ebruce2

iTrader: (1)

Well, life in the Northeast can prove to be rough in the winter months, especially on a vehicle that you care about and try to keep nice. (Like my GS!! ) I picked up this go-anywhere mobile and started modding it a couple months ago to be ready for winter.

Guys, let's see what vehicle is going to take a beating this winter while your Lex stays in the garage. Here's mine:

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Beautiful, aint she? HAHAHAHAH (cough its 78F here in FL... cough)

95BlackSC

Wish I could afford a winter beater

ARISTO*7

agreed.

GS wanted

iTrader: (9)

winter...now there's something i DON'T miss about living on the east coast.

qtb33

I just sold mine so that only one I have for now is:



But she just got some new HTR+ All Seasons for the winter.

BLK13X

jet864

At college alone without ANY car, but these babies get great mileage.

James

Stage3

iTrader: (3)

winter beater???? WTF is that???


85 was the high today. in the middle of December...

chuckb

I know Carlos, what's this winter and snow stuff everyone talks about?

GFerg

Bastards. Hate you all.

AS far as beaters. I dont have one. I jsut put the stock 16in wheels on and a nice fat set of winter tires. I try not to drive during the winter months at all because for some reason these people in Philly cant drive when there is snow or ice on the ground. My car stays in the Parking Lot.

mmarshall

That Cherokee will be a good vehicle for getting through the snow...especially with those knobby tires...but it is VERY IMPORTANT that you remember a couple of things while using the 4WD:

IF it has Jeep's Selec-Trac All-Wheel-Drive option, ( Most Cherokees DO NOT) you can generally just set it and forget it....the Selec-Trac system will let all four wheels rotate independently whatever surface you are on, and vary torque on demand like on Subarus, RAV-4's, CRV's, etc....

MOST Cherokees, though, use the less-sophisticated Command-Trac 4WD system that you also find on Wranglers. This is a simple, cheap system that is generally used for off-roading.....but it CANNOT be used on dry pavement because it does not allow for any differences in rotational speed among the four wheels. Generally this is not a problem as long as the dry road is straight...all four wheels will rotate together at the same speed......but on a dry curve, THAT is where you have problems. The outside wheels, naturally, want to rotate faster than the inside ones, and the Command-Trac system doesn't allow this. So you get all kinds of problems and stresses on the tires, wheels, wheel bearings, U and CV-Joints, and driveline.

The Command-Trac system is fine as long as the road underneath of you is slippery or unpaved. But sometimes a paved road will be icy in one spot, wet in another, and dry in other places...especially if it has been plowed. So...with Command-Trac...just be aware of what is underneath you at all times....that's all.

So....to ALL of you guys with part-time 4WD systems like Jeep's Command-Trac, no matter WHAT vehicle it is on....the SAME rules apply on dry pavement.

Some part-time 4WD vehicles also have a sticker on the dash with the no-dry-pavement rule. Some...like the Ford Explorer....have selectable part-time, full-time, and low-range systems with a dashboard switch.

Anyhow........................Good luck this winter

mmarshall

Well....your wallet doesn't have to be THAT thick. You can get a brand-new Subaru Impreza AWD for 18-19K, an AWD Suzuki Aerio for around 17-18K, or an AWD Toyota Matrix / Pontiac Vibe for around 20K...maybe less than that if the dealer will bargain. ( The AWD Aerio and Matrix / Vibe, however, do not have much ground clearance and are unsuitable for really deep snow) . The are also inexpensive brand-new 4WD pickups with the less-sophisticated part-time system that I outlined above in my post to ebruce. And......of course, you can buy used for even LESS.

bizzy928

A nice set of new winter tires help a great deal as well. But just remember they aren't performance tires so don't go too fast or take hard corners on them. Their sidewalls are not as stiff as ZR rated summer tires.

Also remember that even if you are in a 4WD/AWD to observe local speed limits and most importantly weather conditions. Yes, driving a 4WD/AWD in a snow storm may feel like nothing, but when its time to stop or time for defensive driving, high speeds are going to do you no good at all.

Keep safe out there!

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

I think he means he doesnt have an extra 20K laying around. But im sure you can get an old truck for $1000-$1500 that you can use and not worry about.