I just bought a 2008 Honda Element SC - literally I just got it Wednesday night. This is the front-wheel model, does not come in AWD. Just wondering if anyone has any experiences with how it handles in the snow, snowy roads, etc. Do I need snow tires?

Welcome to the EOC.:)

Does it snow in your LOCATION?:rolleyes:

Here ya go watch this.

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

Welcome to the EOC.:)

Does it snow in your LOCATION?

Updating your profile would help answer these questions....... :D:D

FWD vehicles do fine up here, but, ONLY with a GOOD set of snow tires (I recommend studded, if allowed, and depending on the severity of your winter). That profile would help on a location........ :rolleyes::lol::smile:

On, and BTW WELCOME!! The Rush Chairman should be along shortly...... :razz:

The NEED for 4WD is a subjective matter. There are people like me, that could not live without it. On the other hand, there are people that just don,t need it!

So the location becomes an important matter.

Dom

I'll comment on snow tires. I bought some studded nokian Hak 1's (for my 89 vw fox) used this fall. The fox always handled very well in the snow with all season cheapo's, But with these studded snow tires, I feel like I'm glued to the road. Now, I only drive on flat ground compared to those in the mountains or out west, but I'm amazed still on how well you can plow through 2" of slushy snow covered lanes at 50-60mph, no problems at all!

Since then, I've bought an 04 element, found some steelie wheels, and are looking to buy studdeds for the E.

One question I have is, How can you tell when the awd kicks in? I've only driven in the snow 2 times now with the E but I can't get it to do anything to tell if awd is working or not. Can't find the right snow covered parking lot to test it out yet. It never got out of control while gettin on it at my parents house in the snow though. I can't imagine how well the E will handle with studdeds on with the awd.

Tires, Tires, Tires, Tires!

I wanted a sun roof and they threw in the AWD :lol::lol:

I just bought a 2008 Honda Element SC - literally I just got it Wednesday night. This is the front-wheel model, does not come in AWD. Just wondering if anyone has any experiences with how it handles in the snow, snowy roads, etc. Do I need snow tires?
:lol:

Boy, welcome and fix your location or it will be fixed for you by the other guys. Pet Peeve #1 with many here.;-)

That said. I'm a Mainah. Not a flatlander. I drive in everything from here to North Carolina to New York. FWD will be fine with proper tires and proper preparation - of DRIVER. No studs - best tires are on BACK for fishtail reduction. Studs or cable 'chains' and you can climb vertically on white pine trees!:grin:

Driver preparation is to practice with your unit in first snow in an empty parking lot - every winter! Flying snowy donuts are a BLAST. Enjoy the E.:smile:

One question I have is, How can you tell when the awd kicks in? I've only driven in the snow 2 times now with the E but I can't get it to do anything to tell if awd is working or not. Can't find the right snow covered parking lot to test it out yet. It never got out of control while gettin on it at my parents house in the snow though. I can't imagine how well the E will handle with studdeds on with the awd.

If you cannot get it to 'do anything' - it's working. I cannot believe how 'stable' and 'sure footed' the CRV and E feel with AWD. Cannot get it to slew - either one. Always seems like a pack horse loaded down - always placing feet carefully and forcefully carrying onward.:)

This is my wife and my selfs first winter with our SC, and had that concern as well. I put snow tires on all 4 corners and hoped for the best.

We got caught in a freak, wet snowstorm here a month or so ago. We were at a friends house for lunch after church. By the time we were to leave we had 4" of wet, sticky snow that packed to ice. Their driveway goes straight up starting from the garage flat for about 20 feet, then to a 30* climb 75 feet to the road. Both he and his wife have 4x4's, of course. After seeing 2 others have to get towed up with his truck, I decided I should at least try it :cool: I started out normally and drove right up, the traction control light never flickered :D It was a perfect Honda commercial!!

I live in the WV mountains on a dirt road. Lots of very steep hills. The E does great. 4 wheel does kick in at times, but seldom. Stock tires are poo. I have 2 sizes up GY Triple treads and with about 35K on them this winter and they were great. To me the issue is lack of ground clearance for deeper snows. Last two years we haven't had over a foot at a time so no prob. The E is a very good snow vehicle. And remember in the snow it's finesse not power that wins.

ET