvers.

• How to Prepare: To tackle icy roads, ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires that provide better grip. Drive at reduced speeds and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns that can lead to skids. 

Snowfall

Heavy snowfall can obscure road markings, reduce visibility, and make the surface slippery while driving in snow. It also hides potential hazards like potholes or black ice, making navigation more difficult.

• How to Prepare: Clear all snow from your vehicle, including windows, mirrors, and the roof, to improve visibility and prevent snow from flying onto other cars. Use winter-grade washer fluid and ensure your wipers are in top condition. Drive slowly and use your low beams to enhance visibility during snowfall.

Reduced Visibility

Fog, snowstorms, and shorter daylight hours reduce visibility, making it harder to spot other vehicles, pedestrians, or hazards on the road. This increases the risk of collisions, especially at high speeds, while driving in snow.

• How to Prepare: Always keep your headlights and windows clean to maximize visibility. Use low beams in fog or snowstorms, as high beams can reflect off snowflakes or fog and worsen visibility. Drive slower and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Consider wearing sunglasses while driving in snow. 

Cold Temperatures

Extreme cold affects your vehicle’s performance, leading to reduced battery efficiency, lower tire pressure, and potential freeze-ups in the fuel line or other systems.

• How to Prepare: Test your battery before winter starts and replace it if needed. Check tire pressure regularly and inflate to the recommended levels, as cold air causes the pressure to drop. Use antifreeze in your engine and ensure your heater and defroster are functioning properly. Always keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid fuel line freezing. 

Snowdrifts and Piles

Snowdrifts and piles can obstruct roads, reduce lane width, or create uneven driving surfaces, making it easy to get stuck or damage your vehicle.

• How to Prepare: Carry a snow shovel, ice scraper, and sand or cat litter for traction in case your vehicle gets stuck. Avoid driving through deep snow unless absolutely necessary. If possible, use vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for better handling in snowy conditions.

Slush and Melting Snow

Partially melted snow creates a slushy surface that reduces tire traction. This can increase stopping distances and make vehicle handling unpredictable, especially during sudden maneuvers.

• How to Prepare: Drive slowly and avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or turning. Replace worn tires with new ones to improve grip on wet and slushy roads. Ensure your brakes are in good condition, and maintain a safe distance to allow for extended stopping times.

Unprepared Drivers

Those who fail to adjust their habits for driving in snow pose significant risks. Sudden stops, excessive speeding, or erratic driving can cause collisions or accidents.

• How to Prepare: Adopt defensive driving techniques by anticipating others' actions. Keep a safe distance from unpredictable drivers and avoid tailgating. If needed, refresh your winter driving skills with a safety course, and always stay alert.

What are the Essential Tips for Driving in the Snow?

As you can see, many challenging conditions exist while driving in snow, even for experienced drivers. Knowing the proper techniques and strategies can make a significant difference, whether navigating a sudden snowstorm or dealing with packed snow on your daily commute. Here are the essential tips for driving in the snow:

• Slow Down: Reduce speed to maintain better control and reaction time on slippery roads. Driving too fast in snow is one of the leading causes of accidents.
• Increase Following Distance: Leave at least 6-8 seconds of space between you and the vehicle ahead to allow extra time for braking.
• Brake Gently: Avoid sudden braking, which can cause skidding. Use gentle, steady pressure on the brakes and let your vehicle slow naturally when possible.
• Accelerate Smoothly: Press the gas pedal gently to avoid wheel spin. Rapid acceleration can cause your vehicle to lose traction.
• Use Low Gears: Lower gears provide better traction and help maintain control when driving downhill or in heavy snow.
• Turn Into Skids: If your vehicle starts to skid, stay calm and countersteer gently to make your vehicle head in the direction you want to go. Avoid overcorrecting or slamming the brakes.
• Avoid Cruise Control: Never use cruise control on snow-covered roads, as it can reduce your ability to react quickly to changing conditions.
• Clear Snow and Ice Completely: Before driving, remove all snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, roof, and lights to ensure clear visibility and avoid debris flying off your car.
• Use Winter Wiper Blades: Allow for better wiping performance in freezing temperatures by preventing snow accumulation.
• Use Antifreeze Washer Fluid: This helps keep the windshield clean by preventing the fluid from freezing, and ensuring visibility during snowstorms. 
• Use Winter Tires: Equip your car with winter tires designed for better grip and performance in lower temperatures, snow, and ice.
• Keep Your Headlights On: Use your headlights to improve visibility and make your vehicle more noticeable to other drivers in low-light, snowy conditions.
• Carry an Emergency Kit: In case of emergencies, pack essentials such as a blanket, flashlight, extra batteries, jumper cables, water, snacks, and a first-aid kit.
• Consider Aftermarket Car Parts: Equipping your car with aftermarket parts and accessories, such as the above-mentioned winter tires and emergency kit, enhances winter driving performance and safety. To learn the best aftermarket car parts for driving in snow, just keep reading!

What are the Key Features of the Best Cars for Snow?

From icy inclines to snow-covered highways, the best cars for snow are designed to tackle harsh weather conditions, offering drivers confidence and peace of mind. Here are the key features of the best cars for snow:

All-wheel drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

One of the most important key features of the best cars for snow is all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. AWD system automatically sends power to all four wheels when needed, enhancing grip and traction on slippery, snow-covered roads. It’s particularly beneficial for everyday winter driving in moderate snow, as it offers stability without requiring driver input.

On the other hand, 4WD systems, found in more rugged vehicles, allow the driver to manually engage all four wheels for maximum power in difficult conditions, such as deep snow or off-road. These often come with low-range gearing to handle steep or off-road conditions, providing optimal control and traction.

High Ground Clearance

Another key feature of the best cars for snow is high ground clearance. Vehicles with high ground clearance are better equipped to handle deep snow, as they are less likely to get bogged down in snow drifts or have the undercarriage scrape the ground. This feature is especially important for driving through unplowed roads or snow-covered hills. Thus, a higher ground clearance allows the vehicle to maintain smooth movement and avoid getting stuck in snow. 

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC is among the key features of the best cars for snow. It helps to prevent skidding by applying brakes to individual wheels when it detects loss of traction, helping the driver maintain control. So, ESC is particularly useful when driving on icy or slippery roads.  

Traction Control

One of the most significant features of the best cars for snow is traction control. This system helps manage wheel spin by reducing engine power or applying brakes to specific wheels. It is designed to keep the vehicle moving smoothly on snow, ice, or wet roads. So, the traction control system works together to reduce the chances of the vehicle losing grip and skidding. If you’re on a surface fully covered with snow or ice and you’re stopped, don’t forget to turn off the TC so your wheels can actually start rolling.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Another key feature of the best cars for snow is the anti-lock braking system. It prevents the wheels from locking up during braking, which can cause the vehicle to skid on snow and ice. By maintaining the wheels’ ability to rotate, ABS allows the driver to maintain steering control while braking in slippery conditions. This system is critical for preventing accidents in winter weather when stopping distances are longer due to icy or wet roads.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

AEB is a key feature of the best cars for snow. It helps by automatically applying the brakes if the system detects an imminent collision. This feature is particularly crucial in snow because it reduces the risk of accidents due to delayed reactions when driving on slick surfaces. The main difference between ABS and AEB is that ABS requires the driver to apply the brakes manually, while AEB applies the brakes automatically.

Hill Descent Control (HDS)

Hill Descent Control is among the key features of the best cars for snow. It automatically applies the brakes when driving downhill on slippery surfaces, ensuring the vehicle maintains a safe and controlled speed. HDS is particularly useful in snowy, icy, or steep conditions where manual braking might lead to loss of control.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Another key feature of the best cars is TPMS. Proper tire inflation is crucial for maximizing traction and stability in winter conditions. TPMS alerts the driver when the tire pressure drops, ensuring tires are properly inflated to maintain optimal grip and reduce the risk of accidents or loss of control. 

Heating Features

One of the most comfortable features of the best cars for snow is heated seats, steering wheels, side mirrors, and windshields. Heated seats and steering wheels help provide comfort in freezing temperatures by quickly warming up the driver and passengers. Ice and snow accumulation on side mirrors can reduce visibility. Heated mirrors prevent frost and ice buildup, ensuring clear sightlines while driving in snow. Also, some of the best cars for snow offer the option to install a heated windshield that prevents ice and snow buildup on the glass.

Fog Lights and LED Headlights

Fog lights and LED headlights are among the key features of the best cars for snow. Fog lights are designed to cast a wide, low beam that cuts through fog, snow, or rain, reducing glare and improving visibility. On the other hand, LED headlights offer brighter, clearer illumination than traditional halogen bulbs, which is particularly useful during snowstorms or low-light conditions.

Adaptive Headlights

Another key feature of the best cars for snow is adaptive headlights. In winter conditions, visibility can be significantly reduced, and headlights that only point straight ahead might not be sufficient. Adaptive headlights adjust the direction of the headlights based on the car’s speed, steering angle and elevation, improving visibility around curves and hills. This is essential for ensuring drivers can see obstacles or changes in road conditions in time.

What are the Best Cars for Snow?

If you are fond of winter ride adventures, knowing the best cars for snow may enable you to choose the right vehicle. From reliable all-wheel-drive systems to advanced safety features, here are the 9 best cars for snow:

Jeep Grand Cherokee

One of the best cars for snow is the Jeep Grand Cherokee, with 8.6 inches of ground clearance, which ensures you can navigate through deep snow without getting stuck. It is equipped with advanced 4x4 systems like Quadra-Trac and Select-Terrain, which adapt to snowy and icy roads with ease. Also, the available winter-specific features include heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote start for a warm cabin on freezing mornings.

Ford Bronco Sport

The Ford Bronco Sport is among the best cars for snow thanks to its GOAT (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes, including a Slippery mode specifically designed for snow. It offers a ground clearance of up to 8.8 inches, allowing you to tackle uneven, snow-covered roads confidently. The 4x4 system ensures excellent traction, while the available roof rails are perfect for carrying skis or snowboards.

Honda CR-V

Another best car for snow is the Honda CR-V with its Real-Time All-Wheel Drive system that maintains traction on snowy roads. It has a sufficient ground clearance of 8.2 inches for moderate snow, while its 190-horsepower turbocharged engine ensures a smooth ride. Also, the CR-V offers winter-specific features like heated front seats and dual-zone climate control, keeping passengers comfortable even in freezing temperatures.

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is among the best cars for snow thanks to its i-ACTIV AWD, which adjusts for slippery conditions. It has 7.6 inches of ground clearance, which makes it suitable for light snow. Plus, the CX-5 includes winter-specific features such as heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and windshield wiper de-icers for enhanced visibility in fog, snowstorms, and shorter daylight hours.

Ford Explorer

One of the best cars for snow is the Ford Explorer, a versatile SUV known for its rugged capacity. It is equipped with the 4WD system with Terrain Management, which offers Snow mode for enhanced traction on icy roads. Additionally, the Explorer features Hill Descent Control, a robust suspension, and optional winter-friendly accessories such as heated seats and a heated steering wheel to ensure both safety and comfort in challenging winter weather.

Toyota RAV4

Another best car for snow is the Toyota RAV4. It excels in winter with its Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system, which adjusts power distribution between wheels for maximum grip on slippery surfaces. The RAV4 has 8.4 inches of ground clearance, which easily handles snowy roads and light off-road winter adventures. It is also equipped with winter-specific safety and comfort features like Multi-Terrain Select, multi-link rear suspension, HDS, and heated seats.  

Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevrolet Tahoe is among the best cars for snow. It is equipped with a robust 4WD system and 10 inches of ground clearance, which makes it an excellent choice for heavy snow and rough terrain. Thanks to its large size, the Chevrolet Tahoe provides stability, while its V8 engine with 420 hp provides better performance through heavy snow. Additionally, the optional Z71 off-road package includes skid plates and all-terrain tires for extreme winter conditions.

Volkswagen Tiguan

One of the best cars for snow is the Volkswagen Tiguan. It is equipped with the 4MOTION AWD system, which automatically adjusts power distribution for steady performance on snowy roads. The Tiguan’s 7.6 inches of ground clearance is suitable for moderate snow. Additionally, it has winter-friendly options like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control, adding comfort to winter driving.

Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 is among the best pickup trucks for snow. It is equipped with a 4WD system and a high ground clearance of 8.7 inches. Winter-specific features include heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors, a remote start system, and a defroster for quick windshield clearing. Optional off-road packages provide all-terrain tires, skid plates, and hill descent control for icy slopes. Snowplow preparation kits are also available, making the Ram 1500 a reliable winter workhorse.

Why are Aftermarket Car Parts Important for Driving in Snow?

Equipping your vehicle with the right aftermarket parts and accessories can transform your winter driving experience. If you want to prioritize your safety, you can consider tire chains, snow tires for added grip, or high-performance brake pads and rotors for better braking power. To enhance your comfort, you can install heated seat kits, heated steering wheel covers, remote start systems for pre-heating, and durable all-weather floor mats.

However, improving your car’s performance in winter road conditions is particularly important for both safe and comfortable driving in snow. Even though there are many different performance parts on the market, the most practical and versatile ones for driving in snow are throttle response controllers. Keep reading to learn the best throttle response controller on the market!

Discover How Pedal Commander Offers the Best Driving in Snow

No matter how good cars for snow you have, Pedal Commander is assertive about improving your vehicle’s performance in even harsh winter road conditions. As the most practical and versatile throttle controller on the market, Pedal Commander is a must-have winter car accessory designed to eliminate throttle lag from your accelerator pedal.

Pedal Commander features ensure your vehicle is prepared for the challenges of winter driving. It offers four distinct modes (Eco, City, Sport, and Sport+), allowing you to adapt your vehicle to different driving conditions expected in the winter. Let’s look at them below:

• Pedal Commander Eco Mode: This mode can help you save up to 20% on fuel economy. It reduces throttle sensitivity and makes handling variable conditions like icy roads easier. 
• Pedal Commander City Mode: This mode is ideal for navigating busy streets or stop-and-go traffic. It provides a more balanced throttle response, allowing you to accelerate and decelerate smoothly, reducing the likelihood of abrupt movements that could be dangerous on slippery roads. 
• Pedal Commander Sport Mode: It enhances throttle response, allowing quicker acceleration, especially when merging onto highways or navigating winter country roads.
• Pedal Commander Sport+ Mode: It maximizes throttle sensitivity and gives you immediate power response. This mode is perfect for more spirited drives on twisty mountain roads, where precise control can enhance safety and enjoyment.

As you can see, Pedal Commander allows you to enjoy winter road trips with its customizable throttle responsiveness. If you want to prepare your car’s performance for winter road conditions, click here to buy Pedal Commander!