What do you guys abroad do to make it better in snow?

**mucklestone** · 29th November 2010, 22:14

Just thinking that as conditions here in the uk get worse perhaps some members from colder countries could give some advice on what works?

Opinions on the effects of winter tyres, snow chains/socks etc...

I fitted a LSD to mine over the summer and have to say its mad a massive difference in the snow. So much grip!

**chris167** · 30th November 2010, 20:24

well`at work we make static caravan chassis and today we fitted a set of ski's instead of wheels for a laugh and it worked suprising well. although cornering was an event!

**luke4487** · 30th November 2010, 21:52

I'm out in north germany with the army and its normal to get to -20 in the winter time...

Always makes me laugh coming home to a slight dusting of snow ruining peoples lives in the UK.

1. Sack off the gay snow chains.. this isn't the alps plus you will be restricted to 30mph! I saw someone fitting what looked like bath plug chain to his tyres on the way back over last year... wierd man lol

2. Dont abandon your car on the road as its my absolute pet hate and I think all vehicles not taken off the road should be treated as illegal parking and impounded!!!

3. I was sceptical in my first few years here but last year I invested in some winter tyres and they were superb! Cruising down the A303 on leave at 50mph in the uncleared lane while people are crawling at 20mph down the cleared lane was lovely... and it felt absolutely fine!

Don't go for part worns. Winter Tyres have 9mm of tread from new instead of 6/7 and are classed as pointless once they get to 5/6mm!

I fitted 19" ones at 200 quid a pop last year and they were spectacular... however this year I have got some black 16" steel wheels and tyres to match. I must say that I think the lower profile and wider tyre helped with the snow although I do have different tyres this year. (Nokian W+)

So on that note I recommend Vredestein as the best all round winter tyre. They are cheaper than the big brands such as continental etc but work just as well!

I dont rate all weather tyres! You cannot have a tyre for all seasons or everyone would cash in on it. Go for some good quality vredestein wintrac xtremes or something along those lines. They must have an Iceberg symbol on them to be classed as 'official' winter tyres

Hope that helps

Oh and if all else fails... use the handbrake

**kenp** · 30th November 2010, 22:09

Well what i do..

Wintertyres on (proper marks, like Michelin, Goodyear ect), and they must be marked M+S and a snowflake (tyres with only M+S is NOT wintertyre)

Always bring:
Snowchains (only when going further north)
Blankets (only when going further north)
Showel
Mobilephone

What i have regardsless of weather..
Toweye removed from below the sparewheel
Towing rope
Extra bulbs

I hate peopel driving without snowtyres.. (ot dont know how to drive.. im allready tired of people driving 50 KM/H in a 80 zone.. so i actually overtake without problems.. (yes i do know how my car reacht)

**Vectra_C_Chris** · 2nd December 2010, 18:44

What I do is not live in an area with snow.

When I visit snow I make sure my tyres have plenty of tread, and a reputable make of tyre is essential. Chains/Socks also need to be kept on hand.

**bangty 1** · 2nd December 2010, 18:51

stay at home cuz theres 3ft of snow outside lol................... buy a grit lorry and drive that works to

**markj23** · 2nd December 2010, 21:49

Originally Posted by Vectra_C_Chris

What I do is not live in an area with snow.

When I visit snow I make sure my tyres have plenty of tread, and a reputable make of tyre is essential. Chains/Socks also need to be kept on hand.

lol In Perth Yer Rite snows a bit there does it haha been a few times never seen it under 21 degrees

**cj_quest** · 2nd December 2010, 22:16

Romania...last winter there were between -20C to -38C
If it's really bad..chains become mandatory.
Winter tyres are mandatory now, but all season with M+S area accepted
It is recommended to have a bag of sand, shovel, and food, water
Safety jacket/vest, extra bulbs, first aid kit, fire extinguisher - mandatory by law

Personally I drove a petrol car at -25 C for a few days(Christmas holidays in the mountains) and we also had in the car 2 blankets, towing rope, flashlight and a canister of 20L of petrol. The only problem I had one morning we had to tow the car..I wouldn't start at all. New battery..but the sparks were wet. Nice memories though.
TBH though I believe that here the driving licences are given too easy, specially for most of 17 yrs. For them it's not the question IF they are going to have an accident, but WHEN. Adrian

**Caveman_nige** · 3rd December 2010, 00:48

A trick i have learned abroad both in sweden and russia is spraying engine degreaser or similar on your tyres before you set off, the snow will not stick to them and therefore increase your grip.. I have tried this here as well and it does seem to work...

**Vectra_C_Chris** · 3rd December 2010, 10:44

Originally Posted by markj23

lol In Perth Yer Rite snows a bit there does it haha been a few times never seen it under 21 degrees

Thats correct mate!

Think the coldest it got this past winter was 2 degrees Celsius. (Everyone freezing their nads off)

I do head east to the Australian Alps each year though for a ski. So I do understand a little bit about snow. Not this 6 foot of snow over night business though!