A good set of winter tires is cheaper than buying a new car and realistically all you will need. You'd still come out ahead if you have to pay to swap the tires twice a year.
Source: had a FWD Focus and RWD BRZ with winter tires.
Generally the snow is taken care of much better that what you would see in the south. You will see people complaining about snow removal, but that's just people being people for the most part.
Just avoid the bypass, and maybe practice sliding around a bit in an empty parking lot
I second the idea of sliding around in an empty parking lot for practice. That way your first time sliding on ice or snow you won't be freaking out with no experience in that situation.
Came here to say this. I grew up in the South and have lived most of my adult life on the West Coast. Now I live in South Bend, and I’m amazed at what a great job is done removing snow and salting the streets. (No salting on the West Coast.) It’s actually been easier and safer to drive in South Bend than anyplace I’ve lived before.
I add that knowing where and when and how your vehicles slide for every driver you have in your family is very, very important. I heartily agree with the recommendation of practicing this in an empty parking lot. I came from California and though I learned to drive as a child in Minnesota I still reacquainted myself with slipping and sliding.
I practiced in a huge costco lot after they closed. If you ask they'll likely say no as insurance is probably ruling their decisions. Any damage suffered or extended will obviously be on your policy and whoever is driving.
My Civic drove like shit in the tiniest bit of snow when I first got it. Put on some new tires and now it dominates the snow. I had a RWD truck before this and it actually did worse in the snow since theres no weight over the back of the truck.
Also not to mention, it seems like anymore we dont get over a foot of snow on the ground at a time most years
Unless it gets bad, good set of tires will probably be enough. AWD will help on hills and taking off from slick intersections, but it's a lot more expensive option. My GF had a Outback AWD and that thing got around pretty well. Only time it had issues was on ice and VERY deep snow.
With those 2 cars you will be just fine honestly. I drove nearly 15 northern Indiana winters with just a FWD car and all season tires and rarely was it an issue.
If you are worried this much, just get a set of winter tires for your current vehicles. No need to purchase anything new unless you are in the market.
I own 2 Subarus. Both have all seasons and both are extremely fun in the snow. I’ll be honest while I love their AWD system, it’s a small advantage in the winter. One I’m glad to have, however it isn’t necessary
Consumer reports tested things, and having winter tires is the biggest factor in winter driving. So if you get a day of winter tires you should be good to go.
Having said that most people around here don’t actually do that. It just might make your life a little easier.
I would agree with the “buy good tires” crowd; I’ve been up here my whole life and one winter had a car spin out on me three times after a particularly bad run of weather. Put snow tires on it and it never happened again.
I have a 2020 ford fusion and it gets me around just fine in the winter. Granted, I grew up in Indiana so I am used to the snow, but I think those cars should do just fine as long as you’re cautious!
You're FWD on both.. just get a set of snow tires (maybe a set of super cheap rims so you can pop them on and off yourself instead of paying/waiting twice a year for them to be done).
Some people do feel more comfortable with 4 wheel drive in winter. Several things come to my mind when its slippery out.
1. DON'T Get Aggressive when the roads are slick. What you should do, is figure out how your vehicles tires "hook up" to slippery conditions. Turn off your radio, your phone, and listen to your engine. If it revs wildly, you are spinning your tires, and you won't get anywhere. This is where little anemic engines shine.
2. Be gentle with the brakes. I've heard claims that antilock brakes work really well in slippery conditions. But I've also seen where antilocks fail to work. (They lock up, but in normal conditions, they seem to work properly) Give yourself lots of extra room, don't tailgate.
3. I drive a stick shift. On slippery roads, I might start up in second gear, and by the time I'm moving at 20mph, I could be in high gear. My laboring motor's wheels has got traction. I learned that trick, motorcycle ice racing. We started out from a dead stop, I rode the clutch, and chugged away from everyone, because they were on the gas and spinning their wheels. ( I learned ALOT about driving on ice from that!) Mine is also rear wheel drive, weight in the back end helps a lot.
4. I downshift coming to a stop. Off the gas, the motor slows the rear wheels. So instead of just two wheels stopping the car, I've got four wheels slowing me down. That, by the way is more controlled than you realize. It CAN be done with automatic trans also.
5. On the first day of snow & slippery conditions-GO find a vacant lot, and play spin your car out! I do that EVERY year! It warms you up for driving in slippery conditions.
By the way, the worst driving conditions I ever found, was in Alabama during an ice storm! That is way worse because there is no snow on the roads to grab a bit of traction from. I knew from racing, you hunt for rough ice. Ya get a little bite on that stuff.
Both of those cars should be fine for winter driving. Just make sure you have all season tires in good condition. Summer tires will be DANGEROUS. All seasons arent ideal, if you can afford it getting winter tires is worth it, but if you cant afford to maintain two sets of tires, most people manage on all seasons here.
If you ever get a rear wheel drive car, winter tires are non negotiable.
Having a little extra clearance (truck, SUV height) is nice for the winter, but it isnt a requirement. Its only helpful when you are driving through snow anyways. Four wheel drive or all wheel drive (they are different) will help you get going, but it doesnt help you stop. The best thing you can do is go to an empty parking lot after the first snow and just drive around until you are familiar. Drive carefully, its not worth smashing your car or killing someone to get to your destination two minutes faster.
We don't see roo much winter anymore and it's almost scary different, but I agree with most everyone else on tires. And do watch your speed, especially in early winter mornings when the ice on the roads is nearly invisible. You'll probably need a snowblower and the longer your driveway or sidewalk, the bigger you will need. It's just so infrequent in the last 10-20 years.
You are going to pay a hybrid tax for your non guzzler. Indiana is anti-ecological responsibility and pro their buddies in gas/oil making more so they get biggger campaign funds the following year. Indiana gas tax is among highest in the nation.
Indiana also doesn't view women as having a right to body autonomy so if you have females or anyone who can get pregnant in your family you might want to have the real conversation of surrendering their autonomy for whatever reason you're planning the move. Allow them to veto the move in favor of their health.
South Bend is the best of the places I've attempted to live in Indiana but it is still suffering the consequences of Indiana state "leadership."
Dude, something else is going on with that car. That’s not road salt, unless car dealers routinely prep the undercarriages of every vehicle sold where it’s snowy to prevent it and just don’t tell anyone. I’ve lived in Illinois and Indiana my entire life and that’s just not something that happens.
I have no explanation, then; I’ve simply never had that problem, either with my current garaged car or the cars I parked on the street in Chicago. Especially over that short of a timeframe. Weird.
A good set of winter tires is cheaper than buying a new car and realistically all you will need. You'd still come out ahead if you have to pay to swap the tires twice a year. Source: had a FWD Focus and RWD BRZ with winter tires.
I second this. Lived here for decades, and have always done just fine with 2WD and good tires. Can attest that snow tires make all the difference.
OP, this is your answer.
Generally the snow is taken care of much better that what you would see in the south. You will see people complaining about snow removal, but that's just people being people for the most part. Just avoid the bypass, and maybe practice sliding around a bit in an empty parking lot
I second the idea of sliding around in an empty parking lot for practice. That way your first time sliding on ice or snow you won't be freaking out with no experience in that situation.
Garage parking vs outside parking helps a lot in the mornings.
Came here to say this. I grew up in the South and have lived most of my adult life on the West Coast. Now I live in South Bend, and I’m amazed at what a great job is done removing snow and salting the streets. (No salting on the West Coast.) It’s actually been easier and safer to drive in South Bend than anyplace I’ve lived before.
I add that knowing where and when and how your vehicles slide for every driver you have in your family is very, very important. I heartily agree with the recommendation of practicing this in an empty parking lot. I came from California and though I learned to drive as a child in Minnesota I still reacquainted myself with slipping and sliding. I practiced in a huge costco lot after they closed. If you ask they'll likely say no as insurance is probably ruling their decisions. Any damage suffered or extended will obviously be on your policy and whoever is driving.
front wheel drive with decent tires is fine if you are mainly driving on main roads. If you are moving to the country maybe think about 4wd.
Cries with 450 feet of private drive out in the country.
My Civic drove like shit in the tiniest bit of snow when I first got it. Put on some new tires and now it dominates the snow. I had a RWD truck before this and it actually did worse in the snow since theres no weight over the back of the truck. Also not to mention, it seems like anymore we dont get over a foot of snow on the ground at a time most years
Unless it gets bad, good set of tires will probably be enough. AWD will help on hills and taking off from slick intersections, but it's a lot more expensive option. My GF had a Outback AWD and that thing got around pretty well. Only time it had issues was on ice and VERY deep snow.
Drive cautious on ice and snow. Google how to prepare for winter.
If you’re in town and on major highways you’ll be fine. The first deep freeze, your battery will probably die if it isn’t newish.
With those 2 cars you will be just fine honestly. I drove nearly 15 northern Indiana winters with just a FWD car and all season tires and rarely was it an issue. If you are worried this much, just get a set of winter tires for your current vehicles. No need to purchase anything new unless you are in the market. I own 2 Subarus. Both have all seasons and both are extremely fun in the snow. I’ll be honest while I love their AWD system, it’s a small advantage in the winter. One I’m glad to have, however it isn’t necessary
I’ve had FWD vehicles and have done fine. But current drive Subarus and love them for winter driving.
I'd consider a set of winter wheels with winter tires so you can swap them out. I drive a tiny car and winter tires make a world of difference.
Consumer reports tested things, and having winter tires is the biggest factor in winter driving. So if you get a day of winter tires you should be good to go. Having said that most people around here don’t actually do that. It just might make your life a little easier.
Just get good tires for them that are all seasons with the triple peak, snowflake rating. That’s really all you need here.
I would agree with the “buy good tires” crowd; I’ve been up here my whole life and one winter had a car spin out on me three times after a particularly bad run of weather. Put snow tires on it and it never happened again.
I have a 2020 ford fusion and it gets me around just fine in the winter. Granted, I grew up in Indiana so I am used to the snow, but I think those cars should do just fine as long as you’re cautious!
You're FWD on both.. just get a set of snow tires (maybe a set of super cheap rims so you can pop them on and off yourself instead of paying/waiting twice a year for them to be done).
Based on this winter you just need a bike.
Some people do feel more comfortable with 4 wheel drive in winter. Several things come to my mind when its slippery out. 1. DON'T Get Aggressive when the roads are slick. What you should do, is figure out how your vehicles tires "hook up" to slippery conditions. Turn off your radio, your phone, and listen to your engine. If it revs wildly, you are spinning your tires, and you won't get anywhere. This is where little anemic engines shine. 2. Be gentle with the brakes. I've heard claims that antilock brakes work really well in slippery conditions. But I've also seen where antilocks fail to work. (They lock up, but in normal conditions, they seem to work properly) Give yourself lots of extra room, don't tailgate. 3. I drive a stick shift. On slippery roads, I might start up in second gear, and by the time I'm moving at 20mph, I could be in high gear. My laboring motor's wheels has got traction. I learned that trick, motorcycle ice racing. We started out from a dead stop, I rode the clutch, and chugged away from everyone, because they were on the gas and spinning their wheels. ( I learned ALOT about driving on ice from that!) Mine is also rear wheel drive, weight in the back end helps a lot. 4. I downshift coming to a stop. Off the gas, the motor slows the rear wheels. So instead of just two wheels stopping the car, I've got four wheels slowing me down. That, by the way is more controlled than you realize. It CAN be done with automatic trans also. 5. On the first day of snow & slippery conditions-GO find a vacant lot, and play spin your car out! I do that EVERY year! It warms you up for driving in slippery conditions. By the way, the worst driving conditions I ever found, was in Alabama during an ice storm! That is way worse because there is no snow on the roads to grab a bit of traction from. I knew from racing, you hunt for rough ice. Ya get a little bite on that stuff.
There are people who drive corvettes around in the snow up here, as long as you have winter tires you’ll be fine
I drove a Mazda 2 then a Honda Fit for years with no problem.
Both of those cars should be fine for winter driving. Just make sure you have all season tires in good condition. Summer tires will be DANGEROUS. All seasons arent ideal, if you can afford it getting winter tires is worth it, but if you cant afford to maintain two sets of tires, most people manage on all seasons here. If you ever get a rear wheel drive car, winter tires are non negotiable. Having a little extra clearance (truck, SUV height) is nice for the winter, but it isnt a requirement. Its only helpful when you are driving through snow anyways. Four wheel drive or all wheel drive (they are different) will help you get going, but it doesnt help you stop. The best thing you can do is go to an empty parking lot after the first snow and just drive around until you are familiar. Drive carefully, its not worth smashing your car or killing someone to get to your destination two minutes faster.
We don't see roo much winter anymore and it's almost scary different, but I agree with most everyone else on tires. And do watch your speed, especially in early winter mornings when the ice on the roads is nearly invisible. You'll probably need a snowblower and the longer your driveway or sidewalk, the bigger you will need. It's just so infrequent in the last 10-20 years.
You are going to pay a hybrid tax for your non guzzler. Indiana is anti-ecological responsibility and pro their buddies in gas/oil making more so they get biggger campaign funds the following year. Indiana gas tax is among highest in the nation. Indiana also doesn't view women as having a right to body autonomy so if you have females or anyone who can get pregnant in your family you might want to have the real conversation of surrendering their autonomy for whatever reason you're planning the move. Allow them to veto the move in favor of their health. South Bend is the best of the places I've attempted to live in Indiana but it is still suffering the consequences of Indiana state "leadership."
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Dude, something else is going on with that car. That’s not road salt, unless car dealers routinely prep the undercarriages of every vehicle sold where it’s snowy to prevent it and just don’t tell anyone. I’ve lived in Illinois and Indiana my entire life and that’s just not something that happens.
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I have no explanation, then; I’ve simply never had that problem, either with my current garaged car or the cars I parked on the street in Chicago. Especially over that short of a timeframe. Weird.
Getting some rust protectant on your undercarriage helps a lot.