Myth about driving in snow: Large vehicles are not always safe in winter
Trucks and SUVs may look winter-ready, but it’s not just size that matters, but factors like weight balance, drivetrain, and most importantly, tires.
When driving in snowy or icy conditions, it is always wise to have a car that is safe to drive. There are many factors that determine how well a car performs in the winter, but one factor that most people consider is the type of car. The average driver seems to agree that pickup trucks, SUVs, and crossovers are better suited for driving in the snow than sedans and coupes. But is it really true?
How do trucks move in the snow?
There’s a reason why pickup trucks are often used for snow removal. Trucks sit much higher than regular cars, giving them more ground clearance. Many of them have four-wheel drive (4×4) and therefore have different driving modes that help them perform well and drive through the snow with ease.
Trucks with standard 2WD will have a bit more trouble than the 4×4 versions. Two-wheel drive trucks tend to have less traction and horsepower, so they don’t perform as well as other four-wheel drive trucks.
How capable is an SUV in winter?
SUVs also have higher ground clearance than cars, but not as high as most pickup trucks. Drivetrains can vary, as there are many options. Four-wheel drive is available in many large, rugged SUVs. Many have all-wheel drive (AWD), and cheaper trim levels even have FWD models.
Because they don’t have a bed in the back like a truck, they have better weight distribution and can handle snowy conditions better than a truck in most cases.
How do you compare cars?
Although sedans and coupes may have lower ground clearance and less power than larger cars, they still offer some benefits for winter driving. Their average weight is much lower compared to trucks and SUVs, resulting in shorter stopping distances.
Wes Bowling, senior communications and content manager for Nokian Tires, told the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network. “SUVs tend to have better weight distribution than pickups and are lighter in the rear, which can increase the risk of fishtailing.”
“But tires remain the most important element, as they are the only part of a vehicle that comes into contact with the road. Drivers should also not believe that size automatically means safety. After all, larger vehicles take longer to stop, so traction with the road is more important.”
