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Old 07-19-2017, 02:50 AM
 
Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA
65 posts, read 54,023 times
Reputation: 40

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Hi, I'm someone who is new to driving in snowy/icy weather as I am from much warmer places. I am moving to Pittsburgh soon and am looking to get a car since I have to commute to work.

A couple of questions:
  • is FWD or 4WD a must for the hills and snow?
  • Would you recommend 4 or 6 cylinders? Which would be better for climbing hills (esp. icy hills)?
  • Sedan or SUV? SUVs sit higher so is a higher center of gravity more dangerous? Or do SUVs have better longevity since the salt doesn't damage engines and transmissions?
  • Any other tips or advice for owning a car and driving in the snowy/icy weather?

Thank you!

 
Old 07-19-2017, 04:52 AM
 
Location: Washington County, PA
4,240 posts, read 4,888,445 times
Reputation: 2859
Quote:
Originally Posted by noblerare View Post
Hi, I'm someone who is new to driving in snowy/icy weather as I am from much warmer places. I am moving to Pittsburgh soon and am looking to get a car since I have to commute to work.

A couple of questions:
  • is FWD or 4WD a must for the hills and snow?
  • Would you recommend 4 or 6 cylinders? Which would be better for climbing hills (esp. icy hills)?
  • Sedan or SUV? SUVs sit higher so is a higher center of gravity more dangerous? Or do SUVs have better longevity since the salt doesn't damage engines and transmissions?
  • Any other tips or advice for owning a car and driving in the snowy/icy weather?

Thank you!
Hello welcome to Pittsburgh!

4wd is not a "must" but doesn't hurt to have it. Honestly, it doesn't help that much unless you are stuck in very deep snow.

I have a 4 cylinder SUV and it does fine. However, a larger engine will help but again, not required.

I'd definitely suggest an SUV, especially if you are concerned about it. Cars do fine most of the time but the few times a year we get a more than 3 or 4" it's nice to have the SUV. As for the salt, occasionally in mid winter, we will get a 50 degree thaw day and bingo use that day to wash the salt off your car.

Don't over think driving in the snow. Sure it can be concerning at first, but take your time and you will be fine
 
Old 07-19-2017, 06:11 AM
 
6,357 posts, read 5,012,834 times
Reputation: 3309
noblerare, specifics are very important here.

do you know where you will be living? i mean, localized to cross-streets and not generalized areas like North Hills, South Hills, etc.

And, do you know where you will be working? Again, specifics are key.

Someone can say "Pittsburgh is tough driving in winter", but here is why specifics are important: if you are in the Beechview neighborhood, you will be well aware of the (in)famous car slaloms down steep, icy hills. But then again, some neighborhoods across the East End of the city do not have that issue.

Chances are, a 4wd will be unecessary - less so than being prepared with time, patience, and common sense. Again, your choice of neighborhood will have to do with how difficult it may be to get around in winter.


Welcome, by the way!
 
Old 07-19-2017, 07:26 AM
 
Location: Pittsburgh
1,491 posts, read 1,447,129 times
Reputation: 1067
subarus are great cars and do excellent in all types of conditions/terrain. the forester or crosstrek have more ground clearance if thats a concern for you, but any subaru would be just fine if you are not interested in going full SUV.

as szug-bot mentioned, the exact location is a big factor here. Some areas are very steep and not easy for the city to maintain. beechview and the south side slopes are two very tricky neighborhoods to navigate in a snowstorm. But a lot of neighborhoods are pretty easy. The city is very good about getting at least the major evacuation routes cleared in a timely manor. They do tend to over use salt in this region, so you will notice a lot of rusted out fenders on cars 7+ years old which is a shame. Also, the suspension and under carriage of cars tend to rust as well, making some repairs a real pain for your mechanic.

welcome to pittsburgh
 
Old 07-19-2017, 07:35 AM
 
Location: Mid-Atlantic
12,529 posts, read 17,454,969 times
Reputation: 10629
I have a Mazda 3 and with 4 snow tires I have no problem at all. Whatever you drive, put snow tires on ALL 4 wheels, makes a big difference.
 
Old 07-19-2017, 08:24 AM
 
Location: Western PA
3,733 posts, read 5,935,409 times
Reputation: 3189
Not necessary to have an SUV. I used to have one and the only time I used the 4WD was in 2010 during a big snow, which is rare. Other times, my 4 cylinder front-wheel drive is fine. It's not Minnesota.
 
Old 07-19-2017, 09:29 AM
 
Location: Dormont
112 posts, read 160,792 times
Reputation: 71
I have to chime in on Subaru as well. I got a crosstrek last fall and it was amazing in the winter. We didn't get much snow but when we did, my car handled it like a champ.
 
Old 07-19-2017, 09:33 AM
 
Location: Pittsburgh's North Side
1,701 posts, read 1,587,748 times
Reputation: 1849
Where is work, and where do you plan to live? I wouldn't worry unless you plan to live in a really hilly location -- areas like Stanton Heights are more likely to need 4WD I would imagine.
 
Old 07-19-2017, 10:57 AM
 
Location: Park Rapids
4,357 posts, read 6,499,037 times
Reputation: 5724
For the most part Front Wheel Drive cars are adequate for the Pittsburgh region. Four wheel comes in handy when living on a more rural road or an area that gets plowed later.


Real problem was typically Ice. The ability to be both warmish and cold makes ice an issue when rain transitions to snow. Just use common sense and avoid driving in that.


Good Tires make the difference.
 
Old 07-19-2017, 11:06 AM
 
Location: Squirrel Hill PA
2,195 posts, read 2,573,168 times
Reputation: 4553
I have a Subaru and it is my second. I have gotten around just fine in assorted other 2 and 4 wheel drive vehicles but hands down the Subie is my favorite. The only one that made me nervous was a little Hyundai accent that was just too lightweight to be able to grip the road well with more than a dusting of snow. Not just for snow but it also really handles the heavy rain water ponding on the roads and highways issues we often get. I have yet to hydroplane in a Subaru.

Now for me owning a car is mostly for weekend use to get outside of the city. Since I work with Horses I sometimes need to be able to get into some areas where snow and rough country are a bigger concern. If it were not for that I could get by where I live without a car at all. I have all of the shopping I need within a 3 mile radius and my job as well. Busses run regularly where I am too so I can get pretty much anywhere in the city that way.

As above posters noted it might be best to figure out where you expect to live before deciding what kind and how much care you need to invest in.
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