Driving in snow
Discussion
As we're forecast a possibly severe winter, anyone got any good advice for driving our RWD monsters on snow? I've heard that Capri drivers used to stick sacks of coal in the boot to aid traction.
Anyone know if there's an easy way to disable the ABS? I gather that ABS is about as useful as a chocolate teapot on snow, and that locking the wheels is actually required to generate any braking effect (by building up a wedge of snow in front of the wheels).
Anyone know if there's an easy way to disable the ABS? I gather that ABS is about as useful as a chocolate teapot on snow, and that locking the wheels is actually required to generate any braking effect (by building up a wedge of snow in front of the wheels).
Agreed, not good. I had enough trouble with my XJ8 jag and previously my 245 shod 400bhp camaro.
An alternative could be to replace the rear wheels with some 15" 185 tyres etc to "cut" in more.
But unless you live in the deep south where snow isnt quite as prevalent you will have to drive "very" slow and careful.
Driving up or down steep snow covered inclines is pretty much a no go operation.
An alternative could be to replace the rear wheels with some 15" 185 tyres etc to "cut" in more.
But unless you live in the deep south where snow isnt quite as prevalent you will have to drive "very" slow and careful.
Driving up or down steep snow covered inclines is pretty much a no go operation.
I hope this is helpfull.
I live on North York Moors-so drive in the snow more than most.
I am fitting a set of Trak snow chains on it this winter.
I already have the correct set.You screw an adaptor to the wheel nut, then the chain just clips on/off in seconds.
Used normal wrap around chains before - they are a pain in the butt!
Used this system on my RX8 last year - they are fantastic!
From memory about £180 a set.
Snow chains give you more than enough grip as long as there is a slim layer of snow covering road.
Web:- snowchainshop dot co dot uk(were importer)
Just had a look on line and do not seem to list them-so phone and ask if interested
I live on North York Moors-so drive in the snow more than most.
I am fitting a set of Trak snow chains on it this winter.
I already have the correct set.You screw an adaptor to the wheel nut, then the chain just clips on/off in seconds.
Used normal wrap around chains before - they are a pain in the butt!
Used this system on my RX8 last year - they are fantastic!
From memory about £180 a set.
Snow chains give you more than enough grip as long as there is a slim layer of snow covering road.
Web:- snowchainshop dot co dot uk(were importer)
Just had a look on line and do not seem to list them-so phone and ask if interested
speaking from experience the HSV's and Monaro's are total useless in the snow!!!!!!
I drive to the Alps a few times each year and at the first hint of snow I have to fit snow chains........
Last year when getting into the car without chains on it slid sideways just on the camber of the road...
I drive to the Alps a few times each year and at the first hint of snow I have to fit snow chains........
Last year when getting into the car without chains on it slid sideways just on the camber of the road...
www.autosock.com/
Looks interesting, safe & easy to store in the car. I think I'll get some, this will guarantee a snow free winter, sods law.
Looks interesting, safe & easy to store in the car. I think I'll get some, this will guarantee a snow free winter, sods law.
[quote]Autosock looks like a good bet for the sort of conditions we tend to get down here on the south coast; anything worse than that and the entire country grinds to a halt anyway so no point driving anywhere. Thanks for the pointer 
[/quote]
That's what I thought. The size for the HSV is also the same as for my Saab so I'm in.
If it means the difference between getting stuck or getting home then it's money well spent.
[/quote]
That's what I thought. The size for the HSV is also the same as for my Saab so I'm in.
If it means the difference between getting stuck or getting home then it's money well spent.
Narrower tyres might be worth a look if youre not keen for snow chains (do they ever let go and chew out the guards?). Take a tip from the WRC boys, smaller contact patch is a greater force exerted on the road for the same mass = potentially more grip and will cut through to grippier material.
Disabling the ABS was a simple mod on the VS when I had "accidently" fitted the steel wheels and some tyres noone wanted anymore - find the fuse (easy under the bonnet of the VS) and remove it.
The ABS warning light will come on the dash but youll know that cause the fuse will be in the centre console.
The technique for emergency braking on gravel (from a decent speed) is stamping on the brake and turning the wheel (in that order!!) to create a plough effect. HZJ75 Land cruisers dont have ABS anyway. Im not sure that would work on snow though - though Ive no experience driving on snow - as the grip levels are even lower and a pile of snow may not slow you down that much? Id be interested to hear other/better methods for this situation. I can only think that Id rather retain *some* ability to steer on snow?
PB
Disabling the ABS was a simple mod on the VS when I had "accidently" fitted the steel wheels and some tyres noone wanted anymore - find the fuse (easy under the bonnet of the VS) and remove it.
The ABS warning light will come on the dash but youll know that cause the fuse will be in the centre console. The technique for emergency braking on gravel (from a decent speed) is stamping on the brake and turning the wheel (in that order!!) to create a plough effect. HZJ75 Land cruisers dont have ABS anyway. Im not sure that would work on snow though - though Ive no experience driving on snow - as the grip levels are even lower and a pile of snow may not slow you down that much? Id be interested to hear other/better methods for this situation. I can only think that Id rather retain *some* ability to steer on snow?
PB
uk hsv said:
speaking from experience the HSV's and Monaro's are total useless in the snow!!!!!!
I drive to the Alps a few times each year and at the first hint of snow I have to fit snow chains........
Last year when getting into the car without chains on it slid sideways just on the camber of the road...
Great photo, reminds me of that winter track in Need for Speed 3, right model GTS as well, and even the colour I used to choose
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