Driving in snow.

[oil pan 4]

I got a portable winch for my car.
Trying to dig out a car is not really practical.

[Xist]

Will a giant cargo strap work (assuming anything is within reach?) If you remember my thread about moving Dad's shed Aerohead said they move things on the ranch by hammering a stake into the ground and pulling on a winch. I bought one, but it broke, although I still have the cargo strap that I bought at least twelve years ago.

Is this the time for a super-sturdy air dam?!

My second family recommended that I came an hour later than normal and parked on the street.

I wish that going back to bed resulted in sleep, but I kept thinking that I needed to get the shovels, clean the snow off my car, and scrape the windshield.

There is probably about fifteen minutes' worth of stuff that I am forgetting.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by Daox

... also to test your traction every once in a while until you get a feel for it. To do this I just mash the gas pedal here and there while going straight. It gives you an idea of the traction you have available.

I do the very same

I also don't follow "common" advice to drive in a higher gear to avoid spinning.
It makes you drive faster, not safer, and alienates you from road conditions.

I run a low gear, that way, any reduction in traction, any excess power you try to put down on the road, will be noticed right away, rather than in the next bend.

That, and it brakes far better.
Engine braking is key in snow !

[Fat Charlie]

Originally Posted by euromodder

That, and it brakes far better.
Engine braking is key in snow !

People who say AWD isn't that big a plus in the snow don't seem to understand that.

[roosterk0031]

Good tires and keep speed reasonable. Nokian WRG2-4s on all my cars. AWD is a nice plus and usually comes with a couple more inches of clearance.

New electronics driving aids work pretty sweet too.

[redpoint5]

I almost went off a cliff due to engine braking in my 4x4 truck causing the backend to step out. I was in drive too, so the engine braking was very slight. Control was regained (barely in time) by shifting to neutral at the last moment and taking the longest steering path around the corner.

I prefer to do my braking with the brakes, not with the engine. It's much more controlled that way.

AWD allows you to get into more trouble, but doesn't help very much to avoid trouble. Basically, it allows you to use more aggressive throttle without losing traction, which isn't very valuable when you are running tires appropriate for the conditions (snow rated tires) or chains.

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

I got a portable winch for my car.
Trying to dig out a car is not really practical.

I spent 2 hrs and then 3 hrs digging out my Subaru once. Didn't expect deep snow in May on an unplowed road and high centered. After 2 short hours of digging out, I was able to reverse back down the road and again high centered even worse than before. 3 hours of digging with my bare hands and the plastic base of a camping propane bottle, in a tee shirt and jeans. Also had a screw jack that I used to put 1 set of chains on various tires about a couple dozen times.

[freebeard]

What do you guys think?

Sharpen that up and you'd have a grass whip/zombie protection.

[Xist]

Most of the snow has melted, even in the yard, but it will be back!

Also, what kind of kitty litter is best?

[redpoint5]

Get yerself a set of Z-style cable chains. I bought a set for the Prius used from CL for $20. Only difficulty is the knuckleheads trying to sell 'em never list what size they are. I use an app called OfferUp now that CL is falling out of favor.

[me and my metro]

I must be paranoid, I carry chains year round in my Saturn and two sets in my truck. I drive my car if it will get out of the driveway, my driveway is the worst I will encounter. If there is too much snow for my car I hub up and take my truck. With BFG MTs and my Diesel I say bring it! Ready for winter all year long.