Do I Need AWD in Upstate NY?

The short answer is yes, drivers in upstate New York should have an AWD vehicle if they do a lot of driving. If you don’t mind staying put for a few days until plows clear your roads, you can get by with FWD. If you have a FWD vehicle, you can put extra weight in the back for extra traction.

You can still drive here with a FWD car. It may be harder to handle in certain conditions, potentially leading to more accidents. And, AWD overall handles better comparatively when traction becomes challenging. So, is AWD necessary in upstate NY? Read on to learn more.

Harsh New York Winters

You don’t have to live in Buffalo to experience harsh New York winters. In the Wappingers Falls area, we get around three feet of snow a year! You’ve seen the mega snowfalls of Buffalo, and it’s not out of the realm of possibility that some of those snowstorms could hit Poughkeepsie or Fishkill. AWD handles much better in weather conditions that cause a loss of traction. Most modern, new vehicles have AWD that automatically adjusts power among the wheels when driving conditions are less than ideal.

Catskills & Adirondacks

New Yorkers love their weekend getaways. Right out our back door are the Catskills & Adirondacks, filled with some of the most gorgeous peaks on the Eastern Seaboard. Getting there is half the fun, thanks to the twisty, winding roads. Consider an AWD vehicle if you love traveling. They’re generally safer and can keep your vehicle on the road better.

The Taconic State Parkway

The Hudson River Valley is gorgeous, filled with rolling hills and winding roads. That’s probably why Franklin D. Roosevelt designated the Taconic State Parkway as one of the first scenic byways in the United States. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most dangerous because drivers don’t pay attention at certain intersections, plus the highway narrows to two lanes in some places.

Although you don’t need AWD to get where you want to go around LaGrange, it certainly helps when the pavement is slick or covered in snow.

Better Traction for Scenic Drives Near Wappinger

One of the beautiful things about living near Wappingers Falls is the beautiful scenery. It begs you to drive along our scenic highways and byways.

Not only should you consider AWD as a nice thing to have, but you’ll also need good all-season tires here. You’ll need the right tires for travel but also passing a state inspection, something we do for free at DCH Wappingers Falls Toyota.

Ready to experience an AWD vehicle at DCH Wappingers Falls Toyota? Contact us or call 845-202-3897 to schedule a test drive. We’re here to help you in any way we can.