How do you survive winter? (Cedar Rapids, Iowa City: buying, place to live, bus)

[LPerkins33]

studded tires and chains aren't illegal and you may need them in rural areas. But you won't need them in town or on the highways and interstates(unless a storm just blew through, which you shouldn't be out driving in the first place).

I always keep two ice scrapers/snow brushes in my car(that way a passenger can get off their ass and help clear the car), a small shovel, and a blanket. I always have a extra set of gloves as well.

Its not bad here in Iowa just wear proper clothing and drive slow, we'd rather have out of towners drive slow in the snow than run into us.

This has been the best winter in my 24 years in Iowa City, nothing beats a ton of snow. In fact it being cold without a lot of snow is pointless.

[El Rhino]

Originally Posted by LPerkins33

I always keep two ice scrapers/snow brushes in my car(that way a passenger can get off their ass and help clear the car), a small shovel, and a blanket. I always have a extra set of gloves as well.
.

Good call on the snow scrapers. I never take that out of my truck, even in July. I would advise to not skimp on this and get a good one.

Having a blanket is always a good idea, as is the shovel, gloves and I'd suggest a hat as well. I'd also suggest hand warmers, a flashlight, roadside flares and non-perishable food items if you're going to be doing any highway driving during bad weather. It's better safe than sorry.

[KoryO]

Thanks so much for the info, everyone!

I will get a snow scraper for my car when I get there (my sweetie already has one), and some of the other stuff mentioned in previous posts.

[KoryO]

Our realtor told us the thing about tire chains being illegal. I'll take the DMV guide's statement over hers.

Good thing I've got a AWD, though.

[cyberflute]

Keep in mind that TV weather reporters love to terrify their viewers with how terrible the weather is going to be.

If you live in a larger city, have a good supply of food, salt for your sidewalks, and a good snow shovel, you're set. If you can afford it, a snow blower is a great investment.

Most towns get their streets plowed fairly quickly. Practice winter driving techniques, like pumping your brakes instead of slamming on them.

You'll survive Iowa winters just fine! It really isn't the North Pole!

[LPerkins33]

Originally Posted by cyberflute

Keep in mind that TV weather reporters love to terrify their viewers with how terrible the weather is going to be.

If you live in a larger city, have a good supply of food, salt for your sidewalks, and a good snow shovel, you're set. If you can afford it, a snow blower is a great investment.

Most towns get their streets plowed fairly quickly. Practice winter driving techniques, like pumping your brakes instead of slamming on them.

You'll survive Iowa winters just fine! It really isn't the North Pole!

if you have anti-lock brakes pumping the brakes is only going to make things worse. IF you don't have anti-lock brakes then you should pump your brakes. Anit-lock brakes do the pumping for you, at a much faster interval than a human can.

[WoodwardGirl]

Originally Posted by cyberflute

It really isn't the North Pole!

February 19, day three of our confinement. Ice and five inches of snow on Sunday, blowing snow on Monday and subzero cold today. Travel is still not recommended, but I hope the plows reach us soon as we are running low on supplies. School canceled again. "Oh, Lord, how long can this go on?"

So, you're right, Cyberflute -- it isn't the North Pole. It's just been ACTING like it lately!!!

[bita023]

Ive lived in Iowa all of my life. Never put chains on my car, havent seen anyone else do it either. Ive got around fine in my 2 wheel drive car. If your paranoid about it heres a few things that might help. Have plenty of tread on your tires. When your turning and you slide...get off the break, it just causes you to slide further. If you slide into a ditch, put your floor mats underneath your driving tires(helps with traction). If that doesn't work waive someone down, theres plenty of people who would be more than willing to help you out. I dont know why people think Iowa is flatland. Iowa is an indian word for land of hills. Have fun!

[stuckduck]

Originally Posted by cyberflute

Keep in mind that TV weather reporters love to terrify their viewers with how terrible the weather is going to be.

Ain't that the truth! They do that here in Oregon..."Storm watch 2008" is on every news broadcast. We laugh and say we should record some of these "storm watches" so we can plug them in to laugh at next winter when we are back there

TTFN,

Dora/StuckDuck

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by charity1313

But the cabin fever - oh that is the worst!!!

You only have cabin fever if you choose to.

To the OP: having an AWD car and some nice winter tires is the way to go. You can easily get by w/o them, but having them is that much nicer. And on your first snowfall, spend some time in an empty parking lot learning how to brake, steer, etc in the snow, see how the car reacts. In time you might have fun driving in the snow, like I do.