Eva&Lowkey

My husband and I are headed to N. Carolina for a week in January, where we’re renting a cabin at literally the very top of Beech Mountain. The private road leading to the driveway is extremely steep; when we were there a few years ago in the winter with a Jeep, we slid a few times trying to get up that road.

We have both basically lived our entire lives in SW Florida, so obviously have very limited exposure to snow, ice and its consequences. Our question is, are there any special precautions we need to take when we drive up this January in our STi? We drove up with the STi last year, but not during winter. It handled the roads like a dream, but did seem to struggle just a bit trying to get up the extra steep private road and driveway, even in dry weather. Not that it started smoking or anything, but it definitely wasn’t a quiet ride.

We’ve never otherwise pushed the car in any aspect; I basically use it just for driving to work and back everyday. It’s a 2004 and we’ve never had any problems with it. It has about 35,000 miles and just had its complete 30k-mile maintenance. Furthermore, we replaced all 4 tires about 5,000 miles ago with Sumitomo mud & snow tires.

So, being that we are completely ignorant about driving in ice and snow, our question would more specifically be, should we still get chains for the tires?

Also, exactly how tough are the Subarus when it comes to icy mountainsides? We enjoy driving the STi immensely and would really prefer taking it up again rather than renting a car. If there are any extra measures we should take, please let us know.

ipozestu

iTrader: (18)

There should be no reason why the STi can't handle just about anything you throw at it. My first question was going to be if you replaced the tires yet. It seems that you have already done so.
As with any situation, drive within your limits. If your uncomfortable in the snow, take it easy. Nothing says that you have to barrel like a WRC driver. As long as your wheels a rolling you should be able to control the car. Hard braking in the snow is a true test of your tires. If they are grippy in the snow they will slow you down. If not they will engage the ABS. Let the ABS do it's thing. The pedal will feel soft, you may hear a funny noise. All of this is normal just stay on the brake and let the ABS do it's job. Try to brake before you have to turn not while your turning. The subies do very well with a little throttle while turning. Don't be affraid to use the AWD. It is the best thing you can have in the snow. Sometimes more throttle will work better to et you out of a pickle than more brake.
Try to be smooth while applying your throttle, especially in low gear. The STi has a lot of power and even with snow tires can break loose. If you get stuck on an incline, try starting your roll in second gear with more throttle, there is less torque, which will make the tires less likely to break loose.
Buckle your seat belt. There's a good tip.
Have fun, once you start to get comfortable find a snow covered parking lot and rip it up a bit. Your not going to hurt it. Play around and get a feel for the car on the slippery surface. It is difficult to say when your car is going to get squirlly. If you get your self into an open lot where it is safe to make it go squirlly. You'll have a better idea on what you and the car are capable of.
As with anything, driving in the snow takes practice to gain experience. Stay within YOUR limits and let the car do what it does best.
Hope you have a safe/fun trip. Take some pics and post of the STi going sideways and your grin from ear to ear.

Eva&Lowkey

Sorry it's taken me this long to respond ~ don't you hate when work interferes with your downtime? :P Thanks very much for the great advice! Good to know that the Subarus are pretty much as tough as we had heard they were. That was the best advice you gave: just trust the STi, let it do its thing, and don't drive outside our comfort parameters. Got it!

BTW, we do already always wear our seatbelt. It's just common sense. Thanks again for the advice and happy Thanksgiving to all!