I live just north of you near Greenville, Ohio and take mostly country roads to work. I have the optional all-season tires. I have a long 100 yard lane to get our of my house which is usually the hardest part of getting any where. I put two bags of salt (80 lbs. total) in the back and drive like there is snow and ice on the road. Any idiots will be in the ditch quickly. The "w" switch helps alot with the traction control and anit-lock breaks. I use the auto-stick to keep the RPM's up and to help with the breaking. It feels and reacts differently than your typical front-wheel drive vehicle. You will need to develop your skills on how the Xfire wants to be driven in the snow and ice, but that is true with any vehicle. If you drive with caution and don't try to bust any drifts, you should be OK.