HHR in Snow
Senior Member
Joined: 07-05-2008
Posts: 5,464
From: Akron Ohio
This is my 1st winter with my 08 HHR. It's an auto w/o abs or traction control. I put brand new Dunlop Graspix snow tires on it just after Thanksgiving. I have never driven a car this "challenged" by snowy roads. Even with the new snow tires it still sucks in the snow. The only reason that I haven't traded it for something better in the snow is because I really love driving this car when the roads are clear.
My last 2 vehicles were rear wheel drive Ford Rangers. They were great in the snow compaired to this car.
I am looking around for something else to drive. If I can find something cheap enough I will take the HHR off the road for the winter.
My last 2 vehicles were rear wheel drive Ford Rangers. They were great in the snow compaired to this car.
I am looking around for something else to drive. If I can find something cheap enough I will take the HHR off the road for the winter.
The HHR with the electronic controls is like a tank.
Former Sponsor
Joined: 08-18-2009
Posts: 1,036
From: Canada
mine handles fine in the snow even on the firestone stock junk..and mine is lowered to boot..I agree with the SS guys and the intercooler..very prone to a chunk of ice not to mention rot from road salt..that crap is killer on alum parts..as for handling..its all in the driver..driving on poor road conditions is a skill and should not be left up to the performance of a vehicle..reminds me of typical SUV mentallity..we probably pull more "supposed"winter friendy cars out of ditches/spin outs/collisions ets..than sum of the old junk with bald tires you see wizzin by most of the time..I remember my old pick up in school.20 years ago.you could have used my tires for snow tubin they were so bald..no shocks left..bent tie rod.(oh the good ol days)..still made it everyday incident free....if u can spare the room,,throw sum sand bags in the back..ull notice a big difference..run really nice with a full load in the panel..
New Member
Joined: 08-22-2009
Posts: 13
From: Weedsport
What really disapoints me is that I've also had 3 Escorts, a Buick Century, and a Hyundai Elantra, all w/o traction control and they were great in the snow. I finally get a car that is easy on the eyes but it wont go in the snow.
Of course I have been checking out a 2002 ElDorado that might become my new "winter rat"
If I have to put the HHR up then I have to have something with enough style to take it's place, right ????
Of course I have been checking out a 2002 ElDorado that might become my new "winter rat"
If I have to put the HHR up then I have to have something with enough style to take it's place, right ????
Member
Joined: 11-30-2008
Posts: 61
From: New York
my first time driving on snow covered roads was a few weeks ago roughly a month after getting my senior license did alota summer driving with my junior license to work but i only had one sketchy moment of not being able to turn as i went towards a canal but that was my fault locked the wheels a lil too much once i let off the brake a bit was able to turn and not go swimming the car points where you want it to go fine on slick roads and im using the factor ls tires with 33000 miles on them with a better tire i would have not hadd a bit of a problem but that was the most snow ive seen on long island in my 17 yrs of living
Senior Member
Joined: 01-13-2008
Posts: 4,708
From: Washington State, where it rains
Braking in snow/ice is an aquired skill, takes a bit of time to learn ALL the conditions and situations........going forward in bad weather is easy, people prove this all the time.....slowing and stopping is a totally different scenerio, and this is proven daily!
If it wasn't for the non-drivers the tow companies would be hurting for business......
If it wasn't for the non-drivers the tow companies would be hurting for business......
