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Newschoolers car gurus. I need your help.

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.Rybak.
Posts: 9017 - Karma: 9,864
Ok so I have a 1997 Dodge avenger es v6 with 17" rims.

It's never been driven in the winter and I was wondering if it would be ok to drive in the winter if I buy some snow tires for it.

I'm talking about Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota type of driving so hills and tons of snow.
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Nov 2 2014 2:43PM
32 17
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.Rybak.
Posts: 9017 - Karma: 9,864
Guys please. I need to know.
Nov 2 2014 4:53PM
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SkiThe603
Posts: 5376 - Karma: 498
i know zero about cars but no you should probably seek something better than an 97 avenger
Nov 2 2014 4:56PM
1 7
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.Rybak.
Posts: 9017 - Karma: 9,864
SkiThe603i know zero about cars but no you should probably seek something better than an 97 avenger


Well I already have it... I don't have the money to buy a new car but I have the money to buy some snow tires.
Nov 2 2014 4:59PM
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yangumane
Posts: 1816 - Karma: 3,347
yeah, it'll make a big difference. my dad's RWD Jag was undrivable in the winter until he bought snow tires for it. you wouldn't believe the difference they actually make.
Nov 2 2014 5:57PM
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Flacko
Posts: 1495 - Karma: 788
It depends on the driver, I drive a tiny 80's rear wheel drive Mercedes with bald tires in the snow. I wouldn't call myself an amazing driver, but I know guys who would wrap their 4wd Subarus with snow tires around a tree before they made it out of their driveway.

As long as you have good tires, and chains in the back, you should be fine. Just don't drive fast, use your brakes/gas mostly before a turn (you will have way more traction, especially in a fwd car, little to no gas while turning), leave extra room for the car in front of you (you will slide into it, if you brake too fast), and try and find an empty parking lot where you can see what your car does when you start to fishtail. You should be fine, once you get used to driving in the snow it can be really fun, just be cautious and drive slow till you feel comfortable.
Nov 2 2014 6:07PM
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.Rybak.
Posts: 9017 - Karma: 9,864
FlackoIt depends on the driver, I drive a tiny 80's rear wheel drive Mercedes with bald tires in the snow. I wouldn't call myself an amazing driver, but I know guys who would wrap their 4wd Subarus with snow tires around a tree before they made it out of their driveway.

As long as you have good tires, and chains in the back, you should be fine. Just don't drive fast, use your brakes/gas mostly before a turn (you will have way more traction, especially in a fwd car, little to no gas while turning), leave extra room for the car in front of you (you will slide into it, if you brake too fast), and try and find an empty parking lot where you can see what your car does when you start to fishtail. You should be fine, once you get used to driving in the snow it can be really fun, just be cautious and drive slow till you feel comfortable.

Alright thanks guys.

Im really confident driving in the winter. Im just a little nervous since my car is a little low to the ground since its the es version.
Nov 2 2014 6:12PM
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skier58284
Posts: 1705 - Karma: 5,365
I know almost nothing about cars, just be careful about getting onto the shoulder. When I had an old car (no snow tires and not 4wd) if there was snow on the roads, getting barely onto the shoulder would make my car spin out. I was following other tire tracks because I couldn't see the road because it was covered in snow, I was driving really slow, got slightly onto the gravel shoulder (not intentionally, I couldn't see the shoulder) and it spun my car 90 degrees. I recovered fine but something like that happened twice, both times going slow, both times resulting from getting slightly onto the gravel shoulder. Not sure if the lack of snow tires or lack of 4wd made the difference, or both; as I said I know next to nothing about cars. Just my experience and something to be careful of.
Nov 2 2014 6:19PM
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msg
Posts: 1108 - Karma: 3,269
get the tires,be careful and learn to engine brake and you'll be sweet
Nov 2 2014 6:23PM
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miroz
Posts: 10333 - Karma: 3,945
Get the tires. They make a world of difference. You should actually be more worried about packed snow than unplowed stuff - the packed stuff is what gets slippery, and that's what'll fuck ya when you're not expecting it.

Other than that, just know how to engine brake (even automatic cars can do it) and keep a shovel and a blanket in the back. My mom's FWD mini van makes it up the steepest snowy hills with snow tires.
Nov 2 2014 6:30PM
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.Rybak.
Posts: 9017 - Karma: 9,864
Not my picture.
This is the same exact car I have though. I had it all last winter but it was stored in my garage and i drove a ford taurus that i got for really cheap.




Thanks guys for the help. My aunt and uncle who i bought the car from keep telling me that it won't go in the snow and snow tires won't make a difference. Even though I know it will.
Nov 2 2014 6:44PM
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
I can't tell you how many people I pulled out last year while plowing who thought it was a good idea to take their Charger, Camaro, ect... out for a little joy ride during or after a storm. Snow tires will help some but don't expect the car to perform as well as a FWD or AWD. NE MN and NW WI are especially a bad spot for this given the amount of snow, consent hills and higher moisture content. It is far easier to get pulled along rather than be pushed.
Nov 2 2014 7:16PM
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.Rybak.
Posts: 9017 - Karma: 9,864
JustGoWithItI can't tell you how many people I pulled out last year while plowing who thought it was a good idea to take their Charger, Camaro, ect... out for a little joy ride during or after a storm. Snow tires will help some but don't expect the car to perform as well as a FWD or AWD. NE MN and NW WI are especially a bad spot for this given the amount of snow, consent hills and higher moisture content. It is far easier to get pulled along rather than be pushed.


It's a FWD
Nov 2 2014 7:18PM
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
.Rybak.It's a FWD


Then you should be fine, I personally would invest in a good set of all season tires instead of snow tires. If you really want snow tires though, understand that you are pretty much just throwing money away by buying the best of the best out there due to the fact that you are not going to put that any miles on them before spring comes around.
Nov 2 2014 7:55PM
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.Rybak.
Posts: 9017 - Karma: 9,864
JustGoWithItThen you should be fine, I personally would invest in a good set of all season tires instead of snow tires. If you really want snow tires though, understand that you are pretty much just throwing money away by buying the best of the best out there due to the fact that you are not going to put that any miles on them before spring comes around.


Alright Ill look into it.

I just bought new tires a couple months ago because mine were completely bald.
Nov 2 2014 8:01PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2828 - Karma: 5,373
I had a 97 fwd ford escort in Ely, MN for three winters. Never got stuck. Common sense is needed when driving in winter but it's not like you need awd or anything. Driving on i70 in Colorado is ten times more difficult/scarier. Just slow down when conditions are bad and know what your car is capable of. You don't need studded tires or chains but good all season tires will make a difference.
Nov 2 2014 8:48PM
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ModMommy
Posts: 10813 - Karma: 57,131
You'll be fine.
Nov 2 2014 8:55PM
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Caucasian_Asian
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 1,665
Buy proper winter tires. All seasons do not cut it.
Nov 2 2014 9:02PM
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
Caucasian_AsianBuy proper winter tires. All seasons do not cut it.


I would have to disagree with you. That may have been the case years ago, but most AS tires are very effective in snow today. I have made many trips up to Lutsen or Spirit with 6 inches of snow on the ground in my car and I have never had winter tires.
Nov 2 2014 9:09PM
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im_Mongo
Posts: 109 - Karma: 177
put nitrous in it
Nov 2 2014 9:12PM
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
Lemongrabput nitrous in it


More wheel spin=More friction=More heat=Less ice=More road=More traction.

Genious!
Nov 2 2014 9:39PM
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ANDR01D
Posts: 1181 - Karma: 3,319
JustGoWithItI would have to disagree with you. That may have been the case years ago, but most AS tires are very effective in snow today. I have made many trips up to Lutsen or Spirit with 6 inches of snow on the ground in my car and I have never had winter tires.


I'm sorry but I have to disagree with you. AS tires are definitely manageable in the winter, but they don't hold a candle to the performance that comes with snow tires. I bought some snows a few years ago for driving around Buffalo, NY (Heavy wet snow) and was regularly plowing through 12+ inches without issue, as opposed to just getting by on my AS.
Nov 2 2014 9:41PM
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Mingg
Posts: 13975 - Karma: 49,261
JustGoWithItGenious!


.
Nov 2 2014 9:46PM
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Chubbs.
Posts: 1018 - Karma: 2,647
My 03 Golf is low to the ground and is a mother fucking tank in the snow with snow tires.. Its also stick which really helps driving in the snow for sure
Nov 2 2014 9:50PM
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Caucasian_Asian
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 1,665
JustGoWithItI would have to disagree with you. That may have been the case years ago, but most AS tires are very effective in snow today. I have made many trips up to Lutsen or Spirit with 6 inches of snow on the ground in my car and I have never had winter tires.


I have no idea where any of those places are, but I do know that in Western Canada, the people with AS tires are the ones in the ditch.

There's a reason that some provinces have made it law to have winter tires.
Nov 2 2014 9:52PM
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KravtZ
Posts: 6637 - Karma: 2,629
If your that strapped for cash why would you go and buy snow tires? They are pretty dam expensive. Just DONT DRIVE on the days it snows a massive amount. Pretty dam simple. Or get a ride if possible if you don't feel comfortable.
Nov 2 2014 9:54PM
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Chubbs.
Posts: 1018 - Karma: 2,647
Caucasian_AsianI have no idea where any of those places are, but I do know that in Western Canada, the people with AS tires are the ones in the ditch.

There's a reason that some provinces have made it law to have winter tires.


AS tires are the dumbest invention ever.. Pretty sure everyone i know who has had them has crashed their car.. My buddy crashed his twice because they lost 100% of their grip and he almost put his car in a river.

don't buy them
Nov 2 2014 9:56PM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,484
JustGoWithItI would have to disagree with you. That may have been the case years ago, but most AS tires are very effective in snow today. I have made many trips up to Lutsen or Spirit with 6 inches of snow on the ground in my car and I have never had winter tires.


You live in a flat ass part of mn, it doesnt even compare to where he lives. Also the drive to spirit is easy, all highway/freeway that gets plowed regularly and no dealing with the hills of duluth.

Get the snow tires rybak, you wont regret it
Nov 2 2014 9:59PM
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yuck
Posts: 8384 - Karma: 2,090
with snow tires yeah, i dont really even see why you needed to ask
Nov 2 2014 10:01PM
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
ANDR01DI'm sorry but I have to disagree with you. AS tires are definitely manageable in the winter, but they don't hold a candle to the performance that comes with snow tires. I bought some snows a few years ago for driving around Buffalo, NY (Heavy wet snow) and was regularly plowing through 12+ inches without issue, as opposed to just getting by on my AS.

This may be a difference in vehicles, I am not saying the AS tires are better than snow tires (I spend many snowy nights plowing and driving through a foot of snow so believe me I know the advantage of them). What I am trying to say though is you will be able to get by with AS tires just fine. I have had both Goodyear snow tires and AS tires on my car and can honestly not tell a big enough difference between the two to invest in tires that will be used for a few months and then sit unmounted. If you feel more safe and in control with them then by all means go and get a pair.
Caucasian_AsianI have no idea where any of those places are, but I do know that in Western Canada, the people with AS tires are the ones in the ditch.

There's a reason that some provinces have made it law to have winter tires.

The majority of the people in the ditch are the ones who were driving 60mph when they should have been going 30mph. And I highly doubt you went and looked at every car in the ditch to see if they had AS tires.
.Hugo.You live in a flat ass part of mn, it doesnt even compare to where he lives. Also the drive to spirit is easy, all highway/freeway that gets plowed regularly and no dealing with the hills of duluth.

Get the snow tires rybak, you wont regret it

First off you can't sit here and tell me that the north shore is not comparable to the rest of the state. Having lived in Two Harbors for some time and having made many daily trips west through the Mesabi Range I have rarely had any problems getting to my destination, snow or no snow.
Nov 2 2014 10:34PM
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deleted5
Posts: 14507 - Karma: 13,507
I have a rear wheel drive Crown Victoria which is super long and super low to the ground, I drove it in Breckenridge when it snowed 600+ inches for the winter and I was fine. just go to a parking lot learn how your car can handle a skid and don't go too fast you'll make it home every time.
Nov 2 2014 10:47PM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,484
JustGoWithItFirst off you can't sit here and tell me that the north shore is not comparable to the rest of the state. Having lived in Two Harbors for some time and having made many daily trips west through the Mesabi Range I have rarely had any problems getting to my destination, snow or no snow.


your profile says you live in monticello, you cant expect people to know your life story dumbass
Nov 2 2014 10:53PM
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
.Hugo.your profile says you live in monticello, you cant expect people to know your life story dumbass


Ha, don't expect you to. And assumption is a dangerous thing...









Dumbass
Nov 2 2014 11:08PM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,484
JustGoWithItHa, don't expect you to. And assumption is a dangerous thing...









Dumbass

Im sorry for assuming youd have at least half a brain. If id have known I would have ended getting in an argument with a "special" kid I wouldnt have commented in the first place
Nov 3 2014 11:55AM
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SFB
Posts: 8895 - Karma: 26,352
.Hugo.Im sorry for assuming youd have at least half a brain. If id have known I would have ended getting in an argument with a "special" kid I wouldnt have commented in the first place


Nov 3 2014 12:21PM
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
.Hugo.Im sorry for assuming youd have at least half a brain. If id have known I would have ended getting in an argument with a "special" kid I wouldnt have commented in the first place


Wow that was the most intelligent intellectual mind fulfilling statement I have ever read. How about next time you try to move the conflict to a resolution rather than calling me retarded. I was just stating that I have done just fine up there with AS tires on my car. Sorry I proved you wrong, didn't think you would take it so hard.
Nov 3 2014 1:35PM
1 1
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,484
JustGoWithItWow that was the most intelligent intellectual mind fulfilling statement I have ever read. How about next time you try to move the conflict to a resolution rather than calling me retarded. I was just stating that I have done just fine up there with AS tires on my car. Sorry I proved you wrong, didn't think you would take it so hard.


Lol you didnt prove anything.... well except that youre a complete idiot
Nov 3 2014 2:55PM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
Flackoespecially in a fwd car, little to no gas while turning),


I think he meant to write RWD here. RWD will fishtail with gas in a turn. FWD will actually help you straighten out as you give it gas in a slide.
Nov 3 2014 3:01PM
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Lé.Skiing
Posts: 10035 - Karma: 8,128
If the winters are really good for snow(meaning you get a lot of it) then I would recommend getting yourself a good set of winter and summer tires. There are places in BC that have banned the use of all seasons in the winter time because they aren't really good for driving in the snow/or on ice. I don't know the area, but if you say it's full of hills I would suggest winter tires with studs.

Front wheel drive is the best for wintertime though, better to pull in the snow then to push.
Nov 3 2014 3:08PM
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
.Hugo.Lol you didnt prove anything.... well except that youre a complete idiot

I have a test to study for and therefore give up.
Lé.SkiingIf the winters are really good for snow(meaning you get a lot of it) then I would recommend getting yourself a good set of winter and summer tires. There are places in BC that have banned the use of all seasons in the winter time because they aren't really good for driving in the snow/or on ice. I don't know the area, but if you say it's full of hills I would suggest winter tires with studs.

Front wheel drive is the best for wintertime though, better to pull in the snow then to push.


Studs are not allowed in MN and I'm pretty sure BC has landfills bigger than the hills in NE MN.
Nov 3 2014 3:39PM
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.Rybak.
Posts: 9017 - Karma: 9,864
JustGoWithItI have a test to study for and therefore give up.


Studs are not allowed in MN and I'm pretty sure BC has landfills bigger than the hills in NE MN.


You know duluth is just a huge hill right?
Nov 3 2014 4:02PM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,313
Sell it and buy a...

Nov 3 2014 4:15PM
5 1
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