Taking HSV to a cold country - anything to look out for?
Discussion
Morning all,
As the subject indicates, I am planning on taking my HSV GTS to my native Scandinavia over the Xmas holidays. It's likely to be a bit colder there than it is here, and certainly a hell of a lot colder than where the car originates from.
So, has anyone done this before, and if yes, is there anything in particular I need to do beforehand or look out for while I'm there? I seem to remember seeing photos of a blue UK HSV in snow a couple of years back, and as there are members on here that are based in Scotland, they may have had similar experiences as well.
Anyway, any thoughts/insights much appreciated as always, I'll try not to stack it while there
Potentially snowy roads on my P-Zeros will be a right laff, I'm sure.....
As the subject indicates, I am planning on taking my HSV GTS to my native Scandinavia over the Xmas holidays. It's likely to be a bit colder there than it is here, and certainly a hell of a lot colder than where the car originates from.
So, has anyone done this before, and if yes, is there anything in particular I need to do beforehand or look out for while I'm there? I seem to remember seeing photos of a blue UK HSV in snow a couple of years back, and as there are members on here that are based in Scotland, they may have had similar experiences as well.
Anyway, any thoughts/insights much appreciated as always, I'll try not to stack it while there
Potentially snowy roads on my P-Zeros will be a right laff, I'm sure.....
featherfoot said:
I posted some details of snow chains about 1 week ago
Might/might not be worth a look
Might/might not be worth a look
Handy tip there Featherfoot, will have a look. Always been too tight to buy snow chains, but then again have always driven FWD cars, so haven't really needed them. Have had a look at the TRAK items, they're, er, a bit dear aren't they? Worth having if stuck in a snowstorm with a baby in the back though, I'd have to say.
You'd be lucky to find chains etc. that will fit without fouling the arches, as your car has a modded suspension set up the clearance might be even less. I'd look at these
www.autosock.co.uk/ I keep a set in the Saab, but of course since buying them last year, it hasn't snowed!
www.autosock.co.uk/ I keep a set in the Saab, but of course since buying them last year, it hasn't snowed!
The point about the Trak chains is they dont foul arches as all atachments at the front.
You put the special wheel nut on then they take seconds to put on and off - no standing about the road waiting to get run over as farting on with whatever....they also self tighten so once you have then 90% on and drive off nothing more to do than take them off when you get to tarmac.
I have used other traditional chains - and one problem (besides getting on and off) is with the torque the cars produce - very easy to snap a link and rip you arches out - Trak ones largely rubberised plastic - so not a problem
The Auto sock is good but have found that it lacks good grip up large snowy hills - also takes a bit to get on properly and I belive only has a limited life
You put the special wheel nut on then they take seconds to put on and off - no standing about the road waiting to get run over as farting on with whatever....they also self tighten so once you have then 90% on and drive off nothing more to do than take them off when you get to tarmac.
I have used other traditional chains - and one problem (besides getting on and off) is with the torque the cars produce - very easy to snap a link and rip you arches out - Trak ones largely rubberised plastic - so not a problem
The Auto sock is good but have found that it lacks good grip up large snowy hills - also takes a bit to get on properly and I belive only has a limited life
Edited by featherfoot on Monday 4th December 11:50
o.versteer said:
Morning all,
As the subject indicates, I am planning on taking my HSV GTS to my native Scandinavia over the Xmas holidays. It's likely to be a bit colder there than it is here, and certainly a hell of a lot colder than where the car originates from.
So, has anyone done this before, and if yes, is there anything in particular I need to do beforehand or look out for while I'm there? I seem to remember seeing photos of a blue UK HSV in snow a couple of years back, and as there are members on here that are based in Scotland, they may have had similar experiences as well.
Anyway, any thoughts/insights much appreciated as always, I'll try not to stack it while there
Potentially snowy roads on my P-Zeros will be a right laff, I'm sure.....
As the subject indicates, I am planning on taking my HSV GTS to my native Scandinavia over the Xmas holidays. It's likely to be a bit colder there than it is here, and certainly a hell of a lot colder than where the car originates from.
So, has anyone done this before, and if yes, is there anything in particular I need to do beforehand or look out for while I'm there? I seem to remember seeing photos of a blue UK HSV in snow a couple of years back, and as there are members on here that are based in Scotland, they may have had similar experiences as well.
Anyway, any thoughts/insights much appreciated as always, I'll try not to stack it while there
Potentially snowy roads on my P-Zeros will be a right laff, I'm sure.....
Don't take it out if it's icy or snow
It doesn't stop, has a mind of its own and has that much torque you can't get going either. Jeff.
Orkney Islands - far enough North for ya!
Auto Sock looks great. Also looks like a very British invention, which is a reason in itself to buy it. Sod whether it actually works or not Seriously, I think I'll get them, right price level for peace of mind, especially as where I'm going usually has very dry winters anyway.
Hoping there won't be any snow, really, as I can well imagine the HSV being fairly useless, as V6 JDT is saying above. Oh, and that the damn thing will start after nights spent in 10 degrees minus.....
Thanks for all the suggestions, at any rate, they've been very helpful!
Seriously, I think I'll get them, right price level for peace of mind, especially as where I'm going usually has very dry winters anyway. Hoping there won't be any snow, really, as I can well imagine the HSV being fairly useless, as V6 JDT is saying above. Oh, and that the damn thing will start after nights spent in 10 degrees minus.....
Thanks for all the suggestions, at any rate, they've been very helpful!
Iirc, I think Paul (UK HSV) has actually used the Autosock on his HSV & it worked. Obviously not going to be as serious as proper chains etc. but as the Scandinavian countries are able to keep the main roads clear during snow (unlike the U.K) hopefully they will suffice.
The neat little bag that they come in will fit easily in the space around or in the centre of the spare wheel.
The neat little bag that they come in will fit easily in the space around or in the centre of the spare wheel.
The HSV is total useless in snow !!!!!!!!!
I try and get up a mountain a few times each year and always take the HSV......
My experience has shown that I need to take snow chains for deep snow and getting the car out of the off road parking, but my car is lowered so you need to jack the car up to fit them, which is a cold and wet job.
The Snow Sock is great for ligh/medium snow conditions and is very easy to fit, but get a set for all wheels........
My top tip is go for snow tyres (and the above just incase) if you venture into the snow more than a few times each year.
The new high speed snow tyres mean you car blast to the moutains at a steady 100mph and then cruise up the mountain without getting out!!!!
I try and get up a mountain a few times each year and always take the HSV......
My experience has shown that I need to take snow chains for deep snow and getting the car out of the off road parking, but my car is lowered so you need to jack the car up to fit them, which is a cold and wet job.
The Snow Sock is great for ligh/medium snow conditions and is very easy to fit, but get a set for all wheels........
My top tip is go for snow tyres (and the above just incase) if you venture into the snow more than a few times each year.
The new high speed snow tyres mean you car blast to the moutains at a steady 100mph and then cruise up the mountain without getting out!!!!
But you'll start a bloody avalanche doing that with one of your exhausts!
Depending how cold you are talking!!
In Goosebay, Labrador when I lived there used to plug the car in at nightime for sump heater to keep oil nice and fluid also had an small internal heater blower to keep inside of car windows from freezing!! (used tobe -15 to -30 of a night)
Personally would ensure your coolant ratio change to 65-70%neat, ensure you have some warm clothes/hat/gloves in the boot just incase.
Never used snow chains just drove careful, the vans just used to have four sandbags over each rear wheel well!!
Ask Scandanavian tourist board for recommendations
In Goosebay, Labrador when I lived there used to plug the car in at nightime for sump heater to keep oil nice and fluid also had an small internal heater blower to keep inside of car windows from freezing!! (used tobe -15 to -30 of a night)
Personally would ensure your coolant ratio change to 65-70%neat, ensure you have some warm clothes/hat/gloves in the boot just incase.
Never used snow chains just drove careful, the vans just used to have four sandbags over each rear wheel well!!
Ask Scandanavian tourist board for recommendations
Thanks again for all the tips. I'm going to Denmark, specifically, so should avoid major snowfall. It's a rarity at least. Likewise seriously cold temperatures, it doesn't get much below 10 minus most years, and even that's only for short periods of time.
So, on balance, since it's the only cold trip the car is likely to make, 4 snow socks should be good enough, and maybe a look at the coolant.
Once again, thanks for all your help on this, it's really appreciated. I know I should really take my Saab, but what would be the fun in that? The natives at home will think the HSV escaped from Mad Max 4 LOL.
So, on balance, since it's the only cold trip the car is likely to make, 4 snow socks should be good enough, and maybe a look at the coolant.
Once again, thanks for all your help on this, it's really appreciated. I know I should really take my Saab, but what would be the fun in that? The natives at home will think the HSV escaped from Mad Max 4 LOL.
yorkkie said:
you can use studded tyres in sweden etc. In fact I am pretty sure you have to past a certain date.
Sven
Sven
Just wanted to help clarify this (I'm from Sweden and there now). You are allowed to use studded tires, but not required to. What you are required to do between Dec 1 and Apr 1 is run proper snow/winter tires (whether studded or friction).
There is however an exception to this rule if you have just entered the country (or are on your way to leave the country) and have tickets (ferry, bridge etc) to prove it.
I'm also not at all sure how enforceable this is on foreign registered cars. I'd imagine it'd be quite difficult...
/Martin
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