Winter-Ready Used Cars: A Complete Guide for Salt Lake City Drivers

When winter blankets the Wasatch Front with snow, having the right vehicle can mean the difference between confidently navigating winter roads and being stuck at home. For Salt Lake City drivers shopping for a used car, certain features and capabilities aren't just nice to have – they're essential.

Our goal with this post is to help car shoppers identify the key features to look for when purchasing a used car that can handle Utah's demanding winter conditions.

All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) systems have their place in winter driving but serve different purposes. Modern AWD systems, found in many crossovers and SUVs, continuously monitor road conditions and automatically distribute power to the wheels with the most traction. This makes them ideal for daily commutes through varying winter conditions. Four-wheel drive systems, typically found in trucks and traditional SUVs, excel in deep snow and off-road conditions. While they're great in the snow, they can be less fuel-efficient.

When shopping for a used vehicle, consider your primary driving needs – if you're mainly dealing with plowed city streets and occasional mountain drives, an AWD system might be your best bet.

Beyond drive systems, several modern safety features are particularly valuable for winter driving in Salt Lake City.

These foundational safety features are crucial for winter driving. While ABS has been standard for many years, ensure any used vehicle you consider has a properly functioning system - something we check with all our cars at Peterson Auto.

Electronic stability control became mandatory in 2012, but many pre-2012 vehicles still include it.

Look for vehicles with advanced traction control systems. Many newer used cars offer selectable drive modes specifically for snow and ice. These systems can significantly improve your vehicle's handling in winter, especially when navigating steep hills in neighborhoods like the Avenues or climbing the Cottonwood Canyons.

Unsure of what category to shop for? Here are a few of our favorites:

Subaru's symmetrical AWD system has earned a stellar reputation in Salt Lake City. Used Outbacks, Foresters, and Crosstreks are popular choices, offering excellent ground clearance and proven winter performance. Models from 2015 onward include more advanced safety features.

Vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5 with AWD offer a good balance of winter capability and everyday practicality.

Used Toyota Highlanders and Honda Pilots with AWD are solid choices for families needing more space. These vehicles offer the height and visibility required for winter driving while maintaining good maneuverability for city parking.

When evaluating a used vehicle for winter driving, pay special attention to:

Salt Lake City's roads are heavily salted during winter months. Check for rust and corrosion, particularly on older vehicles. Pay special attention to brake lines and suspension components.

Ensure the heating system - including the defroster - works perfectly. A properly functioning heating system isn't just about comfort – it's a safety essential for winter driving.

Check that the vehicle has enough clearance for winter tires and that the wheel wells haven't been damaged from ice buildup. A feature like mud flaps can help protect against salt and winter's icy snow slush.

When choosing a winter-ready used car in Salt Lake City, several unique local factors come into play:

Different areas of the Salt Lake Valley present distinct challenges regarding winter driving. Suppose you're commuting from Sandy to downtown. In that case, you'll want a vehicle that handles I-15's high-speed winter conditions and downtown Salt Lake's tight parking. For those living in foothill neighborhoods like the Upper Avenues or the East Benches, prioritize vehicles with excellent hill-start assist features and proven snow performance.

Salt Lake's winter inversions are a harsh reality. Consider vehicles with cabin air filtration systems. Some used hybrid options, like the AWD Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (2016 and newer), offer the dual benefit of winter capability and lower emissions – particularly valuable during our red air days.

Many used vehicles advertise "winter packages," but always verify the details for yourself. Some things we find helpful to look for are:

Finding the right winter-ready used car in Salt Lake City requires careful consideration of features, maintenance history, and your specific needs. Focus on vehicles with proven AWD or 4WD systems, essential safety features, and a history of reliable winter performance. We hope this guide helps you in your search for your next car to handle the Salt Lake City winter. If you have any questions, you can always give us a call at (801) 561-2727 or come visit us.