Moving from Vegas to Chicago - Winter Advice

[M1911]

Does the Fit come with AWD? AWD with a good set of snow tires should be just fine.

The Honda Fit is front-wheel-drive. It is not available with all-wheel-drive. But that isn't needed in Chicago. Slap a good set of snow tires on it and it will be fine in any weather other than a blizzard. If the snow on the roads is deep enough that the Honda Fit runs out of ground clearance, then you should have stayed home anyways.

I drove my old 2000 GTI GLX (long since sold) through a blizzard from Hampton, NH to Epping, NH without any problems at all. Yes, I had snow tires on it.

 

[jmoskow]

Clear off all your windows, your hood, and your roof before driving. Don't drive around with a bunch of snow on the roof -- it will blow off and blind cars behind you, and if you slow suddenly, will slide forward and blind you.

This isn't okay?

 

[2nd Chance]

This isn't okay?

I would be more afraid of the roof coming down on my head.

 

[Engineer]

This thread is full of good advice; I will echo what many have said

*Practice – The most important skill in winter driving is no different than off road driving, go out and learn how to drive in it. Many have recommended parking lots or back roads both of which are perfect. I do not recommend going out during rush hour in a blizzard to practice……be smart about it but don’t be scared of the weather. I would say I normally use no more than 15% throttle or brake in snow/icey conditions.

*Winter Kit – Put together a small kit of stuff to keep in the car during the winter, plenty of advice online about what this should contain.

*Fuel – Keep a decent amount of fuel in the tank, I am fairly conservative and generally will fill up any time I get below ½ a tank I like having the safety net

*Warming up the engine – Countless debates on this online, in general I start the car before clearing and then drive conservatively for a while till things warm up (always in bad weather but let’s say it’s a 5 degree sunny day with dry roads I would at least give it 30 seconds to make sure the oil pressure is built (no idea what it actually takes but I would guess no more than10)

*Clear your car off fully – People who drive around without cleared rear or side windows……well nuff said

*Winter tires are your friend – for as conservative as I am it pains me to say that I do not have a set of winter tires for the 4runner. I have yet to make it a priority and make room for the summer set but I will say that KM2’s are likely one of the worst winter tires out there and the Nokian Hakka R2’s are some of the best (on wife’s car). Night and day difference in how easily the tires break loose.

*** A note about Chicago (or anywhere with road construction), Jersey barriers can accumulated snowfall/melted water and turn into a real hazard in heavy rain or during freezing conditions as you all the sudden hit 2-4” of water or a sheet of ice at 55mph. I believe they all have drains but I often see this so I assume that it is either the low spot of the road or the drains are clogged with leaves, debris etc

 

[ux460]

When driving in the winter I’m more worried about the idiot behind me. When coming to a stop light I always leave a couple of car lengths in front of me then watch my rear view mirror for the idiot. It gives me a little safety zone if the guy behind me can’t stop and I need to go forward. Buy a pack of mylar thermal blankets (you can get a dozen for less than $10.00) and keep them in the vehicle. I also carry extra gloves, a change of clothes, extra socks and jacket in the vehicle during the winter. Get yourself a large coffee mug the bigger the better. I fill it with hard candy, an empty tuna can, and a bunch of those little tea candles and a book of matches (a butane lighter is an option but they might not work in cold temperatures). In an emergency crack your window open and light a couple of those candles. It’ll keep the temperature inside the vehicle between 40 and 50 degrees. You might be cold but you won’t freeze. Note: Keep your emergency supplies INSIDE YOUR VEHICLE not in the trunk. I’ve seen a lot of vehicles stuck in snow and the occupants can’t even get out of the car let alone get to the trunk.

 

[andrewck]

When driving in the winter I’m more worried about the idiot behind me. When coming to a stop light I always leave a couple of car lengths in front of me then watch my rear view mirror for the idiot. It gives me a little safety zone if the guy behind me can’t stop and I need to go forward. Buy a pack of mylar thermal blankets (you can get a dozen for less than $10.00) and keep them in the vehicle. I also carry extra gloves, a change of clothes, extra socks and jacket in the vehicle during the winter. Get yourself a large coffee mug the bigger the better. I fill it with hard candy, an empty tuna can, and a bunch of those little tea candles and a book of matches (a butane lighter is an option but they might not work in cold temperatures). In an emergency crack your window open and light a couple of those candles. It’ll keep the temperature inside the vehicle between 40 and 50 degrees. You might be cold but you won’t freeze. Note: Keep your emergency supplies INSIDE YOUR VEHICLE not in the trunk. I’ve seen a lot of vehicles stuck in snow and the occupants can’t even get out of the car let alone get to the trunk.

This. If you're still worried, there's no shortage of trains to take here.

 

[philsey]

Blizzaks anyone?

Well, since I see a few Midwest boys [MENTION=96008]Engineer[/MENTION] in this thread, I'll just shamelessly leave this:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-...214588-fs-4-blizzaks-mounted-fj-steelies.html

 

[Vwright14]

Being from Chicago kinda prepares you for lesser winters in other places. I live in WV/VA area now and people FREAK OUT the moment the news mentions snow. The store shelves clear out of bread,eggs and mild....i guess everyone here makes french toast when it snows IDK. But the main thing to prepare for in Chicago is the cold windy weather. They use tons of salt during the winter to so be prepared to wash that off and treat for it as much as possible. its not called the rust belt for nothin!

Oddly enough I never had a 4wd vehicle till i moved here. My dad always had 2wd trucks and I just dealt with it. Although here they have sucky snow prep and even worse snow removal.

 

[derekp]

This thread is full of good advice; I will echo what many have said

*Practice – The most important skill in winter driving is no different than off road driving, go out and learn how to drive in it. Many have recommended parking lots or back roads both of which are perfect. I do not recommend going out during rush hour in a blizzard to practice……be smart about it but don’t be scared of the weather. I would say I normally use no more than 15% throttle or brake in snow/icey conditions.

*Winter Kit – Put together a small kit of stuff to keep in the car during the winter, plenty of advice online about what this should contain.

*Fuel – Keep a decent amount of fuel in the tank, I am fairly conservative and generally will fill up any time I get below ½ a tank I like having the safety net

*Warming up the engine – Countless debates on this online, in general I start the car before clearing and then drive conservatively for a while till things warm up (always in bad weather but let’s say it’s a 5 degree sunny day with dry roads I would at least give it 30 seconds to make sure the oil pressure is built (no idea what it actually takes but I would guess no more than10)

*Clear your car off fully – People who drive around without cleared rear or side windows……well nuff said

*Winter tires are your friend – for as conservative as I am it pains me to say that I do not have a set of winter tires for the 4runner. I have yet to make it a priority and make room for the summer set but I will say that KM2’s are likely one of the worst winter tires out there and the Nokian Hakka R2’s are some of the best (on wife’s car). Night and day difference in how easily the tires break loose.

*** A note about Chicago (or anywhere with road construction), Jersey barriers can accumulated snowfall/melted water and turn into a real hazard in heavy rain or during freezing conditions as you all the sudden hit 2-4” of water or a sheet of ice at 55mph. I believe they all have drains but I often see this so I assume that it is either the low spot of the road or the drains are clogged with leaves, debris etc

This sums up the issues of northern living. *IF* you use 4WD on the highway, watch your speed. You should drive too fast while in 4WD for several reasons. First is mechanical, second is safety. You don't want all 4 wheels getting loose at the same speed. Speaking of 4WD; FOUR WHEEL DRIVE DOESN'T MEAN FOUR WHEEL STOP! 4WD gets you going more easily but will NOT stop uou more easily.

 

[brockvond]

You'll need a suspension upgrade for those potholes. At least this is how you should justify the expense to the Mrs.


2016 sr5p super white 4wd

 

[Engineer]

Well, since I see a few Midwest boys [MENTION=96008]Engineer[/MENTION] in this thread, I'll just shamelessly leave this:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-...214588-fs-4-blizzaks-mounted-fj-steelies.html

My wife's Grandparents actually live in Moline. If we are heading down that way and you still have them I may let you know. Only real thing stopping me is storage. We are already keeping my wife's extra set of tires above the bookcase in the den (1 bedroom+den Apartment).

Thanks for the shameless plug

 

[philsey]

My wife's Grandparents actually live in Moline. If we are heading down that way and you still have them I may let you know. Only real thing stopping me is storage. We are already keeping my wife's extra set of tires above the bookcase in the den (1 bedroom+den Apartment).

Thanks for the shameless plug

Yup, these are neither small nor light. I should think, living in Minnyanoplace, snow tires would be nice. Maybe it's time you rented a storage unit.

:bolt:

 

[starclassic]

Tires and the driver are the biggest thing

Yup. Don't need more than this.