I have decided that I will...

[Jarlaxle]

...never be without a 4 wheel drive vehicle again!

That is all.

[dgs49]

Please justify this extravigance!

4WD = heavier, slower, less fuel efficient, harder on tires and brakes, more expensive to buy and maintain - increases the size of your carbon footprint!

If not NEEDED, it is a silly waste of money.

[Jarlaxle]

Without it, I think I would still be stuck at home. The road I live on, as of this morning, STILL hadnt been cleared! My Cherokee handled it with no drama.

[dgs49]

Carry on then.

[oldr_n_wsr]

My brother in Coram still isn't plowed out. And at 30 inches of snow (probably a little less from yesterdays rain) even 4WD would have a problem. Need something that also has some serious ground clearance.

And with the rain soaking the snow, the plows are almost useless. They are using payloaders pcik up and move the snow, slowing everything down.

[Jarlaxle]

My truck rides on 34" tires.

[oldr_n_wsr]

I guess you have clearance.

[Jarlaxle]

Not as much as I want, but yes. I could clear bigger tires, but would need to re-gear the axles.

Liz's Blazer will probably get 37's this summer.

[oldr_n_wsr]

I think my PT Cruiser clears about 6" judging by the snow I hear hitting the bottom as I plow through/over the mess on the intersections. "Just don't stop" is my motto.

[Jarlaxle]

Do you run winter tires? If not...I recommend them highly!

[oldr_n_wsr]

Do you run winter tires? If not...I recommend them highly!

No I don't. Haven't really had the need for them. If it gets too high, I settle in at home and wait it out. If I am on the road, I find heading outside the ruts and driving on the fresher snow had gotten me through. I have had to repair the plastic "air dam" under the front of the car a few times (a couple of metal brackets have done the trick) but never got stuck unless I did it on purpose. I think the number one problem with stuck cars is the driver, not the type of car (or tires) they have.

[Jarlaxle]

Then you have never tried driving on dedicated summer tires in snow!

[Guinevere]

I love my 4WD, since I am out and about in all weather and all traffic. And oh yeah, I live in New England, on the beach, where you never know what road conditions you might find -- it could be two feet of snow, or two feet of sea water, or two feet of rock and cobble. Or, if you're really *really* lucky, all three!

[oldr_n_wsr]

Then you have never tried driving on dedicated summer tires in snow!

I use all season radials. I haven't had "summer" tires on a car since the all seasons came out. I do remember helping dad change the tires on the 1967 Plymouth Belvedere wagon to snow tires in the winter and regular (summer?) tires in the spring. Same for the 1964 V-Dub beetle he used to/from work.

[Jarlaxle]

Many newer cars come with low-profile tires that are performance-oriented and totally unsuited for snow. (Offhand, my Magnum was nearly undrivable & got stuck in two inches of powder on the OE tires.)

[oldr_n_wsr]

Many newer cars come with low-profile tires that are performance-oriented and totally unsuited for snow. (Offhand, my Magnum was nearly undrivable & got stuck in two inches of powder on the OE tires.)

Big rims, low profile tires make for good handling when dry pavement is around. Standard rims with all seasonal tires usually work well in all weather. When 30" show up, everything is pushed to the limit and driver skill comes into play.

I got home at 6:45pm the night of the blizzard. After 3+ hours I had less than 1/4 tank (yellow gas tank light on). I stopped home, grabbed some money and went to the gas station. On the LIE (495) overpass there were multiple cars spinning and going no where. I was able to get around them, get to the gas station and fill up. Going home was a bit of a problem as rt 83 (N-S route) was stuck with cars not making it up the hill. But I finally was able to cross E to W and made it home. I had little trouble making traction as I know, snow usually can get you going rather than sitting in the other cars icing ruts.

Cars were still stuck on the overpass on monday as were many on the hills up and down Rt 83.

[Jarlaxle]

All-season tires do not work well in all weather. They are a compromise, trying to do everything and as a result, often doing almost nothing well. (My Mag's OE tires fell into this category: they were chosen solely for low rolling resistance and wearing like iron.) With a set of Firestone Winterforce snows, the car went from undriveable to almost unstoppable. (Note: the Magnum wore 18" wheels.)

[oldr_n_wsr]

For the one or two times each winter there is a problem, I have found a little driving skill has gotten me through (even in the 30+ blizzard). Where others were stuck, I was able to get around them. Only once did I think I my not get through, but finding some deeper snow (rather than the icy ruts of other cars) got me enough traction to keep going. Stopping is the worse thing in heavy snow. And always carry a shovel, boots, gloves a hat and an extra jacket.

[Jarlaxle]

No, you aren't understanding: The Magnum was undrivable in very mild conditions. It would not move on level ground in 2" of powder! Someone I work with has the same problem with a Civic Si...it has wide, low-profile performance tires that are TOTALLY unsuited for snow. The best driver in the world isn't going anywhere in snow in a car running Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires!

[oldr_n_wsr]

Understood (now).