My wife and I purchased a house last year with a long steep gravel driveway through a heavily wooded area in northern Maryland. Over the winter, we had a snowfall of about 6 inches and due to the combination of the snow that wouldn't melt because of tree cover, the gravel, and my car (Toyota Corolla), we were trapped for about a month. We are having the driveway filled in as there are several potholes (paving isn't an option due to cost) and we are getting a heavy-duty snow thrower, but now I'm trying to determine the best vehicle to purchase. I'm currently looking at a mid-size or larger SUV so I can haul trashcans a quarter mile to the public road. Would 4WD be the best option? Is AWD sufficient?
Thank you for your help!
Either AWD or 4WD should work.
Don't forget the need for tires with good ice traction.
Agreed with this fully. To add a little, take a look at nokian tires, they are made in finland, and make some of the best winter tires on the market. I don't live up north, but I have to travel there in the winter now and then, and want to make sure I have the best traction. Their rotiiva AT line it great for all year, but is good for an area like maryland that may see some pretty deep snow now and then.
Quick suggestion: Get a couple bags of road salt and pour it on your driveway, it should help you gain at least some traction, also tire chains wouldn't be a bad idea either. And if you're really stuck, try putting a flat piece of wood or heavy duty cardboard in front of your cars drive tires. (Your car is FWD so that would be right underneath your front tires.)
AWD is great in the snow
