How to Put Weight in the Trunk of My Rear-Wheel Drive

Putting weight in the trunk of your rear-wheel drive vehicle will help in winter driving conditions.

Driving on snow or ice can be difficult without a four-wheel drive capability or other accommodations to enhance whatever drive train you have. If your vehicle has only the more common rear-wheel drive, you can add weight to the back to help develop better traction on winter roads. Rear-wheel drive vehicles are propelled primarily by the rear wheels, so extra weight will help keep those tires on path, and allow you to turn easier.

Things You'll Need

• Sand bags

Instructions

1. Collect three twenty-pound bags of sand.

2. Locate the rear axle under the trunk of the car. You can find the rear axle by locating the two rear tires and drawing an imaginary line through them. Place one twenty-pound bag of sand in your trunk directly above the middle of the rear axle.

3. Drive around with the bag of sand in the trunk. Notice how the car steers and handles. If the car still feels too light or slides easily, add another bag of sand and take another test drive. Repeat this process until you find the right balance in your vehicle.

References

• Car Talk: Winter Driving