Driving Cross Country In Winter

[skulipeg]

If you tried to bike to school here in the winter
#1. You would freeze.
#2. I'd love to see the legs on the person who could pedal through snow drifts.
#3. At -40C it's difficult to bike very far because you have so much clothing on.
It's easier to ride a horse in snow than a bike.

Here in Winnipeg, Manitoba (aka Winterpeg, Manisnowba) we have couriers and die-hard bicyclists that bike all throughout the winter! But it's definitely not for everyone, and admittedly I'm one of the first to call them crazy! Although they DO have some pretty admirable leg muscles on them!

In answer to the original post - in good winter driving conditions, a Mazda 6 will have no problem making the trek. But there is always the potential for a winter storm to blow through, which can quickly create hazardous driving conditions for any type of vehicle. Personally, we invested in a Subaru, which has all-wheel drive, and we find it makes a huge difference in our winter driving. But my sister, who lives in Kimberley BC and drives to Cranbrook BC every day, has a Honda Civic, which suits her just fine. My parents are on Vancouver Island, and recently purchased a Nissan Pathfinder specifically for winter driving at home and on the road trips to visit her.

A better question to ask may be if your daughter is up for the adventure. Is she a confident and cautious (but not overly cautious) driver? Has she driven in stressful driving conditions before - slippery, icy, snowy. If so, then she'll be fine. But if she is nervous, and if it's financially viable, then sell the vehicle and buy one there. Just be prepared for a little bit of sticker shock - you'll find our prices are often much higher than yours for many vehicles. In fact, we purchased our last two vehicles (one new Subaru and one used Mazda) in the US and saved a lot of $$$.

Another point to make is that the weather doesn't always cooperate, and sometimes even leaving several days early may not help. If there is a big storm that blows through, and if there are roads closed as a result, then she may not get there in time. Will that happen...likely not, but you just never know. Is it possible to have her fly there and have someone else bring her vehicle at a later date?

 

[Liz Wolf-Spada]

I would definitely not let her drive alone and would suggest driving with her and then flying back or selling the car and purchasing something else. As a parent, I would just be too nervous.
Liz

 

[Judy]

A few years ago, we drove from Virginia to Colorado in January. Going across the plains, we hit an ice storm. We had experience with cold weather driving, having spent several winters in the Colorado mountains and we had a 4-wheel drive SUV with all-weather tires. But we were no match for heavy rain freezing on the windshield and the road surface. We got off the road at the first opportunity and stayed in a motel until the storm was over. When the roads were cleared the next morning, we resumed our trip. We passed more than a dozen vehicles that had crashed, or were in the ditch. IMHO, driving in that kind of weather is extremely dangerous, no matter how well prepared you are.

If you decide that your daughter should drive, in addition to all of the suggestions already posted, make sure that she has sufficient time and money to get off the road in bad weather.

WARNING: Unless this practice has been outlawed since my son drove to college, some motels will not rent to unaccompanied students. He was turned away while driving home from his school in Illinois, even though he was too tired to continue on safely.

 

[Passepartout]

My guess is that well intentioned anecdotes have frightened the OP out of any likelihood of a wintertime coast-to-coast motoring trip. It would be better pre-Autumn semester than Spring, but that wasn't the question asked.

Can bad, inconvenient, delaying, challenging, or even disastrous things happen on any long trip. Yup. And after 25-30 cross-country trips a year for over 25 years, I experienced most of them and saw the rest happen to others. I was based in Utah, where the slogan on the license plates reads: 'Greatest Snow on Earth'. The vast majority of my trips across the country were absolutely uneventful.

With proper preparation of her vehicle, some mental preparation, especially that there's no need to 'press on' in adverse conditions. A little map study at the beginning of each day's driving helps give the assurance of knowing where one is and is on the proper route. Most likely she will get to her destination with no more than a few good stories to tell.

It will be interesting to see what decision will be made and how it works out. To the OP; if your DD decides to go for it and you need any specific pointers, feel free to PM.

Jim Ricks

 

[madra dubh]

Thank You All!

I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to answer my post. The thoughtful information you provided is very helpful. For instance, I never would have thought to pack a candle or toilet paper. And I've never given any thought to how a car should be accessorized for severe winters (i.e., battery size and heater cables).
I think selling her car in NJ and buying one in Kelowna is probably the best idea. The money that would be spent driving (est. $1000 -$1500) could go toward the cost of a car in BC.
Once we make a decision, I'll update this post.
Again, sincere thanks to everyone.
Best Regards,
Maureen

 

[madra dubh]

If you decide that your daughter should drive, in addition to all of the suggestions already posted, make sure that she has sufficient time and money to get off the road in bad weather.

WARNING: Unless this practice has been outlawed since my son drove to college, some motels will not rent to unaccompanied students. He was turned away while driving home from his school in Illinois, even though he was too tired to continue on safely.

Judy - I hope that practice has been outlawed! I hope he was able to find some place to rest. Thanks for letting me know about that.
If my daughter drives to BC, either her Dad or I would go along and would pick up the tab for motels, food, gas, etc.
Maureen

 

[madra dubh]

To the OP; if your DD decides to go for it and you need any specific pointers, feel free to PM.

Jim Ricks

Jim. If she does decide to drive, I may PM you. Thank You, Maureen

 

[madra dubh]

By the way, which school is she going to in Kelowna? Kelowna is a very beautiful city, especially in the spring and summer when the fruit is in season.

Okanangan College in Kelowna. Haven't seen Kelowna myself, but my daughter says it's beautiful. She'll be living in a house in Westbank that overlooks Lake Okanagan and has a stunning view.

 

[Patri]

If my daughter drives to BC, either her Dad or I would go along and would pick up the tab for motels, food, gas, etc.
Maureen

Yes, go along. It will be a great road trip and bonding time. You'll have some precious conversations.