Visiting Burlington in February, are snow tires a must-have?

Submitted by jyum t3_1080okv in vermont

As the title says I’ll be spending a few days in Burlington in mid-February. I drive a Honda Civic with all-season tires that isn’t great in the snow, but I’m familiar with driving through New England snow storms and can usually manage if I don’t have to deal with a big hill.

This is my first trip to Vermont in the winter, should I consider getting a set of winter tires for the trip? I’m thinking Burlington is probably well-equipped to handle the snow but I don’t want to get stranded or anything, so any recommendations are welcome.

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IcyEdge6526 t1_j3pln1q wrote

Currently fairly warm and practically no snow. If it snows, be cautious, drive slowly and if possibly stay off the roads. I think you will be fine, but weather can change.

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PuddleCrank t1_j3pn8zx wrote

You'll be fine. Just be prepared to stay off the road during snow storms. It's usually cleared out by the morning after the snow stops. You don't need snows if you're not trying to drive in a snowstorm.

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_lucy_blue t1_j3ppkhv wrote

You’ll be fine, just drive slowly in any snow or rain; put your hazards on if caught on the highway, for example, when going very slowly in a storm. Kitty litter, sand, and floor mats can be used for traction around tires if it snows and you get stuck. Many folks with vehicles in the area can’t afford snow tires and manage year to year.

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Unique-Public-8594 t1_j3q914c wrote

It’s hard to know. Might be fine. Might slide around and end up in a ditch.

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Drbatnanaman t1_j3quzky wrote

Brakes stop your tires and tires stop your car. That being said, this winter has been bare.

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[deleted] t1_j3rdsuo wrote

No. If it happens to be snowing just don't drive, wait until the roads are cleared.

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greeneyedbandit82 t1_j3rgi4c wrote

I did slide into a car when going down the Main St hill years ago; it was really scary and I was driving a Honda (can't recall if I had my Civic or Accord at the time). Snow tires always recommended here, but I wouldn't buy them just for a visit. I don't buy them and I live here....

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woodstove7 t1_j3rxela wrote

Tiny story for you. When my wife and I were dating we booked a weekend trip to Stowe and Burlington. On the way up a good size snow started to fall. A few inches/can’t remember the total amount. There were cars all over the side of the road, some pretty bad looking accidents. We were in my POS FWD Toyota Yaris (loved the car personally). I run snow tires in the winter and swap them on & off the rims each year. Swapping the tires on and off yes does cost a little, and buying a second set of tires does set you back a little- I’m not chastising you here but the fact that you’re asking the question means it’s on your mind. We were glad we had them as we took it slow & steady. Got everywhere we wanted to go w no problems. If nothing else- snow tires aren’t a one & done purchase. They’ll last you years. I’d say get them.

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clovermeadow t1_j3ss6e8 wrote

Burlington won't be a problem. Going to more remote areas could be, but unlikely.

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Necessary_Cat_4801 t1_j3wnzo0 wrote

There isn't really enough information here to answer, but...

In general, no. If you have AWD/4WD and are staying in the Champlain Valley, you definitely do not need snow tires, unless there is a large storm and you plan on driving before the streets have been plowed.

If you are venturing outside of Chittenden County, they would be good to have, but buying and installing winter tires for a few day trip is not worth it to me.

I went years in AWD cars w/out snow tires, and I didn't stay in Chittenden County. No accidents. Drive accordingly and you'll be fine.

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Rockettmang44 t1_j4bpe8u wrote

I don't understand the people who are saying just don't drive in a snow storm. I mean does it not snow during the day in their minds or something? What if you're out getting lunch and a storm starts up? IMO you can get by without them, but it really depends on the weather. It got really icey about a month ago with barely any snow and I was skidding at some points, and had to cut my day short and go home, although afterward in scenarios like that the roads are usually fine after more cars drive on them and the salt trucks make their rounds. As for the hill aspect, there are routes you can go to avoid the bigger hills, but it's still slightly hilly.

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percy-mvt t1_j4hpf1i wrote

How much do you value your car and the lives within it? How about the lives of others on the road? Look, if you're on all seasons and haven't had time to warm up to driving in winter conditions recently, I wouldn't tempt fate. Lots of people are in here saying "there's no snow right now," but this is New England, our winter could very well become more severe in the time between now and then. As for "as long as there's no hills," this is Vermont, even Burlington has hills that will make an unprepared civic embarrass itself w/out traction. Truth is, the cheapest set of road rumbling winters will be better than the most expensive all seasons, I'd buy some or rent a vehicle with winters preinstalled.

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