When you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, you’ve probably wondered whether or not a Toyota Camry is going to be able to handle it.
After all, the last thing you want is to get stuck in a blizzard and have no way of getting back home safely. So how good are Camrys at handling the snow? let’s find out!
Is Toyota Camry Good in the Snow?
In short, yes and no. The Toyota Camry comes in two drivetrain options, all-wheel drive (AWD) and the Front Wheel Drive (FWD). The AWD model is best suited for snowy areas, while the FWD model tends to struggle in the snow. If you are in an area where you get a lot of snow, you should go with the AWD model.
In general, though, Camry’s are pretty good at handling the snow. They have large tires and excellent traction control systems that work well on slippery surfaces like snow.
Why is the Toyota Camry Good in Snow?
The Toyota Camry has several features that make it a reliable car for winter driving. Here are some of the key features:
- All-Wheel Drive: The Camry is available in an all-wheel drive (AWD) model, which provides better traction and stability in snowy and icy conditions. The AWD system distributes power to all four wheels, helping the car maintain control on slippery roads.
- Snow Mode Feature: The Camry has a special “snow mode” feature that is designed to help drivers in snowy conditions. When the system is activated, it starts the car at the second gear and it uses engine power and brake assist to improve acceleration and deceleration
- Traction Control: The Camry is equipped with a traction control system that helps prevent the wheels from spinning on slippery surfaces. The system detects when the wheels are losing traction and adjusts the engine power and braking to help the car maintain traction.
- Anti-Lock Brakes: The Camry has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking. This helps the car maintain control and stability on slippery roads.
- Vehicle Stability Control: The Camry also has a vehicle stability control (VSC) system that helps prevent skidding and loss of control. The system detects when the car is starting to skid and applies the brakes to individual wheels to help the car stay on course.
- Low Center of Gravity: The Camry has a low center of gravity, which helps improve stability and handling on slippery roads. The car’s weight is distributed evenly, which reduces the risk of sliding or skidding.
- Snow Tires: While the Camry is capable of handling light snow with its standard tires, it is recommended to use snow tires for better traction and control in heavy snow and ice.
Driving Experience in Snow
Driving a Toyota Camry in snow can be a pleasant experience, but it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not an SUV or a truck.
The Camry is a mid-size sedan, and its handling and performance in snow are dependent on several factors.
Firstly, it’s important to note that the Camry’s FWD model drives well in light snow, as long as you are using snow tires.
Snow tires provide better traction and handling in snowy conditions, making it easier to navigate through the snow.
However, if you encounter heavy snow or ice in your local area, it might be best to have the AWD Camry model. This will give you more traction and control in slippery conditions.
Secondly, the Camry’s ground clearance is not as high as an SUV or truck, which might make it difficult to drive in deep snow. The Camry has a 5.7-inch ride height, which means it can comfortably handle about 3 to 4 inches of snow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URAduJPRkC8
My Tips for Driving in Winter and Snow
Install Winter Tires:
Winter tires are designed to provide better traction and handling in snowy and icy conditions.
They are made of a softer rubber compound that stays pliable in cold temperatures and have deeper tread patterns that grip the road better.
Consider investing in a set of winter tires for your Camry to improve your winter driving experience.
Clear Your Camry:
Before you hit the road, make sure to clear all the snow and ice from your car, including the roof, windows, lights, and mirrors. This will improve your visibility and prevent snow from flying off your car and obstructing other drivers’ views.
Drive Slowly and Smoothly:
When driving in snow, it’s important to reduce your speed and accelerate and brake smoothly to avoid sliding or skidding.
Use gentle, gradual movements for all your driving inputs, and give yourself plenty of time and space to stop and turn.
Use Your Headlights:
Turn on your headlights to improve your visibility and make it easier for other drivers to see you. Use your high beams only when there are no other cars around, as they can reflect off the snow and reduce visibility.
Keep a Safe Distance:
Increase your following distance to at least six seconds to give yourself enough time to react and stop if needed. Avoid tailgating and sudden maneuvers that can cause you to lose control of your car.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, the Toyota Camry Camry is pretty decent when it comes to driving in the snow, especially if you opt for the AWD model.
The Camry gets great traction on snow and has a more than sufficient amount of power to get you out of trouble if needed. However,, it is not great compared to the RAV4, Highlander or Tacoma
When he’s not working his magic under the hood, Ethan Wilson is usually sharing his love for Toyota cars through his writing. Ethan’s got a special talent for breaking down complex car topics into easy-to-understand articles, making him a go-to source for Toyota enthusiasts everywhere.
