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Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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If there is freezing rain, no matter what you are driving, you need to stop and go inside until it melts. I have experienced it several times and no way you can avoid sliding all over the road. In one case I had chained up the night before, but couldn't get into the SUV the next morning with 1/2" of ice coating it.
Nothing like Subaru AWD in foul weather. Gets me through anything, driven through 1 foot of water, snow, mud, wet grass, and ice. Watching people get stuck on the road even SUVs that claims to have AWD gets stuck in a snowstorm and my Subaru just goes about business.
I'd be more concerned about what tires are on the vehicle, vs what the vehicle is, especially for rain (or freezing rain)
This needs to be repeated.
Vehicle type won't matter, at all. If anything, a heavier vehicle in icy conditions just means more inertia, and harder to stop. AWD / 4WD only helps you start from a stop in slick conditions -- it doesn't effect stopping distance, and only has a moderate effect on handling.
The biggest difference will be the tires on the vehicle -- and sadly, most rental car places put cheap tires on their fleet.
Learn how to check tread depth (look up the penny trick). Look for the wear bars. If the tread is worn, ask for a different car. That said, if you're coming in late during the holidays, pickings will be slim. Rental car staff is already stressed enough has it is, and it isn't the counter agent's job to put tires on cars -- don't go complaining to them if the only car left on the lot has bald tires, or isn't the exact make / model shown on the reservation.
A lot of agencies have at least one or two Volvo V60 Cross Country wagons in their fleet. AWD, slightly higher ground clearance, turbo engine will help at high altitudes and the seats are so comfortable, I lake the words to describe them.
If you can't get a Volvo, the Jeep Grand Cherokee (4wd, obviously) is awfully nice and surprsingly fun to drive. I had one on my last visit to LA and I was pleasantly surprised when I floored it turned onto the on-ramp from LAX to the '405'. I was matching the 80+ mph speed of the rest of the traffic before I got to the top of the ramp. And it only had the standard V6.
I'll be driving this weekend from the desert to our high country - about 5500 foot elevation and planned to rent a car. Weather forecast calls for rain (possible freezing rain).
Can anyone recommend what class of car would be best to rent?
Was thinking intermediate SUV, or full size car would be better instead of a compact or economy car.
Don't drive in freezing rain.
Any front wheel drive vehicle is fine.
If you want extra security then rent any AWD vehicle.
Wouldn't recommend driving in dark if there potentially is ice on roads.
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