Hello to aall in the group...

Some of you may remember a few months back that I wrote you all
asking how the Honda CRV would handle in the Minnesota winter. I
have a couple of more questions about rust from the harsh winters. I
have been told that Minneapolis, like most winter cities with snow,
salt the roads to improve traction with the road. I hear though that
rust can develop on your vehicle and the CRV is not immune from this.

They say even if you wash off the salt, rust can still develop? Is
that true? Also, how does the window defroster work on the CRV.
Lets say you are driving and its snowing, I was wondering how the
defroster works?

Also, with the type of tires the CRV has and knowing its 4 wheel
drive, are chains still needed in Minnesota?

Forgive me for asking these questions but I never lived in snow
before. In fact, I have never seen it come dowm from the sky. I am
originally from Southern California and live in Tempe, Az moving to
the Twin Cities on 22 August.

Glenn, Tempe, Az

As far as snow goes: I bought my '02 last January and had several
opportunities to drive in the snow. I never wanted for traction as far as
getting stuck or leaving a stoplight going uphill, but I did find that the
stock all-season tires do not work that well when you initiate a turn in the
snow - often I found myself sliding straight past the turn, even if I
applied a little gas to try to get the front wheels to pull in the direction
of the turn. I just bought some '02 steel rims on Ebay(at the bargain price
of $42 for all 4, plus @$40 for shipping) and this winter will buy studded
snow tires. This should transform the V into a snow-eating beast, as they
have transformed all my prior vehicles. We get serious snow here, but
chains are not feasible. Studded snow tires are the way to go - I would
search Ebay or a junkyard for extra rims, as having tires switched twice a
year on one set of rims will run you more than buying the extra set. The
extra set of tires will run you some money initially, but not any more in
the long run as your summer tires will now last a few more years with the
reduced mileage. Maybe others can recommend some brand names, I've heard
the Nokians mentioned a few times as favorites for the V.
- Larry Portland, Maine

Well welcome to MN! I in a burb of Minneapolis. I
just got my CRV in April of this year so I haven't
driven it in snow yet.

The defrost works great when it is raining so I am
sure it will be the same in snow.

They do use salt on the roads but if you keep your car
clean it won't rust out all that fast. My husband has
a 92 accord with very little rust on it being that it
has been driven every winter here in Mpls for 10
years.

Also, chains are not allowed in MN. I don't think
those studs are either. I had some Bridgestone
Blizzaks on my last car and it made a world of
difference. I am going to give the snow a try in the
tires it came with before I go get myself some snow
tires. If we have a winter like the last one you
won't be needing any snow tires because we didn't have
any snow until March and April. One of my good
friends also has a 02 CRV and said it drives like a
dream in the snow so I wouldn't worry about it too
much.

Don't worry you will get quickly used to the snow.
The first couple of storms everyone acts like they
have never driven in the stuff. Plus if you have a
far commute to work you will be only driving 1 mile an
hour so there isn't too much chance to slide off the
road. Why do I live here again? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Hope this helps!!

Hope