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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: tunnie on 08 February 2009, 21:16:22

Title: driving in snow tips?
Post by: tunnie on 08 February 2009, 21:16:22
Looks like i will be driving to the station in snow again!

Any tips? I don't have TC being a 2.2 and its a manual....

It did do well on Friday with the heavy snow, but i found changing from 2nd to 1st at 15mph was not a good idea, as i kicked the back end out. Best just to take foot of the gas and roll to a stop?

As for pulling off i have been using 1st, had no serious problems so far, is it best to pull of in 2nd (i think the snowflake button for autos forces it to pull of in 2nd?)

I know every must be done super smooth and super slow.

I think tomorrow morning, to give me better traction is put my big 3 ton jack in the boot, with a couple of boxes of books (luckly having a loft clearance and there are some heavy boxes in the garage!)  
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Plomien on 08 February 2009, 21:18:52
Weight at the rear is a good Idea,
When changing from 2nd to 1st change at about 5-10mph or as you said take foot off and just roll to stop :y
otherwise just take it easy don't boot it and take your time
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Lazydocker on 08 February 2009, 21:19:22
Get plenty of weight in the boot and do everything smoothly :y :y :y oh... And quick the shovel in the boot just in case ::) ::)
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: tunnie on 08 February 2009, 21:21:01
already got the shovel in there, have been doing everything super smooth, i was lucky on friday i just kept it rolling at T junctions, i did not stop on the whole journey.
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: CaptainZok on 08 February 2009, 21:21:06
Big box of tools is always handy for ballast too.
Take your time and be gentle when changing speed or direction and you'll be ok.
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Auto Addict on 08 February 2009, 21:23:45
1st gear loads and loads of revs., drop the clutch sharply, stand on the brakes at every opportunity.
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Martin_1962 on 08 February 2009, 21:24:05
Us LPG users are at an advantage :y
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: nick v6 on 08 February 2009, 21:24:34
stick the mother in law in the boot
she will weigh the back end down

hate the cow grrrr

dont worry so does ann :y
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: VXL V6 on 08 February 2009, 21:25:26
Drive like you are taking your driving test at 17yo!

Seriously, I found a full tank of fuel and any other weight you can put in the boot helps a great deal. Also remember to carry a shovel and some warm clothes / coat just in case.

Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: tunnie on 08 February 2009, 21:25:49
think i will stick with a massive jack and boxes of random junk! oh and a couple of TVs
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: zippo on 08 February 2009, 21:29:08
Quote
Looks like i will be driving to the station in snow again!

Any tips? I don't have TC being a 2.2 and its a manual....

It did do well on Friday with the heavy snow, but i found changing from 2nd to 1st at 15mph was not a good idea, as i kicked the back end out. Best just to take foot of the gas and roll to a stop?

As for pulling off i have been using 1st, had no serious problems so far, is it best to pull of in 2nd (i think the snowflake button for autos forces it to pull of in 2nd?)
I know every must be done super smooth and super slow.

I think tomorrow morning, to give me better traction is put my big 3 ton jack in the boot, with a couple of boxes of books (luckly having a loft clearance and there are some heavy boxes in the garage!)  


waste of time ,it makes no difference at all  ::) ::)
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: nick v6 on 08 February 2009, 21:29:15
Quote
think i will stick with a massive jack and boxes of random junk! oh and a couple of TVs
it'll probly stick
dont get sticking to much in the boot think of the old fuel ecomony
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: tunnie on 08 February 2009, 21:31:09
Quote
Quote
think i will stick with a massive jack and boxes of random junk! oh and a couple of TVs
it'll probly stick
dont get sticking to much in the boot think of the old fuel ecomony

Fuel Economy is not really an issue for me  ;)

When we had the loft clear out, i decided to fill my boot full of crap, and cart that around for 3 weeks. It meant i could fit the car in the garage and save me de-frosting it in the morning.  ;D
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: amigov6 on 08 February 2009, 21:34:02
Certainly weight in the boot will help grip but remember a low back end = a high front end which= less steering so don't overdo it.
   Should the worst happen even @ low speeds don't try to brake or accelerate no matter what your instincts tell you. Leave all 3 (or 2) pedals alone & do your best to steer out of the problem. :y
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: nick v6 on 08 February 2009, 21:34:23
just take it steady in the mig no heavy footting it you'll be fine
i turn my tc off sometimes as when i'm stuck on some ice it wont go nowhere so i turn off the tc and gun it
works every time
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: CaptainZok on 08 February 2009, 21:34:27
Quote
think i will stick with a massive jack and boxes of random junk! oh and TB

Are you saying he's a bit on the portly side?
Don't think he'll take too kindly to that Tunnie. ;D ;D
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: VXL V6 on 08 February 2009, 21:36:34
Quote
1st gear loads and loads of revs., drop the clutch sharply, stand on the brakes at every opportunity.

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: mkaminski100 on 08 February 2009, 21:37:18
Full tank +ca50kg in the boot, start from 2nd gear and release clutch ASAP, don't use too much throttle and most important - winter tires.  ::)
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: amigov6 on 08 February 2009, 21:38:07
Quote
Quote
1st gear loads and loads of revs., drop the clutch sharply, stand on the brakes at every opportunity.

 ;D ;D ;D
That's where i've going wrong all these years!!!!!! :D
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Andy B on 08 February 2009, 21:54:39
Quote
Quote
Looks like i will be driving to the station in snow again!

Any tips? I don't have TC being a 2.2 and its a manual....

It did do well on Friday with the heavy snow, but i found changing from 2nd to 1st at 15mph was not a good idea, as i kicked the back end out. Best just to take foot of the gas and roll to a stop?

As for pulling off i have been using 1st, had no serious problems so far, is it best to pull of in 2nd (i think the snowflake button for autos forces it to pull of in 2nd?)
I know every must be done super smooth and super slow.

I think tomorrow morning, to give me better traction is put my big 3 ton jack in the boot, with a couple of boxes of books (luckly having a loft clearance and there are some heavy boxes in the garage!)  


waste of time ,it makes no difference at all  ::) ::)

Of course it does!  :-? you still can't just plant your foot down though, there's still 200 bhp trying to get out!
I have still spun my Senator 180 in 3rd while being very gentle with the throttle though.
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: TheBoy on 08 February 2009, 21:59:06
Go fill it with fuel, thats extra weight.  Just drive sensible, pull away in high gear if necessary.

I've found the best way out of town for be is halse road > high street > buckingham road, to a43.
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Bandit127 on 08 February 2009, 22:02:17
Turn the TC off. You will get a better feel for your available grip. Which will be a tiny bit more than break all.

Aim to use the brakes so the ABS doesn't kick in (unless it's an emergency). Same reason.

One you know the available grip, aim to stay within that at all times... Sounds easy. Most of the time it is about creating space on the road to brake, corner and accelerate at the correct (and very slow) speeds.

And, if you get confident, the speedo is driven off the drive train. So it's possible to get the back doing 45 while the front is doing 15... LOL. But don't try that though  :y

Edit - just re-read and you don't have TC... That's a good start. I stand by the sentiment in the post though. It is about finding out what the available grip is and staying within it at all times.

The Auto takes off in third with the snowflake button. It doesn't give you much more than an excuse for a lazy right foot in the 3.0, it will still spin up given enough provocation...
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 08 February 2009, 22:02:44
Quote
Quote
Quote
Looks like i will be driving to the station in snow again!

Any tips? I don't have TC being a 2.2 and its a manual....

It did do well on Friday with the heavy snow, but i found changing from 2nd to 1st at 15mph was not a good idea, as i kicked the back end out. Best just to take foot of the gas and roll to a stop?

As for pulling off i have been using 1st, had no serious problems so far, is it best to pull of in 2nd (i think the snowflake button for autos forces it to pull of in 2nd?)
I know every must be done super smooth and super slow.

I think tomorrow morning, to give me better traction is put my big 3 ton jack in the boot, with a couple of boxes of books (luckly having a loft clearance and there are some heavy boxes in the garage!)  


waste of time ,it makes no difference at all  ::) ::)

Of course it does!  :-? you still can't just plant your foot down though, there's still 200 bhp trying to get out!
I have still spun my Senator 180 in 3rd while being very gentle with the throttle though.

 :-?
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Andy B on 08 February 2009, 22:04:03
Quote
.....And, if you get confident, the speedo is driven off the drive train.  ......  

No it's not! It's 'driven' via an ABS sensor .... which one though, I can't remember!  :-[  :y  :y  :y
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Andy B on 08 February 2009, 22:05:40
Quote
.......
Of course it does!  :-? you still can't just plant your foot down though, there's still 200 bhp trying to get out!
I have still spun my Senator 180 in 3rd while being very gentle with the throttle though.

 :-?[/quote]

C'mon Kevin ..... you were about to say something?  ;D  ;D
or are we splitting hairs about a hand full of horse power?  ;)  ;)  :y  :y
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: zippo on 08 February 2009, 22:06:09
Quote
Quote
Quote
Looks like i will be driving to the station in snow again!

Any tips? I don't have TC being a 2.2 and its a manual....

It did do well on Friday with the heavy snow, but i found changing from 2nd to 1st at 15mph was not a good idea, as i kicked the back end out. Best just to take foot of the gas and roll to a stop?

As for pulling off i have been using 1st, had no serious problems so far, is it best to pull of in 2nd (i think the snowflake button for autos forces it to pull of in 2nd?)
I know every must be done super smooth and super slow.

I think tomorrow morning, to give me better traction is put my big 3 ton jack in the boot, with a couple of boxes of books (luckly having a loft clearance and there are some heavy boxes in the garage!)  


waste of time ,it makes no difference at all  ::) ::)

Of course it does!  :-? you still can't just plant your foot down though, there's still 200 bhp trying to get out!
I have still spun my Senator 180 in 3rd while being very gentle with the throttle though.

i wish, i wouldnt have to buy a v6 then :)
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Andy B on 08 February 2009, 22:08:43
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Looks like i will be driving to the station in snow again!

Any tips? I don't have TC being a 2.2 and its a manual....

It did do well on Friday with the heavy snow, but i found changing from 2nd to 1st at 15mph was not a good idea, as i kicked the back end out. Best just to take foot of the gas and roll to a stop?

As for pulling off i have been using 1st, had no serious problems so far, is it best to pull of in 2nd (i think the snowflake button for autos forces it to pull of in 2nd?)
I know every must be done super smooth and super slow.

I think tomorrow morning, to give me better traction is put my big 3 ton jack in the boot, with a couple of boxes of books (luckly having a loft clearance and there are some heavy boxes in the garage!)  


waste of time ,it makes no difference at all  ::) ::)

Of course it does!  :-? you still can't just plant your foot down though, there's still 200 bhp trying to get out!
I have still spun my Senator 180 in 3rd while being very gentle with the throttle though.

i wish, i wouldnt have to buy a v6 then :)

Sorry Zippo ... I never looked. Just assumed you had a full fat Omega!  ;)  ;)  :y
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: zippo on 08 February 2009, 22:13:31
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Looks like i will be driving to the station in snow again!

Any tips? I don't have TC being a 2.2 and its a manual....

It did do well on Friday with the heavy snow, but i found changing from 2nd to 1st at 15mph was not a good idea, as i kicked the back end out. Best just to take foot of the gas and roll to a stop?

As for pulling off i have been using 1st, had no serious problems so far, is it best to pull of in 2nd (i think the snowflake button for autos forces it to pull of in 2nd?)
I know every must be done super smooth and super slow.

I think tomorrow morning, to give me better traction is put my big 3 ton jack in the boot, with a couple of boxes of books (luckly having a loft clearance and there are some heavy boxes in the garage!)  


waste of time ,it makes no difference at all  ::) ::)

Of course it does!  :-? you still can't just plant your foot down though, there's still 200 bhp trying to get out!
I have still spun my Senator 180 in 3rd while being very gentle with the throttle though.

i wish, i wouldnt have to buy a v6 then :)

Sorry Zippo ... I never looked. Just assumed you had a full fat Omega!  ;)  ;)  :y
Swmbo says i have to Wait until Ive taken my stabilizers off until i can have a full fat Omega  :D :D :D she always was a spoil sport tho
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 08 February 2009, 22:13:40
Quote
Full tank +ca50kg in the boot, start from 2nd gear and release clutch ASAP, don't use too much throttle and most important - winter tires.  ::)

 :y

be careful on corners and if you skate dont use brakes and give contra in the direction of the back of car..

and for emergency cases take some newspapers with you..you can lay them under the wheels if you are stuck..
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Bandit127 on 08 February 2009, 22:16:46
Quote
Quote
.....And, if you get confident, the speedo is driven off the drive train.  ......  

No it's not! It's 'driven' via an ABS sensor .... which one though, I can't remember!  :-[  :y  :y  :y
Well, it's on the rear then. The front of the car (in fact all but the engine and drivetrain) was doing 15mph when the speedo blipped up to 45...
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Bandit127 on 08 February 2009, 22:18:46
Quote
Quote
Full tank +ca50kg in the boot, start from 2nd gear and release clutch ASAP, don't use too much throttle and most important - winter tires.  ::)

 :y

be careful on corners and if you skate dont use brakes and give contra in the direction of the back of car..

and for emergency cases take some newspapers with you..you can lay them under the wheels if you are stuck..

LOL  ;D ;D ;D, I thought you were going to say something else then....
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 08 February 2009, 22:23:45
Walk :)
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: dad1uk on 08 February 2009, 22:30:59
You want advice of driving in the snow .... DON'T ::)




especialy in an Omega... lol  ;D

Stay safe everyone -  better late than not at all,
and it's not always you at fault,
but it may be your car that gets trashed!!! :-?
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: TheBoy on 08 February 2009, 22:34:46
Quote
You want advice of driving in the snow .... DON'T ::)




especialy in an Omega... lol  ;D

Stay safe everyone -  better late than not at all,
and it's not always you at fault,
but it may be your car that gets trashed!!! :-?
Indeed. Thats why I tend to drive very defensively in these conditions - which most people who know me find very amusing ;D
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: zippo on 08 February 2009, 22:38:30
Swmbo says i have to Wait until Ive taken my stabilizers off until i can have a full fat Omega     she always was a spoil sport tho
and Ive got rid of my P plate  :-? whats a P plate  :question :question
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 08 February 2009, 23:03:52
Also give yourself plenty of time for the journey, and give yourself plenty of space.
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Ian_D on 08 February 2009, 23:48:33
Are Omegas really that bad in the snow? :-?

I’ve found mine to be fairly tame up to now (apart from when it decided to kick its arse out when I was doing 25mph on a straight road last week - however I was accelerating )
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: dbug on 08 February 2009, 23:55:53
Quote
Are Omegas really that bad in the snow? :-?

I’ve found mine to be fairly tame up to now (apart from when it decided to kick its arse out when I was doing 25mph on a straight road last week - however I was accelerating )

Rear wheel drive + fat tyres + good bhp not ideal for driving on ice!! ;)
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Pete Elite on 09 February 2009, 00:01:31
Driving in these conditions is all about forethought, don't drive into a position you can't drive safely out of, give everything and everyone more space, give yourself and others more time to make decisions and keep your eyes looking at as much as you can safely take in :y.
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Lazydocker on 09 February 2009, 07:42:13
Quote
Are Omegas really that bad in the snow? :-?

I’ve found mine to be fairly tame up to now (apart from when it decided to kick its arse out when I was doing 25mph on a straight road last week - however I was accelerating )

Not ideally suited admittedly but I thought mine was impeccably behaved! It only let go when it was deliberately provoked  ::) ::) ::):y :y :y

That said... It is down to driving style and I can drive like a wee-smelling old man when I need to ;) ;) :D :D
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 09 February 2009, 08:39:56
Quote
Driving in these conditions is all about forethought, don't drive into a position you can't drive safely out of, give everything and everyone more space, give yourself and others more time to make decisions and keep your eyes looking at as much as you can safely take in :y.

 :y

problem is most of the drivers "here" dont care about snow,

with summer tires they drive as everything is "normal"..

result : disaster of course >:(
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 09 February 2009, 08:57:21
Its very tame really....get the weight in the boot and if it slides slightly, the chassis dynamics mean its very easy to catch and control.

Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: TheBoy on 09 February 2009, 09:03:08
Quote
Its very tame really....get the weight in the boot and if it slides slightly, the chassis dynamics mean its very easy to catch and control.

you mean have lots of fun  ::)
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 09 February 2009, 10:36:04
Quote
Are Omegas really that bad in the snow? :-?

Not really. If you want "bad in the snow" you need a Westfield. ::)

Took mine out for a laugh last time we had decent snow. There isn't really any way to can apply any throttle, however gentle, without losing the back end. A snails pace in 5th gear and it'll still spin the rear wheels with the slightest breath on the loud pedal. Come off the gas and the rear wheels practically lock as there isn't enough traction to drive the engine on the overrun.  ;D

Kevin

Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 09 February 2009, 11:26:46
I have to say that I am slightly concerned that Tunnie is bunging his in 1st at 15mph....which would be 3-4K rpm!

Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: CaptainZok on 09 February 2009, 11:36:54
Quote
I have to say that I am slightly concerned that Tunnie is bunging his in 1st at 15mph....which would be 3-4K rpm!

Think of the experience he will get changing the clutch, character building for the lad. ;D
Title: Re: driving in snow tips?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 09 February 2009, 13:21:11
Quote
I have to say that I am slightly concerned that Tunnie is bunging his in 1st at 15mph....which would be 3-4K rpm!


Sssh.. We haven't got a "changing the synchro's" HOWTO yet.  ;)

You don't know you'll need 1st until you've stopped.

Kevin