Top Five Chevy Picks for Winter Driving (& 15 Tips)

No matter where in the United States you live, what season you’re in the middle of and what the road conditions are, there is a Chevy designed to fit your needs. As a Chevy dealership located in Albany NY, there are few weather conditions that we don’t experience at some point of any given year. As a result, we see the impact that seasonal weather conditions can have on year-round car buying.

As 2017 winds down, we see temperatures fall in the Northeast and the ground finds itself covered with both snow and ice. As a result, roads are treated with everything from rock salt and sand, to saline and chemical treatment, in order to maintain safe driving conditions. But since all cars aren’t built equal in terms of all-season drivability, let’s take a look at Chevy’s current line-up to see the top picks for winter performance. Is it any surprise that we’re talking about….

5 Chevy Crossover / SUV

Considering that Chevy’s lineup of crossovers and SUVs consists of five items in total, it might appear that this list was easy to compile. Well, it is, but not simply because of the numerical coincidence. The simple truth is that the list is easy to compile based on the strength and versatility of the lineup.

For those interested in a smaller crossover, the Chevy Trax might be perfect. A relatively new inclusion in the line-up the Trax was introduced in 2015 and is still enjoying the benefits of a 2017 refresh. While certainly the ‘entry-level’ inclusion in this list, customers can opt for an all-wheel-drive variant, making it perfectly suitable for winter driving. And for those interested the Tax earned recognition from Kelley Blue Book among their ‘Most Fuel Efficient SUVs’ and ’10 Tech-Savviest Cars Under $20K’.

The versatile Chevy Equinox takes things up a notch. With a fusion of form and function that is complementary to its overall drivability, the Equinox is relatively light (considering how accommodating its inner dimensions are). That said, you can opt for all-wheel drive and there are three different powertrain options you can choose from. From a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder (rated for 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque) to a 2.0-liter (churning out 252hp and 260lb-ft) the Equinox offers confident output. And for those who prefer it, there is also a fuel-efficient 1.6-liter diesel variant that serves up 137 hp and 240 lb-ft. An IIHS ‘Top Safety Pick’ the Equinox is well-deserving of any consideration.

Like the Equinox, the Chevy Traverse has enjoyed a reduction in weight (approximately 400 lbs) and a boost in output (up to 29 hp) over the previous model year. Equipped with a 3.6-liter V6, the Traverse is rated for 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque and (like the others before it) can be configured with all-wheel drive. A strong performer all around, the Traverse was named ‘Best Large Car for the Money’ by U.S. News & World Report.

Reigning as best-selling full-size SUV year after year, the Chevy Tahoe also earns the distinction of being named as the ‘Most Dependable’. With its iconic styling and capable performance, it’s little surprise that it remains so widely-celebrated. In fact, its countless accolades are continuing into 2018, having been named by edmunds.com as “Most Wanted Large SUV’. Powered by a 5.3-liter V8, churning out 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, it’s easy to agree.

And atop the line, the Chevy Suburban stands as a perfect union of SUV versatility and luxury styling. Add in 355 horsepower and best-in-class fuel economy, and it’s hard to deny the enduring appeal of the Suburban as part of the best-selling family of SUV’s. So, if you like the idea of driving a well-behaved tank, you might want to consider getting behind the wheel of a suburban. Snow-covered roads barely stand a chance.

With each of these vehicles offering their own unique style and features, it comes down to finding the ideal vehicle for the unique demands of your lifestyle. But regardless of which vehicle you choose, there are many winter driving tips that are well worth keeping in mind.

10 Winter Driving Tips

For those less comfortable with driving in winter road conditions, or simply less-experienced, here are some valuable things to take into consideration when driving throughout the northeast this (and every) winter:

• First and foremost, both driver and passengers should always wear a seatbelt. Legality aside, your chances of collision or road departure increase exponentially with winter road conditions. Don’t risk your safety or those who entrust you with theirs.
• Maintain a half tank gas, at a minimum to prevent any freezing of your gas line.
• Always ensure that your tires are properly inflated, as cold temperatures affect your tire pressure drastically. Combining low tire-pressure with frost heaves and winter potholes can cause significant damage to your vehicle.
• Types of tires should be consistent. For example, try not to mix all-season tires with standard radials.
• Due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, vehicles should never be warmed up in an enclosed space (such as a garage). In addition, make sure that your exhaust pipe is never clogged, or blocked by, snow.
• When driving, keep in mind that excessively- high heat settings can cause drowsiness.
• Use moderation when accelerating and decelerating, to prevent loss of (or regain) control.
• To prevent slippage and the chance of collision:
• Use greater diligence when approaching stop-lights / intersections, taking into consideration that the average 3-4 second stop time on dry pavement, increases to 8-10 seconds in winter conditions.
• Maintain proper distance between other vehicles.

And here are 5 (less thought-about) Tips for Winter Driving, from our friends at Chevrolet.