Dear Scotty,
I have a 2011 Subaru Impreza 2.5i naturally aspirated engine that has 163,000 KM, (~100,000 miles) on it with an automatic transmission. I have no issues with the car and maintain it well.
I live in Alberta, Canada where the roads are often snowy/icy.
I am wondering if it is safe for the transmission and suspension to put sandbags in the back of the car in order to weigh down the back? This is a very common thing in western Canada
Is this harmful or useful in any way considering the AWD system and the fact that it is a 4Dr sedan?
Thanks
I think it's safe for the car, as long as you stay within the load limits (printed on door sticker). It would be like having extra passengers.
This is a hatch yes? My primary concern would be, "what are these sandbags going to do if I'm in a collision?"
It might be smart to install some good winter tire. And if the roads are so bad that a AWD car with winter rubber can't get around .... maybe it's time to stay home. 🙂
I would avoid it. That’s a pretty well balanced all wheel drive vehicle. You add an excessive amount of weight it’ll throw off the whol handling of the vehicle. Sand bags in the trunk is more of a grasp at straws for traction in a rear wheel drive car or pick up
Should not be needed with 4-wheel-drive. Reminds of someone I know years ago who bought a Hyundai Excel and put sand bags in the back for extra traction. 😆
what? if he gets stuck he can just empty the sandbags out under the wheels 😆
Actually, he did get stuck one evening and proceeded to shovel sand under the rear wheels. The mind boggles.
hah. poor guy