Top Features For Driving In Snow & On Icy Roads
When it comes to winter driving features, Crossroads Automotive Group is your trusted destination for vehicles equipped to handle snow-covered roads, icy roads, and slippery conditions with ease. The right car features make all the difference when facing winter weather, from advanced wheel-drive systems to safety technologies and comfort amenities that enhance your driving experience. Whether you’re driving through deeper snow, navigating black ice, or managing inclement weather throughout North and South Carolina and Virginia, our vehicles are built for safe winter driving. Let’s explore how our Ford, Nissan, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram models are equipped with features and systems designed for better control and safe driving this season. Visit one of our dealerships to find your ride!
Improve Traction & Control in Snowy Conditions
All-Wheel Drive vs. Four-Wheel Drive
One of the best features for your car in winter is an all-wheel drive system. These are essential for maintaining better traction on snow-covered roads and icy surfaces. Choosing the right wheel-drive system is crucial for safe winter driving. All-wheel drive (AWD) systems are ideal for navigating snow-covered roads, as they automatically adjust power to individual wheels to provide better traction. This feature makes AWD particularly suitable for icy roads and slippery conditions, ensuring that drivers maintain control even when the road surface is unpredictable. At Crossroads Automotive Group, you’ll find popular SUVs like the Ford Escape, Ford Bronco Sport, Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep Compass, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and more, which offer selectable driving modes designed to adjust performance in wintry conditions. Whether you’re facing slippery roads or deeper snow, these modern vehicles provide better control and stability, making them the best option for tackling winter roads safely and efficiently.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) systems, on the other hand, are better suited for deep snow and rugged winter conditions. Unlike AWD, 4WD typically requires the driver to manually engage the system, making it a preferred choice for off-road adventures or areas with heavy snow. Both systems significantly improve driving safety, but the choice between AWD and 4WD depends on the driving conditions you expect to encounter.
Front-wheel drive is another common option for winter driving features that performs well on snowy roads and icy conditions. Vehicles with front-wheel drive benefit from the engine’s weight being over the front wheels, which helps improve traction. However, rear-wheel drive vehicles can be more challenging to manage in winter conditions due to a higher likelihood of wheel spin. Drivers should carefully evaluate their specific needs when selecting a wheel-drive system for winter driving.
Winter Driving Tips for Inclement Weather
Driving safely during winter conditions requires careful planning and adjustments to your habits. Maintaining a safe distance between your vehicle and others on icy or snowy roads is critical, as stopping distances can increase significantly in these conditions. Reduce your speed, especially during snowstorms or on roads covered with black ice, to ensure you have enough time to react to sudden changes in the driving environment. Regularly inspect road conditions and keep an emergency kit handy to stay prepared for unexpected situations.
Utilizing traction control systems is another key winter driving feature to avoiding wheel spin and maintaining control of your vehicle on slippery roads. These systems work automatically to distribute engine power to the wheels with the most grip, helping you navigate slick surfaces with greater ease. Additionally, avoid sudden movements of the brake pedal or steering wheel, as these can cause skidding on icy roads. By driving cautiously and keeping these tips in mind, you can significantly enhance your driving safety in winter conditions.
Winter Tires and Must-Have Accessories
No matter how advanced your drive system, tires are still your first line of defense and the best winter driving feature to fend against icy roads. Equipping your vehicle with winter-ready accessories helps you navigate snowy roads, icy conditions, and freezing temperatures while ensuring comfort and control. Snow tires and truck tires designed for cold weather feature flexible rubber compounds and deep tread patterns to maintain grip on slippery roads. Seasonal tires can handle milder winter conditions, but snow tires offer better traction on snowy roads and black ice.
The service team at our Crossroads stores can help you select the right tires for your ride, whether they are for summer, year-round, or winter use. Regularly checking tire pressure helps maintain fuel efficiency and ensures your vehicle’s safety systems perform as designed. Keep jumper cables, a snow shovel, a first aid kit, and an ice scraper in your trunk during the winter months. Having roadside assistance coverage through our dealerships or your car insurance provider also gives you added peace of mind when driving in winter conditions.
Preparing for Winter Driving
Before winter storms hit, ensure your vehicle is ready to go with winter driving features. Use an Engine Block Heater to ensure smoother starts and better fuel efficiency in cold weather. Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent freezing. Also, regularly check your warning lights, brake pedal, and traction control systems.
Road salt is an effective way to improve stopping distances and prevent slippery conditions around your driveway or parking lots. Additionally, ensuring your gas tank is at least half-full during the winter months can prevent the fuel lines from freezing. These preparations not only help keep you safe but also reduce the stress of driving in inclement weather.
Beyond tires and basic tools, having a well-stocked emergency kit is crucial for winter safety. Items like jumper cables, extra batteries, and a first aid kit can be lifesavers during a breakdown or accident in freezing temperatures. Kitty litter is another useful addition, as it can be sprinkled under your tires to gain traction on slick roads.
The Department of Transportation and NHTSA recommend carrying emergency supplies like jumper cables, a snow shovel, wiper blades, and a cell phone charger. These safety tips, combined with your ride’s safety systems, keep you protected even in deeper snow or snowy conditions. At Crossroads Automotive Group, our certified service team can inspect your anti-lock brakes, tire pressure, and ground clearance to ensure your vehicle is winter-ready before the winter months arrive.
Drive With Confidence This Winter
Winter doesn’t have to slow you down. At Crossroads Automotive Group, we offer a wide selection of Ford, Nissan, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram models, all equipped with winter driving features designed for some of the toughest conditions. Experience better traction, heated seats, four-wheel drive, and advanced safety systems that make safe winter driving possible. Whether you’re looking for the best SUVs for snowy roads or pickup trucks built for winter reliability scores and fuel efficiency, you’ll find the perfect new car or used option right here. Visit any of our dealerships in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Virginia today, or contact us online to schedule a test drive!
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