Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000 10:09:30 EST
Reply-To: CMathis227@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Chuck Mathis <CMathis227@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: Snow Driving was: NOT a Fryeday Funnie
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Excellent advice from Ken.
Three of the bext 'snow cars' I've owned were a '67 VW Microbus - Rollo, a
'70 Transporter - Gertrude, and a Diesel Rabbit - Bugs -- none could go fast
enough to get out of their own way.
Many years ago in Knoxville we had a substantial snow fall and I chose the
venture out in Rollo ('67 Bus) (visiting my girlfriend seemed a good
reason). I dropped my rear tire pressue to around fifteen pounds in the old
near bald 14" may-pops and took off. At the bottom of a steep hill I took
advantage of the super low gearing provided by the reduction gears and
started up very slowly -- slow as only a bus could go (Diesel Rabbits weren't
invented yet:O). Some guy in an early pre-SUV Blazer came flying by at a
pretty good clip. As I made my way up the hill I noticed this guy's tracks
wandering quite a bit. Just short of the top he was off in the ditch
continuing to apply copious amounts of power throwing snow and mud all over
the place. I stopped to offer to call for asistance when I got to a phone --
towing with an high mileage original stock '67 engine was not an option.
The Rabbit got me through two winters in Juneau, Alaska without sliding
except once when I had to dodge another slider.
My '85 Westy is not likely to see snow duty unless we have a freak storm in
Houston. Even then I'll be heeding Ken's first piece of advice since Texans
tend to be very confused by snow and SUV's are big and have multiplied like
bunnies here.
Chuck
'85 Wolfsburg Westy -- Roland
In a message dated 11/18/00 8:38:27 AM, KENWILFY@AOL.COM writes:
<< 2nd advice: Go slow! I don't know how many times I have been in the
middle
of a snow storm and been going along carefully, when some goofball in a SUV
flies by me going 65 mph. Then a few minutes later I pass him, spun out on
the side of the road. I don't care how good your 4 wheel drive is or your
tires are. Snow is slippery. Rain can cause you to hydroplane. Use some
common sense and go slower than normal. Usually you can feel when the car
starts to slide a little, go below that speed no matter how slow it is. It
could mean the difference of getting there 20 minutes late (people will
understand) and not getting there at all.
Also allow yourself alot more room to stop. I usually start applying the
brakes 50 to 75 yards before I get to the stop sign. That way you avoid
sliding through the stop sign into the path of an on coming truck. I did
this once when I first drove in the snow and I was spared. After that lesson
I have tried to be overly careful.
Finally, realize that although you may be an excellent and seasoned snow
driver, others around may not be (one of the many reasons to stay at home).
If someone else is driving agressively behind you or in front of you, it
could be a good idea to just pull over and let them go on thier way.
This is my normal, seasonal post about snow driving. Have a great winter
everyone! >>
