Weigh climate change when deciding on a vehicle

We can debate all we like about climate change, its changes and who or what is responsible, but if we’re going to purchase and operate vehicles, perhaps we should match our vehicles with our driving and environmental conditions to ensure their reasonable service life and our satisfaction with them as personal transports. For most of us, that means dealing with oppressive heat, and in some sectors, high water levels from time to time.

The complaint that most of what we have to choose from seems to be designed and built for the California market isn’t new, and it isn’t losing its validity. But are there features that are doomed to bring headaches and cost us more?

Colour choices are still stuck in the ’80s, with the top three colour choices globally being white, black and silver/grey. White makes our rides invisible in the winter, grey is the perfect camouflage for urban settings, and black can turn our vehicles into ovens in almost any level of sunlight.

Choosing lighter, more reflective hues can go a long way to improving AC effectiveness while making our autos more visible. Why do you think some carmakers offer white roofs on some of their models with large expansive tops?

Glass-panel roofs aren’t meant for hail storms. Even in fair weather they’re a pain. They will turn any vehicle into a stifling greenhouse, their mechanisms and water drains require constant maintenance, and the smallest impact can weaken the glass strength to the point that a small bump in the road later can lead to shattering.

Fording flooded streets needs ground clearance. If you live in an area that sees 100-year flood levels every other year (as many Canadians do) using a low-slung coupe or subcompact as your daily driver might need a rethink. If you shun the notion of a large SUV for carbon-footprint concerns, consider the vast selection of compact CUVS and crossovers that can handle more than a foot of water without the risk of electrical or engine damage.

The most vulnerable point is the engine’s air intake snorkel.

Take the time to pop the hood and find out how low or high it is. This will let you know how much water you can safely drive through without risking total engine destruction.

All-wheel and four-wheel drive really don’t matter. If it’s a frontwheel-drive vehicle equipped with good tires and operated by a somewhat skilled driver, it can pretty much go through anything on the road that a 4X4 can. All that extra driveline gear in a

4X4 will only give you superior off-line acceleration but will continually cost you in reduced fuel economy and maintenance expenses.

Finally, if it’s loaded with body electronics such as park sensors, surround-view cameras, crosspath radar units and the like, understand that excessive road water won’t be your best friend. Either opt out or get an extended warranty.