Safety in Snow: Driving RWD Cars in Winter Conditions

Drivers who learned to navigate snowy roads in rear wheel drive (RWD) vehicles have honed essential winter driving skills. Whether it be the classic Hillman Hunter or contemporary RWD models like those from Volvos and BMWs, maintaining control and staying safe is key.

Learning to Drive in the Snow

My journey began in February 1974, in the snowy landscapes of Iowa. By then, RWD cars were the norm. Early winter driving taught me to be cautious and rely on my intuition. Staying light on the throttle, brakes, and steering wheel became second nature. In slippery conditions, I learned to use minimal input with the steering wheel, focusing on feedback from the vehicle.

RWD: A Legacy of Winter Driving

Automaker traditions like Volvo and BMW have long favored RWD. In the past, RWD was the only or primary drivetrain for these brands. As winter tyres became more prevalent, RWD cars successfully navigated a variety of snow and ice conditions without issues. The absence of modern technologies often meant relying more on driving skills and experience.

Surviving in the Days of RWD

The era of rear-wheel drive saw interesting challenges. Front-wheel drive (FWD) became more common in the mid-to-late 1980s and beyond. Prior to that, 99 out of 100 cars were RWD, with 4WD primarily used for off-road situations. Despite the lack of FWD, these RWD cars performed well. Winter driving required brains, experience, and practice in empty parking lots to recover from skids.

Modern Challenges for RWD Cars

However, not all RWD cars are created equal. Personal experience with a short-wheelbase RWD vehicle with high horsepower and wide tires highlights the potential dangers of driving such vehicles in icy conditions. My son, who recently purchased a high-performance RWD car, agreed that this car would need to sit during the winter due to its wide tires and high power output, which are unsuitable for icy roads.

The power-to-weight ratio is a critical factor in winter driving. A RWD car with a power-to-weight ratio that is too high and a short wheelbase can be particularly dangerous. When combined with wide tires and minimal access to road salt, such a vehicle is not ideal for winter use. Regularly practicing recovery techniques and using common sense are essential to navigating the winter season safely.

While digital resources can provide valuable insights, hands-on experience and practical skill development remain the cornerstone of winter driving safety. Whether driving an RWD, FWD, or AWD vehicle, staying informed and prepared is key to surviving the winter.