First experience driving in snow

[AmyF]

First experience driving in snow this morning.  Local city streets weren't plowed yet - those were interesting to say the least - sliding all over.  Funny thing once I shut off traction control I had a bit of an easier time.  Secondary roads were slightly plowed and easier to navigate, 2-lane highways weren't too bad, and the turnpike was fine as well, except for changing lanes was a little tricky.   I'm seriously considering getting decent winter tires to replace the all-weather ones I have on there now, for added security and confidence driving in these conditions.  I wonder though would adding weight to the back be enough to keep the all-weather tires, or should I switch to the winter tires, and if so is that good enough or should I still add some weight?   "Newbie rear wheel driver" here.

I'm going to try to add a few pictures of the road conditions to this post.  Temps about 30, snow was a heavier slushy type.

[Dreamcar]

Winter tires are not just for snow...they react to temperatures much differently. In short, they remain "sticky" in cold temps when all season tires get very stiff, which affects stopping and handling.

I don't think weight in the back of a modern car is going to be much help unless you're in a pick-up truck. Good winter tires, traction control ON, and common sense (i.e. slow down and leave earlier) will get you through the winter. Extra weight won't help gas mileage either.

I've been driving those conditions all my life.

[Ghoste]

Another vote for the winter tires.

[Shakey]

Another helpful hint regarding winter driving, don't use your phone when behind the wheel!   

[moparnation74]

Another helpful hint regarding winter driving, don't use your phone when behind the wheel!   

No kidding, that's a wreck/spinout waiting to happen.  You can acquire the safest equipment for winter conditions but if you do not drive appropriately for the conditions, then you will have problems.

[68pplcharger]

Another helpful hint... Momentum is you friend when going up hills. you stop on a hill you in trouble.

[timmycharger]

Another helpful hint... Momentum is you friend when going up hills. you stop on a hill you in trouble.

And your enemy as well, leave yourself plenty of room to stop when going down a hill, etc.  you could have 9 wheel drive but it wont help when you are sliding. Use your ABS brakes appropriately as well, let them do their job.

[AmyF]

I did leave plenty of room when I ventured out this morning and did well enough.   The trouble I had was our small town's residental streets - then again traffic was very light that early so it was ok.   The ride home should be much easier as the crews have had time to treat roads and I have a little practice having driven in the weather intially.   I ran out on my break and it was mostly just wet - no sliding issues then.

[68pplcharger]

Another helpful hint... Momentum is you friend when going up hills. you stop on a hill you in trouble.

And your enemy as well, leave yourself plenty of room to stop when going down a hill, etc.  you could have 9 wheel drive but it wont help when you are sliding. Use your ABS brakes appropriately as well, let them do their job.

Definitely that's why i mentioned up hill not down. it's not your friend going down hill.

[69rtse4spd]

Snow tires also, slow down when getting off highway onto off ramp, never plowed good till later, same holds true for getting onto highway. Also slow down when turning off of plowed road onto another road.   

[oldgold69]

definitely  get snow tires    I have a 300 c same base as the charger  not enough ground clearance  the traction control will apply power to which ever tire is loosing traction