Car for snowy/icy roads

[sLADe781]

Hey guys, so we're planning to go snowboarding and I need to know what type of car we would need to travel on a snowy/icy terrain? 4WD? Or will a 2WD work? Do we NEED chains on our tires if we had a 4WD? Or do we need it regardless? What if the road is just icy? Or just snowy...what would we need then (what type of car and/or chains)?

Finally, do snow chains really mess up tires? If so, how bad?

Thanks for the help.

[VR43000GT]

You can do it with 2wd but I highly reccomend it is FWD. I have driven RWD in the winter but it is a daunting task and is very easy to lose your back end...especially without experience. You shouldn't need chains unless the area you are driving in is an area that is rarely snow plowed and consists of quite steep roads. If you can, try and get an AWD/4WD vehicle if you can. Makes such a difference it is unreal. Either way, if you have never driven on snow/ice be careful and take it slow. Have fun!

[AutostradaVR4]

unless you're driving up/down a mountain, or on unplowed roads like SL said, chains are probably overkill. But if you have the coice of a vehicle with snow tires and one with just regular all-terrains, Definitely go with the snow tires.
Just take it slow and give yourself plenty of time to stop, especially if you dont have ABS. FWD is nice...AWD is better...RWD must be driven with caution, but can be done. I drove my moms thunderbird through 2 winters in upstate NY...one with All Terrains and one with Snows. Fun times. You learn alot about car control driving on snow.

[sLADe781]

Okay cool, thanks guys. We have a FWD so I think we should be okay given your inputs. I've been boarding before but just haven't drive up there with a FWD before so I just wanted to make sure we'll be okay. Thanks again!

[Girly VR-4]

as long as you have decent tires, just drive slow, you'll be fine.