[Graybeard]

This is about safety and getting there, not racing.

My son is just starting a weekly commute of 50 miles each way on crooked road crossing the Sierras just north of Truckee. The elevation is all above 4,000 feet, so snowstorms and black ice will be frequent challenges.

He can put snow tires on the front of his 2002 Windstar cargo van, which has over 200K miles, but it's no doubt time for a change to a more capable car. Our 2004 Monterey minivan has Advance Trac, outside air temp, etc, which are definite improvements, but doesn't have high ground clearance.

I know 4WD cars still have only 4-wheel brakes, so I don't know if that would be worthwhile. What car and what tires would be best for this job?

GB

[trhaus]

im not sure this belongs in performance but i would go with a escape and a good winter tires
the escape is amzing in the winter.

[mac]

I would also get a set of chains for whatever vehicle you run.

[Graybeard]

Thanks for the replies. I learned that the #1 selling car in snowy, cold Montana is the F-150, and #2 is Subaru Outback AWD. Nokian studded tires are preferred.

I found a deal on a 2003 Windstar Limited with Advance Trac, and installed a set of slightly used Nokian studdeds. His '02 Windstar with summer tires has done real good in snow and ice in Reno, but this one should be much better.

Hwy 49 on his route goes from 3,000 ft up to 6700 and back down to 5000 ft of really crooked, narrow asphalt. Go out of the lanes, and you hit a tree, or worse. They keep it plowed, but that summit got 18 feet of snow last winter.

I am a bit disappointed that the Outside Air Temp display on the Limited does not alert when near 32 degrees.

[70XL]

Winter tires are the key, and best thing you can do for any vehicle operated in snowy and icy conditions. Four wheel drive doesn't help you stop, or turn, so tires over 4X4 any day. I remember when my father first ogt winter tires for his Windstar. With the stock all season tires the traction control was coming on the whole way up the hill by the house, with the winter tires you could accelerate up that street without the TC cutting at all. It was like the van had four wheel drive, except it would stop and turn much, much better.

[70XL]

Winter tires make all the difference in snowy and icy conditions. Four wheel drive doesn't help you stop, or turn, so tires over 4X4 any day, and studs are even better on ice.