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This topic comprises 4 pages: 1 2 3 4
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Author
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Topic: Need info on snow chains/cables
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Bruce Hansen
Jedi Master Film Handler
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Posts: 847
From: Stone Mountain, GA, USA
Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 01-17-2011 08:49 PM
Now that we are getting more snow and ice more often here in Atlanta, I have been thinking about buying snow chains or snow cables for my car, a Ford explorer. Since I would only be using them for a couple of days at a time, I would want something that is easy to get on and off. The stuff tends to melt somewhat fast, so we end up with dry roads with ice in places that are in the shade. The cables sound interesting, but I know nothing about them. We just got the same sort of thing that the nothern states get early in the winter, with trucks jack-knifed, and cars left all over the road. So what do you think, all you notherners?
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Scott Norwood
Film God
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Posts: 8146
From: Boston, MA. USA (1774.21 miles northeast of Dallas)
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 01-18-2011 09:39 AM
I also recommend snow tires and have never used chains. As mentioned above, snow tires are probably not worthwhile for once or twice per year, however. Chains are not allowed on all roads (they tear up the surface). Check into this before using them.
The key to driving in snow is to go slowly and use gears rather than brakes to slow the car. Front-wheel drive helps. With a rear-wheel drive car, it can help to carry something heavy-ish in the trunk to provide extra traction.
Most (but not all) drivers will benefit from anti-lock brakes. The braking technique is entirely different: with conventional brakes, you push down on the brake slowly until the wheels lock and the car starts to skid; then, you ease up until the car rolls again, and repeat this pumping process until the car stops. With anti-lock brakes, you push the pedal to the floor and hold it there and let the car do its magic (the brake pedal will vibrate). An excellent driver can usually do better than an anti-lock braking system, but ABS will be better than the average driver.
If you get stuck, "rock" the car back and forth, and remember that reverse is the lowest gear (and will thus give better traction than any of the forward speeds).
Always carry a shovel, ice scraper, and extra washer fluid in your car.
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Randy Stankey
Film God
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Posts: 6539
From: Erie, Pennsylvania
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 01-18-2011 10:53 AM
I agree. There is a certain amount of overhead involved in using tire chains. If the conditions are severe or if there will be snow on the ground for a long time, they are fine to use. If snow is light or if it will melt in a short time, they are more trouble than they are worth.
I used to drive a Dodge Neon. Never bought snow tires for it. Just used all-season radials. Never had any trouble driving it anywhere that I would usually drive. There were a couple of times when I drove it through snow as deep as the headlights. (Only for a few hundred yards.) As long as I keept momentum, the car would go through almost anything.
I think Scott is on the right track with his driving advice but I'll add that, however you drive, you should always try to maintain consistent speed and direction.
You could theoretically drive 100 mph. on solid ice. As long as you KEEP going 100 mph. and keep going straight ahead, you can drive like that all day. The problem arises when you try to change speed or direction. If you try to stop or turn too fast, you'll end up in a slide. If you can't stop that slide before you come to any obstacle, you'll "have some trouble."
The trick is to know how fast to drive for given conditions so that you can maintain constant speed and stay under the threshold of controllability.
When explaining winter/ice driving to people who have never done it before, I use the analogy of driving a boat. When you drive a boat, you don't directly control your direction and speed. You control the direction and strength of thrust. You have to judge your thrust to steer the boat where you want it to go.
Essentially, the less traction you have, the more lag time you have between the time you change thrust and the time the car reacts.
Yeah, it's almost like driving a boat.
When driving in the winter, no matter where you are, slow and steady wins the race. If you only can drive 5-10 mph. and stay in control then so be it.
My father used to say, "You could be out walking in this stuff!"
If you don't use your head, you might end up that way!
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