Dillon, Montana / vehicle for the snow (Bozeman: live, dangerous, cars)

[dyakoo]

I am from a desert in Southern California. I have never driven in snow, just desert terrain. I was wondering what type of vehicle I should purshase, since I dont know how to drive in the (harsh?) Dillon Montana conditions. I am considering a Ford Escape or Freestyle that is 4X4. What do you recommend?

[underdog]

Any 4x4 would be a good choice. My best suggestion is when that first big snow storm hits go to an empty parking lot at night and drive around to learn how to drive. You will learn more in 5 minutes driving than I could try to teach you over the internet all day.

[Bea&WyattsMom]

You are in luck because Dillon, compared to most of the rest of Montana, does not have harsh winters (or Very Seldom). That is my hometown and you are able to drive nearly any type of vehicle in-town, and any type of 4-wheel works if you are driving up the interstate. Just remember to make sure your vehicle has a block heater, so you can plug it in on the colder nights. The icy roads is the biggest problem and the roads will be closed if they are super bad. The sanders go out immediately after snowstorms, but just always drive cautiously.

[MTer]

Originally Posted by Bea&WyattsMom

You are in luck because Dillon, compared to most of the rest of Montana, does not have harsh winters (or Very Seldom). That is my hometown and you are able to drive nearly any type of vehicle in-town, and any type of 4-wheel works if you are driving up the interstate. Just remember to make sure your vehicle has a block heater, so you can plug it in on the colder nights. The icy roads is the biggest problem and the roads will be closed if they are super bad. The sanders go out immediately after snowstorms, but just always drive cautiously.

BLock heater not necessarily required. Depends on your vehicle and lots more. I live up in the mountains (high elevation) and keep my vehicle out all winter, often not starting it for a week at a time. It's always started quickly and fine, even in real cold.

Learning to drive properly in snow and ice is essential. SLOW down, leave LOTS of space between you and the next vehicle, and don't go out when roads are icy. I've seen a semi truck crosswise, blocking the interstate, on an icy interstate (black ice is amazingly dangerous), with other cars cresting the hill, hitting their brakes, then sliding on the ice right into the crosswise semi. Not a pretty sight.

[tidmode]

Rain in the spring on cold roads is the worst. I've seen it where it's so slick you can't even stand on the road.

The parking lot advice is great. Go skid around in a parking lot. Do quick turns, spin out, and learn how to regain control. It's fun and teaches you how your vehicle handles in the snow.

And Mter is right. Go really slow, leave lots of space. Don't mind the idiots in the giant SUV's blazing by you at 60. You'll be passing them where they lie in the ditch in a little while.

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by tidmode

And Mter is right. Go really slow, leave lots of space. Don't mind the idiots in the giant SUV's blazing by you at 60. You'll be passing them where they lie in the ditch in a little while.

You said a mouthful there! Used to drive truck cross country with my husband and I don't have enough figners and toes to count the number of times I saw that.

[ladyflyfsh]

Dillon hardly gets any snow as is the case in much of SW Montana with the exception of Butte and Bozeman. As everyone suggests, keep a big distance from the car in front of you and don't slam on the brakes!

Many of my neighbors don't even drive 4 wheel vehicles. Many people just use a good font wheel drive sedan with good results. The thing you need to worry about is if you do go somewhere that has lots of snow...and snow drifts, will you have enough ground clearance. That's when the 4x4 is a good thing to have. Also, remember, a 4x4 doesn't do you ANY good on ice!