Help! I'm falling off the wagon!

Yeah, the ground clearance on the Prius sucks. Back in December, we got about 2 feet of snow in a single day, and going out after that I got stuck once... and only avoided it a few other times by building up some speed and powering through it!

Personally, I'm looking to get a truck (for other reasons, though!) to use as a second vehicle. Mostly runs to home depot and back. But it will be useful while waiting for the roads to be cleared!

 

Take a deep breath. Exhale. Relax. Remember, you just had more snow than you've had in 30 years. Think about how much improvement they'll make in fuel economy for the FJ if you wait another 30 years until the next time you get snows like that!

We had about 20 inches of snow yesterday. I happily stayed home and avoided the mess on the roads.

 

But what if you have to take your sick child to the doctor, it is just like buying insurance without the expectation to use it but to protect yourself.
The Prius is not meant to be driven in any kind of snow especially the G2. If you are in a snowy area, it is safer to have a second vehicle just in case.

 

Spoken like a true southern. Now it's time to for northern to chime... after taking a moment to look out the window and contemplate how much new snow is falling at this very moment.

Anywho, Prius is perfectly fine in the snow. It's not built for combat though. The typical depth I've encountered over the past 11 winters (yes, since 2000 with all 3 generations) here in Minnesota hasn't been any trouble.

Better tires is the key with G2. That's not necessary with G3, since it has the improved traction-control. But upgrading does give peace of mind.
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Two words: Nokian WRg2s! In the worst case, buy a $20 set of chains!

Those of us that grew up driving big american boats in the '50's and 60's in northern climes, with no 4 wd,, we all managed to get our kids to the doctor, or get to work etc. We have become so untrained in how to drive in adverse conditions! 2' of snow is a lot, and even the large suv's have trouble navigating. If it is that bad, you don't need to go 99% of the time!

 

...or you could move to Phoenix, and shovel sunshine.

 

we just got 2' yesterday. fortunately, they do a great job plowing around here. we didn't go anywhere, but if we had to, it wouldn't have been an issue. i've driven thru 6" without a problem and it never gets over 2-3 before the plow hits it again.

 

When it snows, I wait for the roads to be plowed before I go out. In a medical emergency, you call an ambulance. Buying a gas guzzler, that you will either use when it is not needed, or leave it sitting and rusting in the driveway, makes no sense.

Let's say your child has an emergency. You climb in your 4X4 that you bought for this purpose, and then get stopped because the road is blocked by other folks whose cars cannot make it. You call an ambulance, it can go through red lights, other cars have to pull over for it.

And of course, as John says, if you are really concerned, you put good snow tires on. My 2004 Prius with all-season Hydroedge tires (bought that autumn when John recommended them) handles better than my 1989 Civic did with snow tires. I've never put snow tires on my Prius because I've never needed them.

But the best thing is to wait for the snow plows. Or buy a snowmobile.

 

My second vehicle is a diesel 4WD truck. I need to be able to get to work in the snow and other bad weather. The truck is for bad weather and truck-stuff.

I know it's politically-incorrect around here to say it, but if I couldn't afford two vehicles, I'm not sure I'd have a Prius at all. I'd probably have something sensible and 4WD, like an A4 quattro or a small 4WD SUV.

 

Prius ground clearance is pretty average for a car. It's not great, it's not bad.

Tom

 

Yep, that is exactly why I have the giant 4x4 parked next to my helicopter parked above my bunker. You just can't be too safe

 

Yes ,I agree take a deep breath. Would be a big mistake with fuel cost heading the way they are! You may have to get a set of chains or maybe some Blizzak's,<grin>to replace those all season Nokian's!. Hang in there, H

 

If you look at the specs for most passenger cars, the Prius is often within 1/2 inch of others cars, as has been reported here many times. The clearance isn't nearly as bad as you think.

 

Hi Dave, long time no hear. I'd agree with several here that the best thing you can do for a snow-prius (or any low 2WD car) is to get real tires. For an ice-prius, chains or straps and drive really slow.

It will never be a snow plow like a tall 4WD, so let's be realistic about that and not dirve into ditches.

Too bad Honda no longer produces the 1990-era 4WD civic. That was a pretty nice little 30 mpg snowmobile.

 

Most of you posters did not read the OP. David tells us that they only plow the side streets a couple times each year...David is driving on hard packed snow, maybe a little sand throw on it if he's lucky.
When people ask me about my Prius, I tell them that if they MUST drive during a snow storm, to get another vehicle. Because of it's ground clearance, the Prius is not made to drive in 12" or more of snow...even with chains....the snow will lift the car...giving you no traction.....
This is why I have a Olds Bravada AWD parked in the drive.....right in front of my Prius...

 

I lived in Buffalo NY for 3 years and drove a Dodge Colt aka Mitsu Mirage. No big deal, although I still shake my head in wonder at the locals who would spin their tyres at intersections and turn the snow into ice.

 

Try not to drink so much

Oh wait wrong wagon

The last couple of years I have only put on 2,000-3,000 miles per year. Which is why I chose to sell the Prius for a good price and keep the FJ

My FJ has "real" traction control so combined with factory studded winter tires and 600 lbs of traction sandbags in the cargo area, is generally unstoppable. I have a lot of fun on glare ice in 2H blowing the doors off 4x4's running "all season" tires in 4H

Since October when I changed the oil in my FJ, I have put on a whopping 600 miles. If this keeps up not only will I need to keep using the Battery Minder, but will probably need gas stabalizer

 

The EV Rav4 will be available soon.