Yep. Ground clearance is an issue with most FWD as the snow can pack under the front cradel and trans axle. This kills the front traction on them.

Shutting down the traction control at times can help but we all need to watch how we work the transaxle as it will not take a harsh abuse with out damage like a old Turbo 400 or 350 tranny.

 

Rock N, you are correct about the traction control. If you are stuck, you should at least try to turn it off and see if you can get un-stuck but like hyperV6 says, don't overdo it with trying to get un-stuck. You don't want to kill the trans. Once un-stuck turn the traction control back on because it is very helpful in normal driving.

After replacing the horrendous stock tires, my HHR does fine in the snow. No better or worse than other FWD cars I have owned.

 

Yea it was 4 degrees here this moring, and the road crews were not out to salt last night. I have firestone's and I spun around trying to stop on 1" thick ice in my development.

 

I have Goodyear Tripletreds as well and even with good tires the HHR is not very good in inclement weather. I suppose that it has to do with weight. The engines in them are all Aluminum and not very heavy. Makes me glad I have a Cherokee 4x4. That thing will go anywhere!

 

How does one turn off the traction control?

 

If you have an auto 06 or 07 then shifting into L is the only way to shut it off.

 

and Reverse.

On the 08's: To turn the system off or on, press and release the ESC/TCS button located on the instrument panel.

 

At the risk of being obvious, you might try getting snow tires to drive in snow. As a former Triple Tread owner, I can relate to the fact that they are NOT snow tires. They are good all seasons at best and that's a huge difference if you are looking for traction on ice or in snow.

 

Am I the only one who lives in a very snowy area on All Season tires and has no issues driving?

I have no special skills and as long as some idiot is not in my way I can go anywhere ground clearance is not an issue.

In years past people in RWD on poor All Season tires got where they were going with no isses. Why so many compplaints today on better tires on cars with electronic aids that we nevere imagined 30 years ago.

Is it just me noticing or is there a lack of slick road driving present today.

Note this is not directed at anyone just something I noticed in many post on manyh threads on this site.

The first thing anyone should do is in the first snow shut off the aids and hit an empty snow covered parking lot. You can learn alot about a car and tires there.

My SS has proven to be a Panzer on its Triple Treads just as my GTP is.

Even today with the cold temps and icy roads I never suffered any tense moments. On the other hand all the crashed vehicles I saw were 4x4 on winter tires.

Just be smooth and steady and you will get through about anything even on the worst tires.

My only limiting factor is ground clearance. Once it get too deep the air dam is an issue. It pushes the snow and I worry about the paint.

 

i live south of buffalo and had no problems with the 4 blizzaks i put on,it is like driving my wifes 08 trailblazer in 4wd.it is actually fun driving a front wheel drive vehicle in the snow.i am used to 4wd or rwd.