Is All-Wheel Suburu Forester adequate in snow? (Camano: home, buy)

[KSR]

I am considering a move from sunny San Diego to the state of Washington, specifically the Camano Island area. I have an all-wheel 2002 Suburu Forester which, like its driver, has never had to negotiate anything but a little rain. Is all-wheel drive adequate in a little snow? Under what conditions would I need chains or snow tires?

[Brett]

Drive slow in snow, brake slower... and if there is ice out stay home. But if you drive carefully you should be fine although I carry chains for ice.

[the dufferz]

I am a lifer in the seattle area.

I have had a 4-wheel drive, front wheel drive, rear wheel drive. I have never once been stuck in the snow. Why? Unlike most drivers you see on the road, I know how to drive in the snow.

That in mind, your wheels should do fine, but for goodness sakes, you gotta learn how to drive in the snow in order to make it work.

Here is what most Western Washingtoners don't get about snow driving.

1. Hills go up. Gravity wants to pull your car down when going up. If you try to go up slowly, gravity will win.

2. You can't go up a hill if you don't have some straight road to give you a running start.

3. If there is someone in front of you who is trying to go up the hill, don't go until they give up (or make it if they know what they are doing).

4. If your tires start spinning, let them spin. But if the car stops going forward.... you're done. Don't floor it, just turn around and go back down.

5. To turn around on a hill, let off of the brakes gently so the car goes back a little, try to steer toward the middle of the street (small steering adjustment should work) then gently turn the wheel so your car start turning (like your backing around a corner). Somewhere about when the car is approaching 90 degrees to the road, hit the brakes (pretty hard). Believe it or not, your car will flip around nicely as it does so, turn the wheel to the downhill direction, it ends up facing you downhill and keeping you from backing into a ditch.

6. If the roads are icy you will find tire ruts where everybody drives. These are the slickest part of the road. Try to drive on the non-rut areas

In all of this, especially on hills, these rules will work well as long as there is nobody behind being stupid. Don't bank on it.

It is for this reason that I usually avoid driving in the snow... the other drivers.

[KidBlue]

I have a Subaru Legacy that I take up to Bend, OR every winter to ski at Mt. Bachelor. It has been great and I've never been stuck. It's a good idea to carry chains though, because with icy snow, the regular all season radials that come with the Subaru Forester can slip. Most people don't have snow tires on all four wheels unless you live in lots of snow (but then you can just use studded tires). Up to 6 to 8 inches of snow, the Subaru should be fine (IMO).

[silverfox]

You can buy Compounded treaded tires, such as Bridgestone Blizzack.
You can also buy Studded tires but they must be removed at a date when the city or state says take them off or a fine.
Always buy your Chains ahead of time and throw them in your car when the snow season approaches. Check them out after you buy them to make sure they fit properly.
Buy the proper windshield solvent with an anti-freeze good to at least 15 below zero.
Get yourself a good Ice Scraper for your windows.
Keep some extra warm clothing in the car from October to April.
Drive slow even though you own an all wheel drive because it is no better than the traction that the tires have.
If things get really bad you can also reduce the air pressure in the tires slightly to improve traction.
Keep your fuel tank topped off all the season.
You have one of the best vehicles to travel with under snow conditions, so all you will need now is caution and common sense in your driving habits.
You didn't say if it is an automatic transmission. The are usually best unless you are an experienced driver with a manual transmission.

My best advice would be to delay everything you can when it gets bad, and just stay home. It is not worth risking major damage and trama to your car or your life in my opinion.
If you plan to stay at home then try to get all your daily issues taken care of ahead of time and stock up on food etc. Make a plan for a major power outage as well.

Still want to come to Washington ??

I hope this does not deter you. It is just a different life style than you have now. We normally do not get that much really bad weather but it sure seems like it when you are dealing with it.

Wish you the best.........Silverfox

[ijwyo]

ksr, I think a forester would do fine, I know people with outbacks and imprezas that get up our local mtn. which has tight 15mph turns, ice, and snow drifts in the winter, and they are very happy. If ice is a concern consider getting good tires with siping and maybe even studded tires, atleast for the front. I've driven lots of cars in bad weather, and I have found that driving slower, braking carefully within plenty of time to stop, and having good tires is the key, I carry chains, sandbags, a tow rope, shovel, ice scraper, and extra gloves and blankets, too. In snowy, cold climates I have needed these items and I've gotten out of bad drifts, been able to help pull out others, and made it through some of the nastiest passes in Colorado even without fourwheel drive, though I prefer having 4lo for the real bad dirt roads. p.s. If you locks ever freeze put rubbing alcohol on your key and you won't break your key off or have the lock not turn, hope it doesn't get that cold! Best of luck!

[KSR]

Some excellent tips. Thanks. How common is black ice in the northwest part of Washington, when is it most likely to occur, and any tips on what to do if I hit some? I assume by its nature that it's impossible to see.

[the dufferz]

Originally Posted by KSR

Some excellent tips. Thanks. How common is black ice in the northwest part of Washington, when is it most likely to occur, and any tips on what to do if I hit some? I assume by its nature that it's impossible to see.

What to do is avoid braking at all costs, let off the gas. If you have to brake the anti-locks will try to do their stuff.

Black ice is not common. You can see it if you know what you are looking for. Usually it's there at night so your headlights will illuminate the ice. What is hard to tell is whether the road has black ice, or whether it's just wet. Not sure? Quickly brake and feel if there is any give in your traction. if you feel the tires give, let off the brake and slow down without braking.

don't do this on a curve and if you hit the ice on a curve, pray that no cars are coming.

[Brett]

look out for ice on bridges and overpasses; they freeze first.

[ontheroad]

Great tips on snow-driving generally. Thanks to all for sharing these. Just came up the Sandia and Taos mountain ranges yesterday after a good snow, and had just one skid, off-road, and a few patches of dangerous stretches just before I hit the Taos mountains.

It certainly helped that I had snow tires, but that I remembered some of the tips offered here from driving winters in New England and big pile-ups sure made it all easier, if not always, relaxing.

I'd reckon a 4-wheel drive will do fine if cautious, careful and conscientious