Just moved to Loudoun County - Will I need a AWD/4WD for winter driving?

[Anonymous]

We are not exactly on the main roads for work and home but do we need an AWD/4WD? Honestly, I would love a Fiat but I am not the most seasoned winter weather driver having been without a car for many years in D.C.

[Anonymous]

what part do you live in? if sterling or ashburn or south riding, the answer is most likely no. If western loudoun, then yes.

[Anonymous]

Lol... no it barely snows here!

[Anonymous]

My friend is in one of the brand-new subdivisions in Loudoun And she had trouble getting her RWD 3-series out of the development this past winter. They took forever to clear the streets.

[Anonymous]

Depends -- do you need to get to work or do you have to stay home with kids because the school is closed? If you're going to be stuck at home, no you don't need it. If you have to be out and about, it's not necessary, but it can be helpful.

[Anonymous]

I've driven my '04 Civic hybrid through the mean streets of Leesburg w/o incident ...

I was in Vienna and could have made it to work every day during Snowmageddon except the Tuesday of the 2nd snowstorm, but I could work from home and my wife couldn't.

7 and 50 will get cleared pretty quick but after that, you might be at Marion Barry speed of snow clearing.

Many HOAs can take a while to clear their streets. The towns usually do a good job of plowing their streets.

With that said, there's at most 8-10 days when you'd need this -- if your job is secure enough you could work from home, etc., then no need to cough up $500 a month for a limited contingency. Just be sure to stock up on groceries.

West of the Loudoun line, I'd say a 4WD might be more necessary since there'll be fog/freezing quite a bit. If you're close to the line or off a paved road, then I'd say you're more likely to need it.