You forgot to ask about the most important thing, how to avoid getting "high centered". A situation where snow becomes packed under the belly of the vehicle and takes the weight off of the wheels causing a reduction in, or no traction at all. Avoid High centering by not driving through snow more than 10" deep for a long distance.

The manual can answer the questions on "traction" known as ESP (electronic stability program) There is a button down near the hazard light switch. Push to turn half off, push and hold to turn full off.

As with any new "toy", experiment and take it easy at first.

 

Here are some link that can help
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10020
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29271
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30971
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27574
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5171
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30649

Those threads will basically explain all your questions. There is a lot of good information in there.

Snow is fun at times, you just have to respect it. Like Jepstr67 says be careful of high center. HAHA I got high center and had to get pulled out. It was because I let my ego take over. :doh: But it goes fine in over 16 inches of snow. I know.

Just have fun and explore, but stay safe and take it easy. :smiley_thumbs_up:

 

Hey, if you can't handle the Challenger, I'll be glad to babysit it for you... Just sayin'.

 

Just turn on the Jeep and drive it. If you get stuck, then you can try ESP partial mode by pushing on the ESP Off switch and releasing it right away. The forum as well as the owners manual will offer more details, but the truth is all the systems just work with no extra driver intervention for 98% of the people.

 

well dawson its not the fact that i couldn't handle it. its the fact that it won't go up a hill with the rear wheel drive. so i don't have it in anymore i traded it in for this jeep that i love. it has spawned some deep desire to go off roading.

 

Best feature

is the driver,
NW in winter storms is not to be taken lightly,
take it slow and easy, and will be fine,
slower than you think, also extra care around other cars, and on downhills,
4x4 in the snow is fine,
ESP off, only if you find yourself stuck, say side of the road or something.
dont forget basic winter tools to pack in the jeep,
Tow strap, shovel, blanket, basic food, water, pocket warmers wont hurt, flashlight, chains if available, can get cheap ones for like $20-$30,
most of all, be safe so you can report back with PICTURES!!!

 

That sucks... Sand bags, man! Eventually, I'll have one of each. Where you located anyway?

 

im located in silverdale washington.

 

Patriot does great on the snowy roads with it's all wheel drive and esp. Off road can be fun, just be prepared.

 

Just take it easy in the snow, the Patriot will do the rest on its own. When you get more familar with your Jeep, then you can start turning the ESP off and partially on. My advice, for whatever its worth is don't over complicate things. One thing at a time and have confidence in your Patriot. The Patriot has a excellent four wheel drive system that will handle the snow with no problem. Just take it easy, your in a very capable Jeep Patriot. You will be just fine

 

Gee, I had no problem in the sand with mine:

 

thanks guys i'll add a shovel to the back just in case i get high centered to help me get out.

 

Driving over either Snoqualmie or Steven's Pass isn't going to be a problem, so don't even sweat it.

 

No doubt about it, the car is fantastic on snow and ice, but that brings me to the main warning.

It is very easy to overdrive your braking ability in a car that handles so well.

This is especially bad in the Patriot because the ABS system greatly increases the stopping distance. It allows you to steer but not to stop any better.

Get used to the technique of letting up on the brake and then pressing it again as the ABS kicks in. Almost like "fanning" the brake but not so rapid. You can stop just a bit more quickly this way. Especially with practice.

 

I also own both a Challenger and a Patriot and I can tell you that there is a BIG difference between the two when it comes to handling in snow. If you are just dealing with a few inches of snow then you won't have to mess with any settings and can just drive it as is. Just remember to take things slow and steady and you will be fine. You will want to make sure you develop different driving styles with the cars. They both have their advantages and disadvantages that you will learn over time.

Aside from being better in snow, I actually find the Patriot better for driving in urban areas because it is easier to park, has a smaller turning radius, better visibility, and the doors don't require as much space on the sides to open. I tend to use the Challenger for longer trips on the highway and the Patriot for local driving for errands and such.

 

Utopium you hit the details why the patriot is better than the challenger on the nail. and wooden dog thanks for saying that it eases my mind to know i don't have to worry so much. the news out here makes it seem like it is hell.

 

Driving in snow is like riding a bike, you just need to do it.

For driving on the highway I'd leave the ESP ON for ALL conditions. If you get stuck, lock the 4WD and turn ESP partially off, or full off if you have the patience to hold the button.

Keep in mind there is a wide variety of snow conditions, powder, plow-pack, slush, ice, surface-hardened snow, etc. You can go through fresh-powder all day long as long as its below your headlights. Beware of driving through ridges/edges that the plows make, you will get high centered for sure. Powder thats been surface hardened (sun hitting it for a couple of days) is also deceiving as the top half is hard and will hang you up, while the bottom half is soft powder and your wheels will spin all day.