Hi everyone I am moving to Buffalo in a couple months for 5 years and I don't really have experIence driving in the snow so I should get your opinions. Do you think the TL will do fine over there? (I heard the snow there is absolutely horrible) do I have to worry about my car being too low (the car is all stock by the way) compared to SUVs and the fwd? I also have a 325i (e90) but I heard rwd is a no no in snow.


If the TL can't handle it I'm thinking of getting an 08 rdx. Do you guys think it will make a big difference? If not I'll rather save the money

Thanks in advance for the advise

 

Save your money. Leave time when it snows to allow for safe slow driving as conditions allow. Get some good winter tires like blizzaks. it will be fine in the snow. I live in Wisconsin which has just as bad of snow and once you get used to how it handles in snow you'll be ok.

 

thanks, dave you have to worry about the car being stuck in the snow?

 

Just use common sense and you won't get stuck. Mainly people get stuck trying to go through banks far too high and actually get the front tires off the ground because underneath the car is supported by snow. Don't drive in excessive snow until you're ready and unless you have 4 wheel drive avoid snowbanks taller than the bumper.

 

Getting real snow tires is monumental. Now, you need to understand that you will need to adjust driving accordingly.
Cities that get snow normally do a good job of clearing the roads of it. I run between Syracuse and Oswego every day. I haven't gotten stuck yet. Granted this winter really wasn't bad up this way, but we did get a few decent accumulations here and there and my TSX handled very well. Much better than I thought it would. Don't sweat it, your car will be fine.

I would recommend playing around in an empty parking lot to get some practice driving in snow though. The more practice you get sliding around on purpose, the better you'll be when you start sliding around on accident.

 

Hey it's gotta do better in the snow than that 442 in your picture. I had a 77 cutlass with 403 engine and it was exciting in the snow to say the least.

 

One more question,

do I have to worry about rust on the car? From what I understand in Buffalo they salt the road a lot and I will be living in a place where I won't be able to wash my the bottom of the car and I would just be parking outside. Would that be a problem?

Also if I get a new car would I just be trashing it by letting it park outside and let it rust?

Thanks

 

I took my car out to an open, icy, snowy space, and practiced. traction controls kicked in nicely when either wheel slipped. Do your braking and see how far it slides, so you know the speed and distance of safety. get a feel of it, that way you wont get panic when the car slides.

 

In the winter on sunny days go get a carwash at the robot car wash at gas stations. Not sure if they're as abundant there as they are here. They usually have an underbody flush when you pull in. I usually go once a week weather allowing. For really tough stuff like tar and bird crap it's not the best but as far as normal road dirt and salt it's great.

 

My TL has never let me down in the snow. Im lowered a few inches, with only all season Goodyear eagle GT tires, and iv started from a dead stop on steep hills in 4+ inches of snow. The TL has seen some challenging Pennsylvania back roads and hills and always got me through. Although iv never had the chance to drive in deep snow yet (like a foot). If you have stock ride height, and good snow tires you will be fine in deeper snow with the right driving habits.

 

Hopefully, I'll never have to find out, but I'm guessing you would be right on that one! I have a 77 Cutlass as well, albeit with the 350. I did get caught in the snow with it years ago, and that was much more interesting...
They spend the winters in storage now. I used to assume the bigger cars would do better in the snow. Yeah, not so much.

To the OP...I just wash the car when it's above freezing. Some of my neighbors think I'm crazy for being out there, but I appreciate maintaining my vehicles. I'd be less concerned with that and more concerned that you're going to be in Buffalo for that long...j/k. Good luck.

 

I live in Buffalo and my 2000 TL does just fine in the snow! Just make sure you have decent all season tires on it. I have yet to use snow tires, and I've been living here my whole life.