General HHR Discuss anything related to the Chevy HHR that doesnt seem to fit into the more specific categories below.

Handling in the snow

Old Jul 4, 2007 | 09:58 PM
  #1  
charga's Avatar
Thread Starter
New Member
 
Joined: 07-02-2007
Posts: 10
From: Lowell, Mass
Handling in the snow

Living in Massachusetts at times the winters can get rough with nor'easter snowstorms we occasionally get. I would like to know how well does the HHR handle in the snow. I'm referring to driving with caution. I'm not wild over the idea of having to put the HHR thru winter driving and would if financially capable keep my 93 Chevy 4x4 Stepside for winter driving.
Old Jul 4, 2007 | 10:15 PM
  #2  
RUDEINC's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 07-17-2006
Posts: 520
From: Beyond the Sun....
I personally think that the factory firestones (mine were the 16" version) absolutely sucked in the snow, slush, and ice. I sold tires for quite a few years and know a little about the subject so I opted for a set of snows and what a huge difference. I drive over 100 miles each day in and out of Chicago weather and the HHR is my work car so I needed a dependable tire and those Firestones sure were not the answer for me......Regards
Old Jul 4, 2007 | 10:43 PM
  #3  
courthousedeb's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 04-19-2006
Posts: 5,065
From: Arvada CO
I didn't have any problems with my HHR getting around in the snow last winter and mine has the factory 16" Firestone Affinity tires. Now granted it didn't it didn't see the street when we had 3 feet of snow, but when the roads were cleared good enough to go out, I had no problems at all. I've lived in Colorado my entire life and never had the need for snow tires...at least in the last 20 years or so.
Old Jul 4, 2007 | 10:53 PM
  #4  
Chizzer's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 06-11-2007
Posts: 291
From: Ottawa, Canada
I'll see how it fares in the brutal Ottawa winters we get... will report back in six months.
Old Jul 4, 2007 | 10:54 PM
  #5  
RUDEINC's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 07-17-2006
Posts: 520
From: Beyond the Sun....
Originally Posted by courthousedeb
I didn't have any problems with my HHR getting around in the snow last winter and mine has the factory 16" Firestone Affinity tires. Now granted it didn't it didn't see the street when we had 3 feet of snow, but when the roads were cleared good enough to go out, I had no problems at all. I've lived in Colorado my entire life and never had the need for snow tires...at least in the last 20 years or so.

Yeah, but you don't drive anywhere.. ....how many miles do you have on now?
Old Jul 4, 2007 | 10:54 PM
  #6  
charga's Avatar
Thread Starter
New Member
 
Joined: 07-02-2007
Posts: 10
From: Lowell, Mass
Originally Posted by RUDEINC
I personally think that the factory firestones (mine were the 16" version) absolutely sucked in the snow, slush, and ice. I sold tires for quite a few years and know a little about the subject so I opted for a set of snows and what a huge difference. I drive over 100 miles each day in and out of Chicago weather and the HHR is my work car so I needed a dependable tire and those Firestones sure were not the answer for me......Regards
I'm no stranger to in the past of putting on a pair of snow tires for safety sake. I may need to depend on the HHR for a daily commuter/work truck to get me thru the day.
Old Jul 4, 2007 | 11:00 PM
  #7  
courthousedeb's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 04-19-2006
Posts: 5,065
From: Arvada CO
Originally Posted by RUDEINC
Yeah, but you don't drive anywhere.. ....how many miles do you have on now?
When I wasn't working...you're right, I didn't put many miles on my HHR. However, during the brutal winter storms we had here last winter, Smoke was the best transportation for my boyfriend and I. He drives a 74 Olds Cutlass which is a rear wheel drive Lead Sled and sucks in the snow.

BTW...when I went back to work in February, Smoke had about 2500 miles on him. On my way to work tomorrow, he will cross the 7600 mile mark. Plus, I'm headed to Kansas City this weekend, so we can add at least 1200 miles to that.
Old Jul 4, 2007 | 11:04 PM
  #8  
Harpozep's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 05-01-2006
Posts: 2,507
From: New London, CT USA
I'm thinking since I'm getting a spare set of rims and at least one of my current ones is scratched badly, then I can get a rim set together for an eventual set of snows if needed.

I'm used to much heavier cars in the snow. Light four bangers just don't inspire confidence for me. Though I do love the HHR, I really like six and eight cyl engines. If there were room, I' love a six since I'm sure it would get better MPG like my dad's Monte Carlo does
Old Jul 5, 2007 | 07:17 AM
  #9  
-md- HHR's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 06-23-2006
Posts: 578
From: Northeast Ohio in the Lake
I think the only problem you will have is the **** tires in the winter....any other tire would probably work better.
I live in the snow belt up by lake erie, and the tires suck.
I will have some new winter tires soon.
Old Jul 5, 2007 | 08:37 AM
  #10  
RUDEINC's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 07-17-2006
Posts: 520
From: Beyond the Sun....
Originally Posted by -md- HHR
I think the only problem you will have is the **** tires in the winter....any other tire would probably work better.
I live in the snow belt up by lake erie, and the tires suck.
I will have some new winter tires soon.
Amen Brother!!!! I couldn't have said it better myself.....

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:44 PM.