Is it worth getting a car in the winter?
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- Junior Standardshifter
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Is it worth getting a car in the winter?
I have a 1997 Ford Escort with 160,000 and the car is really beat up and has a decent amount of problems. I drive about 60 miles to school and back everyday on the highway and am looking for a more reliable car like a 2001 Honda Civic. Is it worth getting a new car right now or is it risky during the winter time and having the chance of crashing it.? Or, would it be better to get a car that can handle the winter weather better? Thanks in advance.
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- Master Standardshifter
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If you are a good defensive driver, you won't crash your car in the winter. On the other hand, if your current car is giving you problems, it is going to give you more problems in the winter. If you do buy another car, make sure it has ABS, and preferably traction control as well. And put good winter tires on it.
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As good as any other car in its class, I would think. Winter driving is about tires, torque control, tires, brake control, tires, steering control, and tires. Not too much torque in a Civic, which is definitely an advantage in Winter. They are generally reliable, which is also an advantage. Get ABS definitely, and traction control if you can. And good winter tires.Redline280 wrote:Thanks for the advice. I am a very defensive driver especially since I am driving on the interstate on the way to school and must be defensive. Do you know if a 2001 Honda Civic would be good for the winter?
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- Master Standardshifter
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Remember that the principal purpose of ABS is to allow you to maintain steering control while braking hard. Steering, not braking, is the number one way to avoid an accident. Unless you practice on a regular basis, combining threshold braking with steering, without ABS, is probably not going to work too well for you in an emergency. ABS allows you to stomp the brakes and focus on your steering. That's it main benefit.
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the civic is too light to maintain traction in the snow; i'd step up to the accord if you like hondas, or do as hockeystick recommends and keep the escort as the winter beater (if it's not falling apart) and get a nicer car for the warmer months.
ClutchFork wrote:...So I started carrying a stick of firewood with me and that became my parking brake.
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- Master Standardshifter
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In a lot of conditions, ABS will help you aviod accidents, and brake slightly shorter. However, remember, ABS, or anything for that matter, is really going to help you stop on ice.
Additionally, ABS can actually INCREASE stopping distances on loose surfaces such as snow and gravel.
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/vrtc/ca/ca ... nalRpt.pdf
traction control can help you get going easier in the snow, and accelerate out of turns easier, however, most road traction control systems will NOT help if you go into a turn too fast and start sliding (they only function under acceleration.
I wouldn't let winter stop you from getting a newer car, just be careful.
Additionally, ABS can actually INCREASE stopping distances on loose surfaces such as snow and gravel.
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/vrtc/ca/ca ... nalRpt.pdf
traction control can help you get going easier in the snow, and accelerate out of turns easier, however, most road traction control systems will NOT help if you go into a turn too fast and start sliding (they only function under acceleration.
I wouldn't let winter stop you from getting a newer car, just be careful.
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- Senior Standardshifter
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+1. Nothing wrong with getting a new car - just don't be like some of the drivers out there who think to themselves, "I have AWD, the new ABS with EBD, and traction control, so I can take this icy curve doing 60 miles an hour with no problems."ra64t wrote: I wouldn't let winter stop you from getting a newer car, just be careful.
The truth is, you really can't.
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You can both brake and steer on ice. The myth that you cannot is dangerous, since it can lead to people not learning how to drive on ice. The key is to give yourself space and keep the wheels rolling. ABS helps you keep the wheels rolling and therefore to maintain steering control.
It is true that ABS will increase stopping distances on some surfaces. But then again, any technique you use to maintain steering control on those surfaces will increase stopping distances.
It is terrible how many people in emergency situations simply jam on the brakes and run straight into the obstacle in front of them because they forget to steer. Steering, not braking, is the number one accident avoidance technique in an emergency. ABS helps you maintain steering control. Think of it as a steering aid rather than a braking aid and you will appreciate its importance better.
It is true that studies have shown that ABS does not improve safety because drivers with ABS drive faster and reduce their following distances, believing that ABS gives them better braking. But this does not take anything away from the value of the technology -- it merely indicates the stupidity of the average driver. If you are less stupid than the average driver, and don't drive worse because you have ABS, then the technology is a boon. A full ESP system, of course, is even better.
It is true that ABS will increase stopping distances on some surfaces. But then again, any technique you use to maintain steering control on those surfaces will increase stopping distances.
It is terrible how many people in emergency situations simply jam on the brakes and run straight into the obstacle in front of them because they forget to steer. Steering, not braking, is the number one accident avoidance technique in an emergency. ABS helps you maintain steering control. Think of it as a steering aid rather than a braking aid and you will appreciate its importance better.
It is true that studies have shown that ABS does not improve safety because drivers with ABS drive faster and reduce their following distances, believing that ABS gives them better braking. But this does not take anything away from the value of the technology -- it merely indicates the stupidity of the average driver. If you are less stupid than the average driver, and don't drive worse because you have ABS, then the technology is a boon. A full ESP system, of course, is even better.
Just some guy on the Internet. Heed with care.
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- Senior Standardshifter
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This is not exactly true. Most traction control systems prevent you from getting going easily in the snow. This is probably because the systems are programmed to allow a certaing amount of slip. This certain amount might be suitable for ice or other hard surfaces but on loose snow or sand that amount is too little in most cases. That's why many systems can be switched off.ra64t wrote: traction control can help you get going easier in the snow,
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- Master Standardshifter
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That's not exactly true either. In most snow, traction control will help. Where is will not is if you are stuck in deep snow and trying to rock yourself out. That's where you need to turn it off.DW10+BE4/5L wrote:This is not exactly true. Most traction control systems prevent you from getting going easily in the snow.
Just some guy on the Internet. Heed with care.
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