So I'm moving from California to Missouri in mid-December. I'll be driving there with my '08 Acura TL-S (2WD-- stock wheels). I don't know what route I'm taking yet, but regardless, I know I'll be hitting snow and steep mountainous roads. I've never driven in snow, and I've lived in California most of my life. Is there anything I can do to "prep" my car? I know I'll be needing snow chains for my tires, but I also heard that cars in California are a bit different from the cars in other states where the temperature dips low and the driving conditions are brutal. Is that true? I mean, in California, the worst that can happen is pouring rain (40 degrees Fahrenheit). In Missouri (and other cold states), an icy road condition with snow, where temperature can be 19 degrees Fahrenheit. There's a difference, but I don't know if that difference is a problem.
Our family has been driving to Colorado (winter family ski trip) for a while now, and the family car is a '03 Toyota Sequoia SR5 (2WD). This summer, we took our car to Missouri and when we came back, there were a plethora of problems with the car (something about the safety computer being damaged or whatnot. Three different lights came on: TRAC, BRAKE, and I forget the third one (detailed, I know, haha). Anyway, the mechanics who did a diagnosis of the car said that it was probably the cold climate (from our past winter adventures) and the sharp, steep roads that took a toll on our SUV. I don't know if it's legit (since I know NOTHING about cars & their knickknacks), but this mishap made me wonder if my car can handle all four seasons.
I'm sorry if this is all supposed to be common knowledge... and I feel a bit stupid for asking these questions, but I just want to know what's up. Our SUV's engine (safety computer) couldn't handle it in the long-run, and I was wondering if there will be any consequences for my car in the long-run.
I will be going to my car servicer before I leave to get a "check up" and ask them any lingering questions. But I kind of want to do my homework outside instead of just depending on that one person's knowledge. I searched online and I couldn't find any answers tailored to my questions.
I'm sorry if my questions sound so generic and scattered, but I kind of don't know what to be asking (to be honest). My concern is: car + snow + really cold weather = problem car? (based on the fact that cars in California have it easier than cars in colder, snow-worthy states).
I'd appreciate your help, please
! Thank you in advance!
I don't remember the pricing for it, but it can be an option if you don't want to drive it to Missouri and risk it getting damaged somehow by the climate.
