The familiar West Texas winter forecast is here. Temperatures are dropping, and suddenly, your daily drive has a whole new dimension.
That commute to Dyess AFB or the school run? You want to handle it with absolute confidence. So, how can you be sure your vehicle is truly up to the task?
At Arrow Point Auto Mall, we’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect used car that turns any winter driving concern into pure confidence. Let’s explore the best user cars for winter driving.
When you want unmatched grip on the road, your vehicle's ability to power its wheels is everything. So, what’s the difference between All-Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel Drive?
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is typically an automatic, "always-on" system designed for on-road performance. It sends power to the wheels with the most grip, making it a perfect tool for handling the slick surfaces of an Abilene winter.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) is generally a more robust, selectable system. While it offers awesome capability for tougher situations, many modern trucks and SUVs with 4WD also feature an "Auto" mode that functions just like a sophisticated AWD system. This gives you the best of both worlds—everyday convenience and heavy-duty strength when you want it.
While articles from snowy regions emphasize extreme ground clearance, our local needs are different. A moderate height, typically in the range of 6.5 to 8.5 inches, as found on most crossovers and SUVs, is the sweet spot for handling any slush or rare accumulation we see in the Big Country.
In fact, a vehicle in this range provides a wonderfully stable and planted feel on the highway, a huge advantage for confident driving when dealing with patches of ice at speed.
Staying comfortable is a key part of enjoying your drive. Features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel keep you relaxed and focused on the road ahead.
Similarly, heated mirrors are vital for quickly clearing away frost. Many used cars with heated seats in Texas also come with remote start, allowing you to step into a defrosted and warm cabin every time.
Modern vehicles come with a suite of safety systems that act as a brilliant co-pilot on slick roads. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) lets you steer while braking hard on ice.
A Traction Control System (TCS) keeps your wheels from spinning when accelerating. Most importantly, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) acts like a guardian angel, helping to prevent your car from sliding sideways in a slippery turn.
Above all else, what is the single most important factor for an incredible winter drive? Your tires.
They are the only part of your car touching the road. While dedicated winter tires are overkill for our climate, a high-quality set of all-season tires with deep tread provides the reliable grip you need for a fantastic Texas winter.
The Subaru Legacy's advantage is baked into its very design. Its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a full-time system engineered for exceptional balance, giving it a planted, secure, and confident feel on slick roads.
When browsing our used selection, keep an eye out for the 2015-2019 generation, as these models often come equipped with Subaru's highly-rated EyeSight® safety suite, turning a good drive into a great one.
What makes the All-Wheel Drive Toyota Camry so brilliant? It’s an on-demand system that runs in fuel-saving front-wheel drive until the moment it detects slip, then instantly sends power to the rear wheels for extra grip.
This gives you fantastic year-round efficiency with all-weather security. Available on 2020 and newer used models, every AWD Camry also comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™, a suite of advanced safety features ready for winter.
A modern Honda Accord is proof that you don't always need AWD to have a great winter drive. The engine’s weight over the front drive wheels provides excellent natural traction, a benefit amplified by Honda's sophisticated Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system.
For an outstanding value, look for 2018 or newer used models, where the Honda Sensing® safety package became standard on all trims. Equip it with a great set of all-season tires, and you have a remarkably confident and fun-to-drive winter performer.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s legendary off-road DNA translates directly to on-road winter security. Look for used models with the Quadra-Trac II® 4x4 system and the Selec-Terrain® dial.
Setting it to "Snow" mode automatically recalibrates the vehicle's dynamics for smooth control on ice and sleet. Its high ground clearance and planted feel provide a sense of confidence for any adventure.
The Toyota RAV4 is a tech-forward choice for a fantastic winter drive. Higher-trim used models may feature Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, a system that can send power to individual rear wheels for incredible stability in slippery corners.
What’s the key advantage for used buyers? Nearly every 2019 and newer RAV4 comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0, giving you advanced safety features like a pre-collision system for total peace of mind.
The Honda CR-V is a master of practical and efficient performance. Its Real Time AWD™ is an intelligent system that sends power to the rear wheels to prevent slip before it happens, giving you seamless traction without hurting your fuel economy.
When shopping for a used CR-V, the EX trim and above (from 2017 onward) are a fantastic value. They come standard with both heated seats and the excellent Honda Sensing® safety suite.
The Chevrolet Equinox stands out with its unique, driver-controlled Switchable AWD system. You can run in fuel-saving front-wheel drive and engage AWD with the push of a button before you hit a slick patch for ultimate control.
The Equinox is also known for its comfortable ride, turning a tense winter commute into a relaxing drive. Look for used models with a remote start feature—a true luxury on a cold Texas morning.
The Ford F-150 offers a surprisingly sophisticated 4x4 system. While the standard 4-High mode is great for tough situations, the real game-changer is the "4A" (Auto 4WD) setting found on used Lariat trims and above.
It functions like a smart AWD system, automatically engaging the front wheels when you need traction and disengaging them when you don't. It’s the perfect “set it and forget it” mode for conquering roads that switch between dry and icy.
What is the Ram 1500’s secret weapon? Its class-exclusive multi-link coil spring rear suspension.
This advanced setup delivers a smoother, more controlled ride than traditional leaf springs. This means the tires stay in better contact with the road over frozen patches—a huge advantage for stability and driver comfort. Many used Ram trucks also feature a "4WD Auto" setting, giving you that same on-demand traction.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a master of dependable, no-nonsense capability. Its AutoTrac® 4x4 system provides on-demand traction when set to "Auto" mode.
Better yet, many used models feature the G80 automatic locking rear differential. This brilliant mechanical system automatically locks the rear wheels together if one starts to slip on ice, giving you the powerful push you need to get moving without touching a single button.
Owning a capable vehicle is the first step. Ensuring it's performing at its peak is how you guarantee a great winter driving season. Before the temperatures drop, a quick check of a few key areas on your used car can make all the difference.
First, inspect your tires for proper inflation and healthy tread depth to ensure maximum grip on every drive. Second, the cold can challenge even a healthy car battery—have its charge and condition tested to make sure you have reliable starts on frosty mornings.
Finally, a thorough brake inspection keeps your vehicle performing at its best when you need it most.
Can you see clearly? Replace any worn or streaking windshield wipers and top off your washer fluid with a winter-grade formula that won't freeze for a perfect view of the road ahead.
It's also wise to have a technician verify your antifreeze/coolant levels to protect your engine and keep it running strong.
The bottom line is that keeping your vehicle ready for the winter season is simple. You can handle all these points and more by scheduling a comprehensive pre-winter check-up with the expert technicians at the Arrow Point Auto Mall Service Center.
Why choose a dealership over a private seller? A private sale can feel like a gamble, while we provide a crucial layer of trust.
Every qualified used car at Arrow Point Auto Mall undergoes a thorough inspection by our professional technicians in our Service Center. Our dealership's reputation stands behind every vehicle we sell, giving you a level of confidence a private seller simply cannot match.
A private sale ends the moment you drive away, but our commitment to you is just beginning.
Imagine the peace of mind of a Lifetime Engine Guarantee as you head out on a cold winter morning. Picture the relief of having complimentary towing included if you ever need it—that’s the real-world security our exclusive Arrow For Life program delivers.
Finding your perfect car should be a fun and rewarding experience, and financing should be too. Our finance team specializes in finding solutions for all credit situations, making it easier than ever to get into the more capable vehicle you'll love to drive this winter.
An unpredictable Texas winter is the perfect excuse to get into a vehicle you can count on. At Arrow Point Auto Mall, we are committed to being your trusted local partner, helping you find the right reliable, affordable used car for any season.
We invite you to browse our online inventory to see our certified selection of winter-ready vehicles.
Contact us today to schedule a test drive, or visit our dealership at 4101 S. Danville Drive in Abilene, TX.
Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title,license, $150 documentation fee. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.
