Quote:
Originally Posted by riverc0il  Snow tires are more of an issue, IMO, in most conditions. Depends on the type of snow too. I have easily drove right through over half a foot (above my ground clearance on a small coupe) of very dense and heavy snow. More of a concern would be junk in the snow getting up in the under carriage. Certainly big snow totals would favor a higher ground clearance vehicle with snows, but below critical clearance levels, snows are more important as it won't matter that the higher ground clearance vehicles are above the snow if the tires are not gripping. How often do people need to drive through more than 6" of untouched snow aside from backing out of a parking space? Not really a factor for most drivers in my mind. |
Clearance becomes an issue in "sportier" cars, of which I have. Lower profile tires, bigger wheels and suspension bring the car lower to the ground. I've heard very bad reports of cars not handling well if you try to raise the height by going back to, let's say 16" tires.
I agree that traction is the more important issue unless you are off-roading. (Lots of people like to give the impression that's what they do, and never do. Like the people with giganta-suv's in my town who's sole job is to shuttle muffy and buffy to school and pickup mass quantities of bread and milk for the "storm of the century"
For me, clearance is pretty much a non-issue, since I almost always drive on plowed (or recently plowed) roads.
Interestingly, I'm starting to see more Prius up-country, I wonder how they are faring?