How To Drive A Toyota Corolla In The Snow

Toyota / By

The Toyota Corolla is a car with 6.7 inches of good ground clearance. Naturally, this means that light to medium snow is suitable for driving.

However, unless you want to get trapped and have your car towed away, it might not be a good idea to drive your Corolla through deep snow.

Our best guess is that your Toyota Corolla can withstand three to four inches of snow. Any further and you’re inviting snow to fill your tire wells, which will undoubtedly bring your automobile to a complete stop.

How Do Corollas Handle Low Winter Temperatures?

Numerous vehicles have trouble starting in the cold mornings throughout the winter because of a variety of issues.

The Toyota Corolla, on the other hand, hardly ever has any of these issues. In fact, even in subfreezing temperatures, it takes your Corolla about 30 seconds to start.

On chilly winter mornings, your Toyota Corolla might not start for the following reasons:

Can a Corolla be driven in the snow?

If you reside in the Bangor region, you are aware of how risky driving on snow and ice can be throughout the winter. The 2021 Toyota Corolla will be more capable of coping with the icy road conditions and winter weather thanks to the inclusion of snow tires. When you hit the roads this winter, snow tires will offer a number of advantages, such as better traction in the snow, more aggressive tread patterns, improved acceleration, and shorter stopping distances. To ensure the optimum performance, we advise you to buy a full set of four winter tires if you decide to buy snow tires.

Toyota Corolla Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control

Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control are included as standard equipment on Toyota Corolla vehicles, which helps keep you safe this winter. When understeer or oversteer is present, vehicle stability control helps reduce sideways momentum. Traction Control, which keeps an eye on and restrains the drive wheels in slick driving situations, will assist you prevent slippage when you speed.

Which driving mode is ideal in snow?

Your preference for a vehicle’s drivetrain should be based on where you reside. The best option if you reside in a region that receives a lot of snow is AWD or 4WD paired with appropriate winter tires.

  • Winter tires are sufficient for FWD or RWD city/suburban driving conditions with light snow and ice. Although it won’t be the best option for driving in deep snow, this will be the most cost-effective choice because AWD vehicles are typically more expensive and require more fuel due to the additional weight of the AWD system. In cases when the roads are routinely plowed, AWD vehicles with all-season tires might be suitable.
  • severe snowfall, city/suburban driving, and sporadic country driving
  • The most adaptable choice for you is AWD with winter tires. Even in the harshest winter weather, you’ll be able to keep up your performance on clear, dry roads.
  • rural driving in thick snow and unplowed roads
  • It may be important to have 4WD with a driver-selectable low gear range if you need to navigate steep hills on potholed, unpaved roads. Otherwise, AWD should work because most AWD vehicles also have enough ground clearance when equipped with winter tires.

WHEN TO INSTALL WINTER TIRES

Aside from the tires themselves, preparing your car for the snowy season takes patience. This entails scheduling time to have your three-season tires switched out for winter tires, waiting for the job to be finished, and storing your three-season tires in an appropriate manner.

You also cannot search for any quick cuts. Are four winter tires necessary, or just two? For the best performance, you’ll need four. Do your winter tires need to be balanced? You do need to balance winter tires, but there are some things that can lessen this requirement. No shortcuts are allowed for winter driving safety.

Additionally, you should install winter tires in late October or early November (or whenever the average daily temperature falls below 45), which falls between two big holidays and just before the start of the new school year. However, if you don’t plan a time to get snow tires installed on your automobile, not even the best snow tires will help.

How do I drive safely in the snow?

For tourists, severe weather can be terrifying and dangerous. According to studies by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, winter storms, unfavorable weather, and poor road conditions contribute to more than 2,000 fatal wintertime accidents and over half a million crashes overall. Drivers need to be aware of the safety guidelines for handling winter road emergencies. When driving in bad weather, AAA advises motorists to exercise caution.

Following are some advice from AAA for driving in snowy and slippery conditions:

  • Keep a variety of winter survival supplies in your vehicle, including additional food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a glass scraper, blankets, prescription drugs, and more.
  • Make sure your tires have enough tread and are properly inflated.
  • Maintain a minimum of half a tank of petrol in your car at all times.
  • Never preheat a car in a garage or another enclosed space.
  • When driving on a slick surface, such as ice or snow, never utilize the cruise control.
  • Be at home. Only leave the house when absolutely essential. Even if you can drive safely in inclement weather, it’s best to stay inside rather than taking unneeded chances.
  • Drive carefully. When driving on snow or ice, you should always reduce your speed to take into consideration the decreased traction.
  • Slowly increase and decrease your speed. To regain traction and prevent skids, gradually increase the gas. Avoid trying to accelerate quickly and allow yourself enough time to slow down at stoplights. Keep in mind that slowing down on ice roads takes more time.
  • Your following time should now be five to six seconds. The longer distance required if you have to halt will be provided by this enhanced margin of safety.
  • Recognize your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep your foot firmly planted on the floor when you press down on the brake pedal with your ball.
  • If you can prevent it, don’t stop. The amount of inertia required to begin moving from a complete stop versus the amount required to begin moving while still rolling differs significantly. Do so if you can slow down sufficiently to continue moving until a traffic light changes.
  • Do not sprint up slopes. On snow-covered roads, adding more gas will just cause your wheels to spin. Before you get to the hill, try to generate some inertia, and then let that inertia take you to the summit. Reduce your speed as you near the top of the slope and move more slowly as you descend.
  • Never stop climbing a hill. Nothing is worse than attempting to move forward up a hill on an ice road. Before tackling the hill, gain some momentum on a level surface.
  • Be Prepared: Before you get on the road, have your car inspected by a AAA Approved Auto Repair center.
  • Check the Weather: If poor weather is predicted, check the weather along your route and, if at all feasible, postpone your travel.
  • Stay Connected: Before you leave, let others know your route, destination, and anticipated arrival time.
  • If you become buried under snow:
  • Continue to be in your car since it offers temporary refuge and makes it simpler for rescuers to find you. In a strong storm, avoid attempting to walk. In blowing snow, it is simple to lose track of your car and get lost.
  • Avoid overexerting yourself by paying attention to your body and stopping if you are fatigued when digging out your car.
  • Be Visible: To signal trouble, fasten a brightly colored cloth to your car’s antenna or place one at the top of a rolled-down window. If at all feasible, leave the dome light on at night. It will make it simpler for rescuers to find you and just consume a minimal bit of electricity.
  • Clear the Exhaust Pipe: Check to see that snow, ice, or mud are not blocking the exhaust pipe. When the engine is operating, a blocked exhaust pipe can allow lethal carbon monoxide gas to escape into the car’s cabin.
  • Keep Warm: Protect your body from the cold by wrapping it in everything you can find. Paper maps, floor mats, and newspapers all fall under this category. Prepare thick clothing and blankets in advance for use in an emergency.
  • Conserve Fuel: If at all feasible, only operate the heater and engine for as long as necessary to dispel the chill. This will promote fuel efficiency.

Which Toyota handles snow the best?

The 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower I-4 engine in the RAV4 is powerful enough to manage bad weather conditions without experiencing unexpected movements that might happen in overpowered vehicles, making it an excellent fit for the snow. Practically speaking, the spacious back seats and rear doors fit bundled-up passengers without making them feel confined. For the best traction in icy and slippery weather, choose the RAV4’s AWD model.

Does fwd function in snow?

FWD cars are safe in the snow, right? If you have winter tires and drive defensively, FWD cars and crossovers are absolutely safe to drive in the snow. A FWD drive vehicle’s front tires bear the majority of the weight, which gives the powertrain good grip.

Rave: Rock-Solid Reliability

Even after several years of ownership and tens of thousands of miles on the odometer, many 11th-generation Corolla owners praised the car’s dependability. The Corolla was listed as one of the most dependable sedans by J.D. Power in 2017, while Toyota placed fourth overall among automakers in 2018. Toyota has a history of delivering well in reliability surveys.

“For the money, the Corolla offers good value. I’ve owned two of them, and both have been incredibly dependable. Enough room is available in the backseat for two growing boys. The Corolla is a plain and practical car, albeit it is undoubtedly not the flashiest. Corolla 2018; Buxton, Maine

“The only thing I really need a car for is to get me from point A to point B and, ideally, back to point A. The main reason I chose to buy this car was because I have had three Toyotas in the past and have always found them to be dependable. An attractive feature is the backup camera (or necessity, since the view out the back window is limited due in part to wide pillars). Overall, this is not a particularly enjoyable vehicle to drive, but it will safely deliver you to your destination. Corolla 2017; Lake City, Pa.

“I’ve had my Corolla for just over three years, and I’m still thrilled that I made the purchase. I’ve never had to worry about things breaking down or abruptly ceasing to function. Corolla 2017; Atlanta

Rave: Thrifty at the Pump

When making a budget, taking the cost of ownership into account might be just as crucial as the vehicle’s purchase price. Many Corolla owners believe that the small car’s fuel economy increases both its value and affordability. Depending on the trim level and engine, the EPA assigned this generation of the Toyota Corolla combined city/highway fuel economy ratings ranging from 30 to 34 mpg. Some owners claim they exceeded EPA estimates for mpg by a large margin.

“This was a wise investment. I had originally planned to purchase an older S model, but after testing out the 2019 Corolla LE, I fell in love with the amenities. Lane departure and adaptive cruise control are wonderful. And the dash is gorgeous. I easily averaged 42-44 mpg when I originally got it. I now average about 37 mpg as I enjoy driving it, which is incredible considering I’ve always owned a truck. I endorse this vehicle to everyone and everybody! N.H. 2019 Corolla

“This is my first whole new vehicle. I’ve had my Corolla for precisely a year at this point, and I’ve logged 13,500 miles on it with no problems. I commute five days a week in the city and one day a week on the interstate, and I get 35 mpg. I travel from home to work every day for roughly 40 kilometers. I must admit that I finally chose wisely when I bought a car! Corolla 2018; Memphis, Tennessee

“This car immediately impressed me with its safety features. Excellent backup camera. Unbelievable gas mileage is undoubtedly the best feature. This is the one that will provide you the best value in terms of mpg if you’re shopping for one. It occasionally reaches 40 mpg! Lancaster, Pennsylvania; 2018 Corolla

“Given how frequently I drive, getting 4045 mpg on the highway and 3035 mpg in the city is fantastic. My three children, who range in age from 5 to 13, all adore the vehicle. It looks sleek and is quite comfortable. I cherish my automobile. Corolla 2017; Metaline Falls, Washington

“It is cozy, dependable, and averages 40 mpg while primarily traveling on highways. Tires have been used for 73,000 miles and counting. Corolla 2018; Clover, S.C.

“The Corolla SE is an excellent small vehicle. It is enjoyable to drive and gets great gas mileage (42 mpg or more on excursions). It has excellent handling and several safety measures. Corolla from 2018; Dallas, N.C.

Rave: Not Stingy on Space

“Overall, we approve. For a senior couple, its performance is adequate. I am 6 feet tall, and the front, rear, and trunk all have plenty of room. It is also quite quiet and has a smooth ride. Miami; 2017 Corolla

“I acquired a certified pre-owned 2019 Toyota Corolla. I used to drive a 2018 Ram 1500 truck before switching to this car. I prefer to drive the Corolla much more. I adore that it is a sporty “mom” automobile because I am a mother of two sons. It is child-friendly because my boys’ car seats accommodate both of them and there is still plenty of space for them in the rear. They can simply get in and out of the car. I believe it has good handling, fantastic gas mileage, and a wonderful guarantee because it is a certified used car. Corolla 2019; Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

“I like it. Large trunk, fantastic handling, and plenty of legroom. There is enough space for the kids to feel comfortable. There are many cupholders, and I really appreciate the backup camera. Corolla 2019; Weaver, Alabama

Rave: Safety Is a Given

One of the first vehicles in its class to offer a comprehensive array of standard safety features was the Toyota Corolla. Owners as well as the judges from our 2017 Compact Sedan Challenge praised this. Adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane departure warning and prevention, automatic high-beam headlights, and forward collision warning with pedestrian recognition are some of the new standard active safety technologies added to the 2017 Corolla during its mid-cycle refresh.

“The Toyota Corolla has once more surpassed my expectations for a cheap Toyota. Even though the LE I have is relatively basic, it still has driver assistance features like automated gas mileage tracking, auto lighting, and radar cruise control. Driving feels calm and comfortable. Although there is a slight reduction in visibility in my rearview mirror compared to my 2016 Corolla, this does not prevent me from purchasing again. Corolla 2019; Cleveland

“The amount of extra legroom in the backseats astonished me. It boasts a rearview camera, Bluetooth audio, lane departure alert, and precollision. It also gets excellent gas mileage. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with the purchase. Corolla 2017; Clovis, California

“This car is ideal in every way: It has comfortable seating and enough internal space, even with two car seats in the backseat. There are numerous entertaining features (backup camera, side mirror defrost, automatic headlights, pull-down beverage console, driver assist and many more). Corolla 2019; Stockton, California

“Compared to other vehicles I’ve owned, this one is incredibly fuel-efficient. When I’m driving on the highway, I adore the touchscreen radio and the driver-assistance capabilities. The front sensors have already prevented me from colliding with another car because they beep when you approach anything too closely (about 1 foot). Hickory, North Carolina; 2019 Corolla

Rant: The Cruise Control Is Out of Control

The majority of Corolla owners appreciate its driver-assist functions, although one of them causes problems: Reviews claim that the Corolla’s adaptive cruise control technology might cause the engine to rev extremely high, especially when traveling downhill. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received dozens of complaints of a similar nature under the “category of vehicle speed regulation. However, no official recall was made.

“I’m sorry to have to give the 2019 Corolla only a ‘OK’ rating, but this one has some issues. When traveling downhill, the cruise control engages a lower gear (and not even just on steep declines). The tachometer often and continuously revs up to 3,0004,000 rpm, which reduces gas mileage. Even though I’ve been driving Toyota cars for a very long time, if this were my first Toyota, I might pass the next time and try a different brand. Corolla 2019; Warner Robins, Georgia

“It functions flawlessly and has good contemporary features. I wish the seat could be adjusted more because I am small, and even on the lowest setting, the cruise control’s automatic distance setting is too sensitive. It also struggles to get up speed while switching lanes from behind a sluggish vehicle. Corolla 2018; Kissimmee, Florida

“My fourth Toyota that I’ve bought is this 2018 Corolla. Although I adore the vehicle, I won’t ever purchase another Corolla or possibly even another Toyota. It’s a nightmare using the cruise control. It will increase the tachometer to above 4,000 rpm while traveling uphill or downhill without raising speed. The dealer claimed that was standard, but I can assure you that is not the case. The fact that you continuously hear and see it at every hill, whether you’re going up or down, takes the pleasure out of driving. Corolla 2018; Newark, Ohio

“This vehicle is amazing. I was astonished by the number of safety measures it had considering the price I paid for it. The cruise control presents a problem; when it is in place and you encounter a downslope (even the backside of an overpass), the CVT is unable to make an adjustment and the tachometer reads over 4,000 rpm until the engine is made to “pull” once more. Now that I’m paying close attention, all I have to do to get it back to normal is touch the accelerator at the first indication. The car is much beyond satisfactory in every other manner, thus this is in the category of “first-world concerns.” 2018 Corolla; Texas, Wichita Falls

“Please be aware that even the slightest downhill grade will cause this car’s cruise control to entirely malfunction. I regret letting myself be lured into buying this as my first new automobile so terribly. Corolla 2017; Freeland, Pa.

Rant: Highway Hassles

Some owners of the Corolla were annoyed with the vehicle’s engine and excessive noise, especially when traveling at highway speeds. In assessments of the sedan that were otherwise favorable, the power (or lack thereof) was frequently the only issue. We discovered the 2017 Corolla’s CVT to be quick but loud during our assessment. We also mentioned that the four-cylinder engine can propel the vehicle to highway speeds, but that once there, passing at high speeds becomes more difficult.

“This car has 45,000 miles on it, and thus far everything seems to be functioning properly. The drift is rather obvious at speeds over 65 mph, thus it is clear that this is not a powerful automobile. With normal for tiny cars, the ride is rough and you get excellent gas mileage (38 mpg on my LE Eco). Leave the cruise control alone; it is useless in this vehicle, and the lane assist and other “assistance” functions annoy. Buy this car if you want durability and high gas mileage; look elsewhere if you want style and speed. Corolla from 2018; Charlotte, N.C.

“Excellent ownership debut month. Toyota should truly offer Apple CarPlay, in my opinion. Although the Civic or Mazda3 have undeniably more power, my family has been driving Toyotas since 1980, and they have never failed us down. 2018 Richmond; Baltimore

“The Corolla excels at everything it is intended to, despite having a limited amount of power, especially when the air conditioning is on. Other vehicles are more entertaining and have a variety of advantages and disadvantages. My LE’s interior and seats are pleasant, but I personally don’t like how the dashboard is styled. Visibility is also good. Corolla 2018; Dallas

“My Corolla is approximately a year old. The backseats have lots of legroom and a very smooth ride. However, when the windows are open, there is a lot of outside noise, including wind. Although I think the price could be a little bit lower, I still think it’s a very excellent automobile and would suggest it. Corolla 2017; Columbus, Ohio