Hi Gobnait,

The common misconception is that four-wheel drive makes you safe on ice and snow. It’s just not true. Four-wheel drive will help to get you going and if you get stuck, but once you’re moving it’s actually much more down to technique and what tyres you have than where the power from your engine goes. Generally speaking, it’s hard to beat a Volvo on snow and ice – after all, it’s what they’re built for - and an XC70 with all-wheel drive will get you home when others will fail. That said, any front-wheel drive car running  winter tyres will also be pretty adept, so actually the best thing to do is to visit someone like Rally School Ireland and take one of their winter driving courses to learn the proper skills and techniques.