Snowed up?

windswept

BMWs are useless in the snow whatever the wheels on them!:p
My neighbour had a X5 and couldn't even get up her drive in it!

Markyt

Socks and chains are pointless in this country. It only takes one numpty to abandon a car in the road, and all the traction in the world won't help you get past. Unless your chains lift you over it.

gilbert_and_sullivan

The OP does have a point, a bit of common sense and responsibility for oneself helps a lot, instead of all this wingeing about lack of gritting.

Prepare your vehicle (winter tyres etc) and yourself for what's likely to occur.

jeannieblue

windswept wrote: »

BMWs are useless in the snow whatever the wheels on them!:p
My neighbour had a X5 and couldn't even get up her drive in it!

Aren't BMW's rear wheel drive? and therefore cr*p in this sort of weather?

I was glad when the schools were shut and others stayed off work - made the roads quieter and alot easier for me to get to work. When the schools reopened etc., it was dreadful and the driving standards of the mothers did not improve with the icy roads, they were still chatting on their mobiles and trying to steer, change gear and swat their darlings all at the same time.

When is it half term? I need some peace on my dreaded journey to work.

Andy_L

windswept wrote: »

BMWs are useless in the snow whatever the wheels on them!:p

Really, as a Series 3 driver I've had no problem. Then again that may be because I've actually read the F'ing manual & know when I should turn the traction control off

harveybobbles

John_3:16 wrote: »

Sturl
Do you carry spair tyre? How many times have you used it?

Do you pay breakdown cover? How many times do you use it?

£30 for socks and a life time of security.

I can take my snow socks out quite easy. Very small and easy to handle. If however I choose to keep them in all summer no problem. They even come in handy when on wet grass to tow the caravan.
Or then again lets leave it to everyone else to help me out. Then I can blame them all. Lol

how did I know you'd have a caravan...................... :rolleyes:

jeannieblue

Andy_L wrote: »

Really, as a Series 3 driver I've had no problem. Then again that may be because I've actually read the F'ing manual & know when I should turn the traction control off

So, rear wheel drive is ideal in the snow then?

Lexus' have also had trouble going up hills in this weather as well as BMW's, they get up there - eventually - and mainly sideways. And they are not stupid and know all the controls in their cars - they have to, in their jobs!! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Pete268

Having recently bought my first car with what Ford call 'Traction Assist' and ESP, what at the advantages/disadvantages of switching this off in snow? (the car is a FWD Focus). I did notice the traction assist/ESP light did come one once very very briefly whilst setting off but that was the only time. Before anyone says, the manual doesn't say anything about switching it on/off in snowy weather?

Thanks

Peter

jeannieblue

Pete268 wrote: »

Having recently bought my first car with what Ford call 'Traction Assist' and ESP, what at the advantages/disadvantages of switching this off in snow? (the car is a FWD Focus). I did notice the traction assist/ESP light did come one once very very briefly whilst setting off but that was the only time. Before anyone says, the manual doesn't say anything about switching it on/off in snowy weather?

Think it comes on automatically - like ABS, but you'd really need to consult your handbook and not take my word for it!!

goldspanners

Pete268 wrote: »

Having recently bought my first car with what Ford call 'Traction Assist' and ESP, what at the advantages/disadvantages of switching this off in snow? (the car is a FWD Focus). I did notice the traction assist/ESP light did come one once very very briefly whilst setting off but that was the only time. Before anyone says, the manual doesn't say anything about switching it on/off in snowy weather?

Thanks

Peter

keep it on in the snow, when the light comes on it usually means the front wheels are spinning and traction has been lost but the traction control is now active and trying to regain traction.
ive got it in my transit, even when you floor it in the snow the wheels will spin for a second then traction control comes on and reduces the engine revs regardless of how hard you press the accelerator.
in my van it can be switched off but automatically comes back on when you hit 38 mph. so it cant be permenantly off.
it is good, but it could make you a lazy driver.