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Old 12-16-2013, 11:20 AM
 
67 posts, read 294,865 times
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Moving from Texas. Have a Jeep Grand Cherokee that is rear wheel drive. Have no experience driving in snow, ice, etc. Do I need an all wheel drive or 4WD?
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Old 12-16-2013, 11:54 AM
 
434 posts, read 1,313,138 times
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I would strongly recommend at least front wheel drive. All wheel drive would be best.

I wouldn't take a rear-wheel drive car out in the snow (unless the roads were clear) and I'm from Boston.
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Old 12-16-2013, 12:14 PM
LHM
 
204 posts, read 413,162 times
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Typically, rear-wheel drive vehicles don't handle the snow so well.
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Old 12-16-2013, 12:21 PM
 
Location: Mount Laurel
4,187 posts, read 11,930,625 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ldbug35 View Post
Moving from Texas. Have a Jeep Grand Cherokee that is rear wheel drive. Have no experience driving in snow, ice, etc. Do I need an all wheel drive or 4WD?
Yes and no.

Start with good all seaon tires or get a set of snow tires. I wouldn't just go out and change to a 4 wheel drive.

Driving in snow, takes some getting used to. Biggest problem in driving in snow isn't always about you. It's dealing with the idiots out there. It may get tricky with rear whell going starting from up hill (espcially without traction control or winter tires).

Driving in ice? dont' even bother. 4 Wheel drive doen't allow you to drive in the ice.
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Old 12-16-2013, 12:49 PM
 
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Get a set of snow tires and you will be fine with rear wheel drive...
Germans do just fine with their MB and BMWs, they just make sure to change the tires on their cars.
I've done the same on my BMW. Makes a world of difference!
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Old 12-16-2013, 02:35 PM
 
154 posts, read 322,622 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ldbug35 View Post
Moving from Texas. Have a Jeep Grand Cherokee that is rear wheel drive. Have no experience driving in snow, ice, etc. Do I need an all wheel drive or 4WD?
do you have 4wd on the jeep? Mine is 2wd with the ability to put it in 4wd full time or 4wd part time.

according to car and driver a front wheel drive car with snow tires is better than an all wheel drive car with low profile summer tires........

no point buying a 4wd vehicle just for snow, it doesn't snow often enough where you would need it. 3-4 days a year and you're stuck paying for poor gas mileage the other 360 days. Unless you go off road, etc.

tires are the most important, snow tires are still better than all weather, if you can afford two sets. throw them on from thanksgiving to easter.

people don't understand how overrated 4wd is. you can't do half the things with it that people think you can and none of the things you see in the commercials. at least not with off the lot stock vehicles.

the best option between 2wd, 4wd, and front wheel drive is to stay the hell off the roads during and right after a storm. period. let the plows and the emergency crews do their jobs.
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Old 12-16-2013, 03:53 PM
 
Location: Villanova Pa.
4,927 posts, read 14,216,234 times
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Your specific location will be a factor.

South Jersey and Delaware tend to be flatter and warmer- less snow.

The PA burbs you go from coastal plain to the piedmont - more hilly more snow the further you head N + W from the city.

The city itself acts as a heat island in many cases(less snow) but when it stays cold enough the buildings block out the sun, the narrow streets are usually poorly treated and tend to be a nightmare as they ice up.
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Old 12-16-2013, 03:55 PM
 
67 posts, read 294,865 times
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Thanks so much for the replies. I do not have the 4wd option unfortunately. My jeep is old, but still in good running condition. I could trade it in on an AWD, but I would rather save my money for school. So, if you guys think snow tires will do the trick, I will give it a try. I am terrified of the weather!!
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Old 12-16-2013, 04:03 PM
 
67 posts, read 294,865 times
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Well... my specific location will be all of those places!! I will have internships in NJ and Delaware. I plan on living close to UPenn. I would like to avoid driving altogether, but don't think that will be possible.
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Old 12-17-2013, 09:22 AM
 
Location: Mount Laurel
4,187 posts, read 11,930,625 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ldbug35 View Post
Thanks so much for the replies. I do not have the 4wd option unfortunately. My jeep is old, but still in good running condition. I could trade it in on an AWD, but I would rather save my money for school. So, if you guys think snow tires will do the trick, I will give it a try. I am terrified of the weather!!
Don't be. The roads in the NE is a bit different than roads in the South. Asphalt is less slippery with snow.
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