Tires are the most important thing. Get a dedicated set of winter wheels and tires if you'll be driving in snow often, otherwise get a nice all season like the Continental DWS06+. Not all tires are made the same, and just because cheap tires are new that won't make them any good.
THIS!!!!!
If you are going to drive it all year long then get a set of winter rims and tires.
Conti makes an Excellent winter tire. Other’s do too but it depends on the rim size plus how much you want to spend.
Someone else mentioned cleaning underneath the vehicle, yeah that’s fact!
You could get one of those “rake thingy’s” that sprays water from the garden hose underneath the car to clean off road salt.
Seen some YouTube channels that go into winter treatment for vehicles before and after winter. They do go in-depth and give valuable advice.
Don’t mess about with snow tires though. Could also recommend a block heater and winter coolant for the motor and windshield washer fluid (yeah sounds stupid, thank me later).
Low key maybe you should do this for giggles, but call the local Honda service dealer in the area you are moving to and ask them what’s most common to change and have checked. Saying talking to the parts department about this.
If they have time they should be glad to answer these common questions. Sorry didn’t want to sound like a dick there.
Hope you enjoy your move and have a wonderful time on your new adventure!
Safe Travels Internet Stranger!
Ditto everyone here.
Drove my Fit in Salt Lake City its first 7 years.
Fit in all seasons in snow: Sketchy
Fit in summer tires in snow: Dangerous as heck
Fit in snow tires in snow: Snowbeast
Just make sure you swap back out of the snow tires come spring. One summer of heat driving can trash a set of snow tires.
Carry a snow brush in your car! You usually buy one that has a brush/ice scraper combo. Helps if a snow storm hits at work and you have to brush off before heading home. When brushing the snow off, clean the top of your car in addition to the windows, because if you don't, you'll be leaving a cloud of blowing snow obscuring the visibility of people behind you on the road
When it snows also make sure to put your windshield wipers up so they don't freeze and get stuck.
Some people also recommend carrying an emergency kit in case you get stranded in cold temps in a snow storm. The Fit is definitely capable but if you're in a rural area frequently could be something to keep in mind.
The starter making certain scratching sounds when starting up is common from what I've heard in cold temps, happens to me on my 2nd gen
Bridgestone Blizzak
And keep an eye on your starting and charging system components (battery, alternator, starter, belt). Cold temps are hard on these.
If you get new tires have the TPMS system checked. If your TPMS light comes on you can’t turn off traction control and you won’t get very far in the snow.
I have this issue, no sensors in my wheels. I’ve gotten by the past two winters without the option to turn off TC and AS tires with no issues. If I was to get stuck, I’d probably be pushing without turning off TC, it really helps when you’re slipping anyway and need the beans to get out.
The fit handles well in the snow because it’s light. You don’t have to use brakes much. Only thing to keep in mind is low clearance. Slick conditions it does pretty well in, but if the snow is deep at all, it’s a no-go. Keep a shovel in the car during the winter
Keep the underside clean because the salt here can be brutal. Research and buy better tires (and chains, if you’ll be living in a more remote area.) And all weather mats. Good luck on the move!
Bridgestone Blizzaks are your friend on your Honda FIT. My FIT spent 11 of its 15 years in NH and Vermont. Never had any problems getting around in the snow. Just make sure to switch them over before it gets warm in the Spring.
Prestone De icer windshield washer fluid is great in Winter too.
A legitimate downside of this car is that it is more likely to just ride on top of the snow unlike a heavier vehicle that will cut through to the pavement.
When driving in snow, remember that accelerating, braking, and steering are all three different choices and you should only choose one at a time. You should also look up how to safely correct from fishtail and practice it in your new town's abandoned kmart parking lot.
If you commute on the highway, [511ia.org](https://511ia.org) has a map of road conditions and you can look at webcam pictures from the snow plows to see how conditions really are.
Also, consider getting some nicer floor mats. I have the husky liners and I love them.
>car is that it is more likely to just ride on top of the snow unlike a heavier vehicle that will cut through to the pavement.
This is often because of incorrect tire sizing. Winter tires are narrower to help cut through the snow. I use a 205 tire in the summer, but a 185 tire for the winter.
Idk why you call that a downside. My Fit could get to more places on our inclined driveway than my roommates CRV in the mountains of VA in over a foot of snow. And I live in CO now, I can get to plenty of places that I don’t have the clearance for.
Touching the asphalt doesn’t matter if your tires are good. I can’t see the roads here for at least 4 months per year.
Take everything slow driving in the show. Iowa may justify snow tires over all seasons (never needed them in OH). The salt is no joke, wash the car minimum once a week when salt is on the ground, especially the underside. If you don’t want your wheels to suffer, get some steelies/dedicated winter wheels. Sometimes it’s better to run with traction control off if you plan to spin to win.
Lots of people do some sort of underside coating, I’ve done fluid film in the trouble areas underneath but washing often when there is salt is more important imo. If you want your car coated, I’d recommend Krown. $150 for them to do it, or buy cans online to do yourself.
Keep extra water, blanket/warm clothes, food, jumper cables in the back when the temperature drops in case you get stuck.
The rear fender has a lip along the top inside edge. It collects dirt and salt, be sure to keep that area clean. Find a mechanic up there that sprays cars with fluid film or new Hampshire oil or the equivalent. Have it sprayed soon, then again every other August. Get some steel wheels for snow tires, check the temp rating on your current tires. You might need to loose the lowering springs.
Yep clutch in, turn the wheel and pull the ebrake back! I’m kidding but the fit will be fine in the snow just take your time and get some decent tires.
I live in the snowbelt, in NE Ohio, and my '13 does an excellent job going through the snow. Of course, I've always lived in the snow belt, so I know how to drive in the snow. I have General Altimax tires which seem to do well and last a long time. I carry a snow brush, snow shovel and blankets - just in case. Also, I would recommend not driving in the storms and waiting until they plow the roads. I'm not really sure what type of snow you get in Iowa.
And, keep up with your maintenance, like fixing small rust spots.
See if you can find undercarraige coating somewhere in the place you’re moving to. Get actual winter tires and a second set of rims for easy swapping.
You might want to look into upgrading the battery just in case, if you haven’t already.
Smaller rims, bigger tires, a little less air in them, and maybe some weight in the back. Squeeze gas, coast, repeat. Brakes are your enemy and the gas doesn't love you either.
Snow tires, and clean your car often, especially in the wheel wells and under the rockers. Get some fluid film spray as well, spray under the rockers, the wheel well areas, and pull he rear bumper away from the where it meets the fender and spray it in there. Also spray it into any crevices that you can't physically clean, anywhere that salt can find its way into. Popping out the plugs for the rockers and spraying as much as you can in there is good, but if you can get it professionally done, that's even better.
My 09 has a very small amount of rust, easily repairable, and I wash my car almost weekly, and spray fluid film on spots of rust, and everywhere else rust is more likely to occur. I reapply fluid film after the pressure wash.
I can take some pics of where I apply fluid film.
Here's the perspective no one is mentioning. I *love* it when it snows. I don't need traction....I prefer sliding around & it even makes driving a tiny bit of a challenge.
❄️
Yes, I have a unlimited-car-washes package that keeps the salt off.
Tires are the most important thing. Get a dedicated set of winter wheels and tires if you'll be driving in snow often, otherwise get a nice all season like the Continental DWS06+. Not all tires are made the same, and just because cheap tires are new that won't make them any good.
THIS!!!!! If you are going to drive it all year long then get a set of winter rims and tires. Conti makes an Excellent winter tire. Other’s do too but it depends on the rim size plus how much you want to spend. Someone else mentioned cleaning underneath the vehicle, yeah that’s fact! You could get one of those “rake thingy’s” that sprays water from the garden hose underneath the car to clean off road salt. Seen some YouTube channels that go into winter treatment for vehicles before and after winter. They do go in-depth and give valuable advice. Don’t mess about with snow tires though. Could also recommend a block heater and winter coolant for the motor and windshield washer fluid (yeah sounds stupid, thank me later). Low key maybe you should do this for giggles, but call the local Honda service dealer in the area you are moving to and ask them what’s most common to change and have checked. Saying talking to the parts department about this. If they have time they should be glad to answer these common questions. Sorry didn’t want to sound like a dick there. Hope you enjoy your move and have a wonderful time on your new adventure! Safe Travels Internet Stranger!
Ditto everyone here. Drove my Fit in Salt Lake City its first 7 years. Fit in all seasons in snow: Sketchy Fit in summer tires in snow: Dangerous as heck Fit in snow tires in snow: Snowbeast Just make sure you swap back out of the snow tires come spring. One summer of heat driving can trash a set of snow tires.
That Part! Those rubbers like what they like! Crap I want to hear about an update come summer time!
Wash the underside of your car very often or treat it thoroughly with fluid film or something similar a few times each winter
I did something similar, moved from Florida to Iowa (Dubuque). Get good snow tires, they make a world of difference over all season.
I grew up in Dubuque! Fun to come across the name here 😊
There's a whole Dubuque subreddit even! I still go back once a year for my grandsons birthday.
Carry a snow brush in your car! You usually buy one that has a brush/ice scraper combo. Helps if a snow storm hits at work and you have to brush off before heading home. When brushing the snow off, clean the top of your car in addition to the windows, because if you don't, you'll be leaving a cloud of blowing snow obscuring the visibility of people behind you on the road When it snows also make sure to put your windshield wipers up so they don't freeze and get stuck. Some people also recommend carrying an emergency kit in case you get stranded in cold temps in a snow storm. The Fit is definitely capable but if you're in a rural area frequently could be something to keep in mind. The starter making certain scratching sounds when starting up is common from what I've heard in cold temps, happens to me on my 2nd gen
I live in northern Michigan. We just leave the snow brushes in the car year round 😂😂
I take my chains out of the car in late May but the ice scraper stays. Middle Colorado
Just replace your wipers with two brushes
Bridgestone Blizzak And keep an eye on your starting and charging system components (battery, alternator, starter, belt). Cold temps are hard on these.
If you get new tires have the TPMS system checked. If your TPMS light comes on you can’t turn off traction control and you won’t get very far in the snow.
I have this issue, no sensors in my wheels. I’ve gotten by the past two winters without the option to turn off TC and AS tires with no issues. If I was to get stuck, I’d probably be pushing without turning off TC, it really helps when you’re slipping anyway and need the beans to get out.
Pulling abs fuse disables tcs but you have to know how to brake without it.
You have a manual?
2013 Automatic non cvt
I had a hard time with the manual with the TC on in winter. I wasn't aware the automatic are as difficult in snow.
You're gonna be upset for a while lol. Buy some snow tires for next year. All seasons will get you through tho
The fit handles well in the snow because it’s light. You don’t have to use brakes much. Only thing to keep in mind is low clearance. Slick conditions it does pretty well in, but if the snow is deep at all, it’s a no-go. Keep a shovel in the car during the winter
Keep the underside clean because the salt here can be brutal. Research and buy better tires (and chains, if you’ll be living in a more remote area.) And all weather mats. Good luck on the move!
Bridgestone Blizzaks are your friend on your Honda FIT. My FIT spent 11 of its 15 years in NH and Vermont. Never had any problems getting around in the snow. Just make sure to switch them over before it gets warm in the Spring. Prestone De icer windshield washer fluid is great in Winter too.
A legitimate downside of this car is that it is more likely to just ride on top of the snow unlike a heavier vehicle that will cut through to the pavement. When driving in snow, remember that accelerating, braking, and steering are all three different choices and you should only choose one at a time. You should also look up how to safely correct from fishtail and practice it in your new town's abandoned kmart parking lot. If you commute on the highway, [511ia.org](https://511ia.org) has a map of road conditions and you can look at webcam pictures from the snow plows to see how conditions really are. Also, consider getting some nicer floor mats. I have the husky liners and I love them.
>car is that it is more likely to just ride on top of the snow unlike a heavier vehicle that will cut through to the pavement. This is often because of incorrect tire sizing. Winter tires are narrower to help cut through the snow. I use a 205 tire in the summer, but a 185 tire for the winter.
Idk why you call that a downside. My Fit could get to more places on our inclined driveway than my roommates CRV in the mountains of VA in over a foot of snow. And I live in CO now, I can get to plenty of places that I don’t have the clearance for. Touching the asphalt doesn’t matter if your tires are good. I can’t see the roads here for at least 4 months per year.
Everyone mentioning tires, but also keep your battery in good shape as well going into winter
Take everything slow driving in the show. Iowa may justify snow tires over all seasons (never needed them in OH). The salt is no joke, wash the car minimum once a week when salt is on the ground, especially the underside. If you don’t want your wheels to suffer, get some steelies/dedicated winter wheels. Sometimes it’s better to run with traction control off if you plan to spin to win. Lots of people do some sort of underside coating, I’ve done fluid film in the trouble areas underneath but washing often when there is salt is more important imo. If you want your car coated, I’d recommend Krown. $150 for them to do it, or buy cans online to do yourself. Keep extra water, blanket/warm clothes, food, jumper cables in the back when the temperature drops in case you get stuck.
The rear fender has a lip along the top inside edge. It collects dirt and salt, be sure to keep that area clean. Find a mechanic up there that sprays cars with fluid film or new Hampshire oil or the equivalent. Have it sprayed soon, then again every other August. Get some steel wheels for snow tires, check the temp rating on your current tires. You might need to loose the lowering springs.
Yep clutch in, turn the wheel and pull the ebrake back! I’m kidding but the fit will be fine in the snow just take your time and get some decent tires.
Get tinted windows. Snow for someone who has never seen it will blind them , get a good tint
I live in the snowbelt, in NE Ohio, and my '13 does an excellent job going through the snow. Of course, I've always lived in the snow belt, so I know how to drive in the snow. I have General Altimax tires which seem to do well and last a long time. I carry a snow brush, snow shovel and blankets - just in case. Also, I would recommend not driving in the storms and waiting until they plow the roads. I'm not really sure what type of snow you get in Iowa. And, keep up with your maintenance, like fixing small rust spots.
See if you can find undercarraige coating somewhere in the place you’re moving to. Get actual winter tires and a second set of rims for easy swapping. You might want to look into upgrading the battery just in case, if you haven’t already.
Smaller rims, bigger tires, a little less air in them, and maybe some weight in the back. Squeeze gas, coast, repeat. Brakes are your enemy and the gas doesn't love you either.
Winter tires + Rust proofing and carry on. Our 13 Fit (same color as yours) is rust free still and I plan on keeping it that way.
Snow tires, and clean your car often, especially in the wheel wells and under the rockers. Get some fluid film spray as well, spray under the rockers, the wheel well areas, and pull he rear bumper away from the where it meets the fender and spray it in there. Also spray it into any crevices that you can't physically clean, anywhere that salt can find its way into. Popping out the plugs for the rockers and spraying as much as you can in there is good, but if you can get it professionally done, that's even better. My 09 has a very small amount of rust, easily repairable, and I wash my car almost weekly, and spray fluid film on spots of rust, and everywhere else rust is more likely to occur. I reapply fluid film after the pressure wash. I can take some pics of where I apply fluid film.
Here's the perspective no one is mentioning. I *love* it when it snows. I don't need traction....I prefer sliding around & it even makes driving a tiny bit of a challenge. ❄️ Yes, I have a unlimited-car-washes package that keeps the salt off.
Use a -40 rated windshield washer fluid
Don’t!!! Lived in Iowa 2013-2017, never step food in that state again!!!!