I live in Wisconsin, and while we dont get the cold and snowy winters we used to get, we do still get 1 or 2 decent snowstorms a year.
So, Im wondering, how does the xB do in the snow? From the looks of it, I think you would be OK up to about 4" of snow, then the front facia would act like a snowplow.
Id be interested to hear from xB owners who live in cold climates as to how well their xB does in the snow.
I realize that the xB is never going to be as good as a truck or SUV because its only front drive, but youd think it would still be just as good as any other front-drive car.
Thanks.

 

It does awesome. I'm in the Chicago burbs and we get snow. It did really well with the stock tires, and it would be even better if you got some winter rubber. I wouldn't worry about it at all.

 

Thanks. I was kinda thinking the same thing but I wanted to get the opinions of people who actually own xBs.
Id most likely end up getting a set of cheapie steel wheels and Bridgestone Blizzaks (or similar snow tires) for the winter months.
Thanks!

 

Yeah, it does great, just take it easy and the xB does the rest. Mine has been through 2 winters lowered and done great. Never had a problem, even went through a 2 ft snow storm and handled it like a pro.

ps. mine is lowered on s-techs

 

SUPER REPOST D: There are 147 other threads with the exact same subject line, therefore I shall jack this one as my own!!!

I think this topic wins for Most Threads Generated With Same Exact Content Any others in the running? Quick, before the mods close this one down! :D

 

^ Take it easy on the newb Danny!

 

mine did great in an 8" snowfall here...I was actually surprised. Just ignore the screeching Anti-skid and stability warnings when you slide around a corner

 

in michigan here it did fine! no scraping or anything! noise from the tires scraping the snow inside the tire well (scared me the first time i heard it!) but you just have to knock it off.... and buy snow tires! my stock tires brought me at a 45 to a turn and about 2 1/2 feet from a mailbox.... so get the right tires and its fine. man.... stupid salt... making my box dirty...

 

have used the XB for 3 winters in the northeast.
Definately need to change the stock tires to (4) snowtires - Cooper
offers snow tires in stock size - wear like iron.
Skid control and traction help. Only think I would say is car could use a little more power at times- when have snow tires with big lugs - has a tougher time turning wheels if start on a slight incline in deep snow.
But the car really is quite good - but definately get rid of the stock racing slicks.

 

I've driven it up to the mountain with it while it was snowing and it did perfectly fine. Even better than a lot of other cars, you just have to be a cautious driver, and you wont have any problems.

 

Did this. Blizzak makes a Ziek ze512 in our size. Works fine. (Smart!)

Don't drop it, like I did (H-techs plus sensitracs) if you get much snow (Dumb!). I have 3" clearance out front. Works great 360 days a year, but not if you get more than 5" of snow. Then there's no way you're going to clear snow berms left by the plows if you drop it.

What was I thinking?

 

Just keep the stock springs for winter duty. I've done 2 winters with zero problems even in 8 inches of fresh snow and yes the front lip acts like a plow. The stock Goodyears were great also just takes time getting used to all the noises the trac/stability make. lol
Luckily we now have a hoopty for winter duties so I no longer have to keep switching out the springs!

 

^^ LOL, you can always tell when BB2ner's had some free time; 20 or so topics suddenly rise from the grave. Why else would we be talking about snowy handling in June?

 

I'm in the southeastern end of Wisconsin..it sucks with the 18's on..
but on stock steel with good tires on it it gets around pretty good in the winter..mine is lowered 2 inches..and yes it does plow sometimes...

if the roads havent been plowed you need to drive slow anyway
so it really hasnt been a problem for us

 

Nah, really???
It just gets to the point where everything on the first page of the xB owners lounge is BS. So you gotta dig to find the good stuff. Plus it allows me to catch up on topics I missed while out on the road with no computer.

 

I hate that mine goes off all the time when I drive of gravel and stuff

 

bB2ner < what? no puker whilst you are on the road???
get a Jotto desk for the laptop and a mainstream isp < AT&T,Verizon or Sprint >
that's what I did in the Pete.. have coverage nearly everywhere in the lower 48

 

I'm glad it does well in the snow, I been thinkin aboutdriving my box back to Detroit soon

 

if you do it soon..you wont have to sweat the snow

 

As one cheap SOB I run inexpensive all-season tires....well....all seasons. That said, it is critical to keep good rubber on the back as well as on the front. I learned this during the first winter -- the back tries real hard to catch up with the front. Ah, but the singing the dash does during those moments is fun.

Seriously - I never had it come all the way around - but far enough one time to get the 4x4 Dodge to "back off" in a heavy, wet snowfall. I was being very careful descending a relatively steep grade. The driver of the truck behind me must have felt I was being too cautious - AT FIRST