smart in the snow

My husband and I will be re-locating to Midland, MI from Mesa, AZ in the near future. We have been smart owners since March 2008. Living in AZ, as you can imagine, weather is not an issue. Our concern is how the smart handles in snowy weather or do you garage it for the winter ?

If anyone can help with this, please advise.

Thank you,

Carolee

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Thomas on May 6, 2011 at 7:23pm

I have had mine for two winters. I found that it is really similar to other cars that I have had. The only time that I had any problems is when the snow was higher than the bottom of my smart. I called into work that day. I would have regardless of what I was driving in that case. Have you ever driven in snow before, coming from AZ?

Permalink Reply by Thomas on May 6, 2011 at 7:24pm

By the way, I grew up in Midland. It is a pretty nice little town.

Permalink Reply by Carolee Miller on May 6, 2011 at 7:32pm

I lived in Denver CO for 10 years prior to AZ. I don't mind the snow as much as the ice ( glare/black).

Thank you for your quick response.

Thomas said:

I have had mine for two winters. I found that it is really similar to other cars that I have had. The only time that I had any problems is when the snow was higher than the bottom of my smart. I called into work that day. I would have regardless of what I was driving in that case. Have you ever driven in snow before, coming from AZ?

Permalink Reply by Evans on May 6, 2011 at 7:32pm

Hi Carolee, I'd like to welcome you to our beautiful state of Michigan! I bought my little "MIGHTY MOUSE" in August of '09, and so I've been through two Michigan winters with my little Smart car, so far. I live in Roseville, which is about four miles northeast of the Detroit border. I've pretty much, driven my little car all winter, both years, with no problems. There were a couple of days though, when the snow was deep, and I wouldn't even drive my Ford F-150 pickup truck, (don't have four wheel drive), in it. The Smart car has smaller circumference, and narrower tread width tires than a big car or truck, so you have to use some discretion in it's use. But with rear wheel drive, and having the engine in the back, over the wheels, I'd say the Smart handles pretty well! The heater and defroster is very efficient, and you'll absolutely LOVE the heated seats! As soon as you get in it, turn the heated seats on, and as the engine warms up to defrost the windshield, you'll feel the seat warming your bottom and back. I'm not sure of the snow conditions around where you're going, but nothing could beat a four wheel drive vehicle as a back-up to your Smart car. I wish you the best of everything in your move to Michigan. I'm sure we'll have some hot days here to remind you of Arizona. We get all kinds of weather here! Again, welcome to Michigan. Best regards, Evans Bletsas ( Heavensblessus@wowway.com)

Permalink Reply by Carolee Miller on May 7, 2011 at 10:37am

Thank you for your timely reply. We have an 2 AWD vehicles, so not a problem. I am partial to smarty though. I look forward to the move and I can live with out the days that remind me of AZ ; ) . a high of 101 today . I also look forward to any and all activities (rallys?) with other smart owners.

Evans said:

Hi Carolee, I'd like to welcome you to our beautiful state of Michigan! I bought my little "MIGHTY MOUSE" in August of '09, and so I've been through two Michigan winters with my little Smart car, so far. I live in Roseville, which is about four miles northeast of the Detroit border. I've pretty much, driven my little car all winter, both years, with no problems. There were a couple of days though, when the snow was deep, and I wouldn't even drive my Ford F-150 pickup truck, (don't have four wheel drive), in it. The Smart car has smaller circumference, and narrower tread width tires than a big car or truck, so you have to use some discretion in it's use. But with rear wheel drive, and having the engine in the back, over the wheels, I'd say the Smart handles pretty well! The heater and defroster is very efficient, and you'll absolutely LOVE the heated seats! As soon as you get in it, turn the heated seats on, and as the engine warms up to defrost the windshield, you'll feel the seat warming your bottom and back. I'm not sure of the snow conditions around where you're going, but nothing could beat a four wheel drive vehicle as a back-up to your Smart car. I wish you the best of everything in your move to Michigan. I'm sure we'll have some hot days here to remind you of Arizona. We get all kinds of weather here! Again, welcome to Michigan. Best regards, Evans Bletsas ( Heavensblessus@wowway.com)

Permalink Reply by Stuart Berman on May 7, 2011 at 5:34pm

Welcome to Michigan!

I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan and have been through four winters with my Smart car without any problems. I drive it year round with no special tires or equipment.

Permalink Reply by Carolee Miller on May 7, 2011 at 8:56pm

Stuart Berman said:

Welcome to Michigan!

I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan and have been through four winters with my Smart car without any problems. I drive it year round with no special tires or equipment.

Permalink Reply by Carolee Miller on May 7, 2011 at 9:00pm

Good to know. Our realtor recommended an awd or 4wd , so I am happy to hear that I can drive my smart if I need to. Thanks for your reply.

Carolee

Stuart Berman said:

Welcome to Michigan!

I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan and have been through four winters with my Smart car without any problems. I drive it year round with no special tires or equipment.

Permalink Reply by Mary Smith on May 8, 2011 at 9:22am

I drove mine all winter, except 2 days when we had more then 8 inches of snow. I drive on plowed roads. Once I was in a parking lot and tried to go over a pile, but one wheel started spinning, then the power all goes to that wheel and I couldn't move. So I will avoid unplowed roads. On ice it's a little difficult to get started due to the light weight, but not a big problem.

What brings you to Midland, Dow? When are you moving? I live in Saginaw. Keep in touch

Permalink Reply by Mary Smith on May 8, 2011 at 9:25am

Carolee, do you have a mover? I work for Stevens Worldwide Van Lines. Give us a call for a quote. YOu can find us on the web, with agents in AZ

Permalink Reply by Carolee Miller on May 8, 2011 at 10:59am

Mary,

Thank you for your reply. Yes, it is Dow that brings us to Midland. My husband works for Dow Chem. and has been traveling globally for the past 6 yrs . A position came up that meant less travel but we would have to re-locate, so he accepted it . Thank you too for the offer on the quote but Dow has taken care of all our needs.

We will be moving in 2-3 weeks, just in time for summer !

Mary Smith said:

I drove mine all winter, except 2 days when we had more then 8 inches of snow. I drive on plowed roads. Once I was in a parking lot and tried to go over a pile, but one wheel started spinning, then the power all goes to that wheel and I couldn't move. So I will avoid unplowed roads. On ice it's a little difficult to get started due to the light weight, but not a big problem.

What brings you to Midland, Dow? When are you moving? I live in Saginaw. Keep in touch

Permalink Reply by Tom SMRTBNZ on May 12, 2011 at 11:42am