Ever been swayed by a slick-talking seller only to discover your new ‘winter-ready’ ride isn’t up to the Michigan snow? Don’t let it happen again—read on for the best used cars to tackle Michigan’s harsh winters, and make sure to run a Michigan license plate lookup before you buy.
What Your Car Needs to Handle the Michigan Cold
Michigan winters are known for their fierce cold and relentless snow, so prepping your car for the season is a must. Use this checklist for your license plate search to discover a reliable winter-ready vehicle that can handle snowy and icy conditions with ease.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Choosing a vehicle that handles slippery roads with confidence? Go for all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) to boost your safety and control. While these drivetrains are often linked with SUVs and trucks due to their ruggedness and off-road prowess, they’re not limited to just larger vehicles. Nowadays, many modern sedans and hatchbacks also feature these systems, offering the same impressive grip and stability in a more compact and fuel-efficient form.
Heated Seats and Steering Wheel
Heated seats and steering wheels can turn your driving experience into a cozy retreat during the cold months, providing a welcome relief from the winter chill. These features quickly warm you on frosty mornings, transforming your ride from a shivering ordeal into a comfortable escape. If you’re shopping for a used car, look for these amenities to make winter driving much more enjoyable, especially in areas with harsh winters, where they can turn icy starts into much more pleasant trips.
Remote Start
A remote start system is a game-changer for Michigan winters, letting you warm up your vehicle before you even step outside. By activating your car’s engine from afar, you can get it heating and defrosting while you stay cozy indoors. This means you’ll climb into a comfortable, warm cabin with a clear windshield, making those icy Michigan mornings a lot easier to handle. Plus, warming up your engine before driving helps it perform better and last longer in those tough winter conditions.
Good Ground Clearance
Good ground clearance is a game-changer for tackling tough driving conditions, like navigating snowy roads. SUVs and crossovers with higher clearance handle snow-covered paths with ease, thanks to the increased space between the vehicle’s undercarriage and the ground. This added height lowers the chances of getting stuck or damaging the vehicle from snow drifts and ice mounds. Elevating the vehicle helps avoid hidden obstacles beneath the snow, making these higher-clearance options not only more capable but also safer in winter weather. This practical benefit often makes SUVs and crossovers the go-to choice for drivers dealing with snowy or uneven terrain.
Winter Tires
When buying a used car, it’s important to find out if it has winter tires or if you can add them as an upgrade. Winter tires are designed to boost traction and handling on snow and ice, making them a great choice for driving in cold weather. They feature specialized tread patterns and rubber that stays flexible in low temperatures, offering better grip on slippery roads compared to all-season or summer tires. If the car doesn’t come with winter tires, you might want to think about getting a set, especially if you live where winters are harsh. Having the right tires for the season can greatly enhance your safety and driving experience during those colder months.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is a crucial safety feature that prevents your wheels from locking up during braking, particularly on slippery or uneven surfaces like ice, snow, or wet roads. It achieves this by rapidly modulating brake pressure in pulses, allowing the wheels to keep turning even under heavy braking. This enhances your control and stability, reducing the risk of skidding and boosting stopping power in challenging conditions. ABS works alongside other safety systems like traction control and electronic stability control to form a comprehensive approach to vehicle safety. Can’t locate the ABS system? You can find it on a car report using a car plate lookup or VIN check.
Traction Control
Traction Control is a vital safety feature that boosts stability and control, especially in tricky driving situations. It continuously tracks the speed of each wheel and steps in if it senses any wheel spinning faster than the rest. The system takes action by either cutting back engine power or applying brake force to the wheels that are slipping. This helps keep the vehicle on course, reducing the chance of skidding or losing control. Traction Control shines when driving on icy, wet, or uneven roads, helping the vehicle stay firmly connected to the road and handle challenging weather conditions with confidence.
Defroster and Heater Condition
Keeping your car’s defroster, heater, and air conditioning systems in top shape is vital for a safe and comfortable ride, particularly in winter. A well-functioning defroster clears frost, fog, or ice from the windshield and windows, keeping your visibility sharp. Likewise, a reliable heater keeps the cabin cozy, prevents window fog, and ensures passengers stay warm in chilly conditions. Regular checks and maintenance can help avoid sudden breakdowns and guarantee these systems work seamlessly in the moments that matter most.
Solid Battery
Cold weather can dramatically weaken your battery’s performance, making it tough to start your vehicle just when you need it most. As temperatures plummet, the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down, reducing its charge capacity and the power needed to fire up your engine. Before winter hits, especially if your battery has seen a few years of use, check its condition, as its efficiency naturally declines over time. Replacing an older battery could be the key to dependable starting power in freezing weather, sparing you from the hassle of a dead battery in the coldest conditions. Regular upkeep, like inspecting the battery terminals for corrosion and keeping it fully charged, can help sustain its performance through the chilly months.
Rust Resistance
Rust resistance plays a vital role in choosing a used car in Michigan, where road salt is heavily used during winter to combat icy roads. This salt can speed up rust formation on a vehicle’s undercarriage, body panels, and metal parts, leading to expensive repairs and a shorter lifespan. Focus on models known for rust-resistant features, like galvanized steel bodies or factory-applied rustproof coatings. It’s also important to inspect the car closely for any rust, especially in areas like wheel wells, door sills, and the frame. For added protection, look for cars that have been regularly washed and cared for during winter, or consider applying an aftermarket rust protection treatment to extend the car’s durability.