driving in snow

pulliptears

Why do some idiots feel the need to bomb along a snow covered icy street at 30mph when there are cars double parked on the bend and they have no chance whatsoever of stopping?! I live on a street that ends in a cul de sac, its hilly, about a mile long and never gritted. We braved the weather yesterday, inching slowly and in low gear along the street only to get to the bend and meet an oncoming idiot that was fortunate not to take the back end off a parked car when he couldn't stop.
Last night we had one come tearing around the corner, loose control and mount the pavement. As he drove along it he came within inches of hitting the back end of our car which was parked safely (we thought) on our drive.

Todays fun and games involve several cars skidding round the corner yet still they don't slow down. Is it really worth it?

hieveryone

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

I bought a Mazda MX5 in the summer. It's rear wheel drive & obviously my OH & I have never driven the car in winter conditions.

Since the weather has changed & snow is about on the roads, I'm looking for ways to improve the vehicle's handling.

People recommend either snow sock or winter/snow tyres. Has anyone got a preference & which brand is better?

I've just got one as well a few months ago and took it out an hour ago. Mistake! I could not get it out of the small hill in my estate.... not sure if I'll get to work tomorrow!

pulliptears

hieveryone wrote: »

I've just got one as well a few months ago and took it out an hour ago. Mistake! I could not get it out of the small hill in my estate.... not sure if I'll get to work tomorrow!

We have a 2.2 CRD PT Cruiser and its useless in snow and ice, my little 1.4 Clio handles it much better. We had to abandon the cruiser at the bottom of the hill one year because it snowed while we were out and it just couldn't get up the bank. Best car I've ever had in snow was a little Morris Minor, flew through it (though I did have to put a breeze block in the boot lol)

Barneysmom

Anyone remember this?
Ever since those folk got stuck on the M11 in Essex, I've been very wary of getting stranded somewhere in winter overnight.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2712045.stm

I've got a full supply kit in my car, plenty of food.
Tins with ringpulls on them,
I have a small tin of spaghetti hoops,
a small tin of fruit cocktail,
Some of those Brevitia (spelling?) breakfast biscuits,
some Cadburys purple Roses.
3 cans of high energy drink and a couple of bottles of made-up squash.

All that is on top of what I normally carry in my cooler bag (I do about 35,000 miles a year) - this week I have cuppa soups for my flask plus cold drinks, sandwiches, 2 pieces of fruit and a small choccy bar.

The only thing I'm struggling with is a ladywee container. Maybe cut straight across the top of a 6 pint milk container and use that ................It has to be something I could use while sitting in the passenger seat

clever_username

Barneysmom wrote: »

Anyone remember this?
Ever since those folk got stuck on the M11 in Essex, I've been very wary of getting stranded somewhere in winter overnight.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2712045.stm

I've got a full supply kit in my car, plenty of food.
Tins with ringpulls on them,
I have a small tin of spaghetti hoops,
a small tin of fruit cocktail,
Some of those Brevitia (spelling?) breakfast biscuits,
some Cadburys purple Roses.
3 cans of high energy drink and a couple of bottles of made-up squash.

All that is on top of what I normally carry in my cooler bag (I do about 35,000 miles a year) - this week I have cuppa soups for my flask plus cold drinks, sandwiches, 2 pieces of fruit and a small choccy bar.

The only thing I'm struggling with is a ladywee container. Maybe cut straight across the top of a 6 pint milk container and use that ................It has to be something I could use while sitting in the passenger seat

35,000 miles a year. tons of food and drink. do you drive a tesco home delivery van by any chance!?

pulliptears

Barneysmom wrote: »

The only thing I'm struggling with is a ladywee container. Maybe cut straight across the top of a 6 pint milk container and use that ................It has to be something I could use while sitting in the passenger seat

http://www.survivalbox.com/products.php?product=SheWee

Brilliant things these

Barneysmom

Yes, they do look good but I'd have to get out of the car to use it? i need something I can use whilst in the car (like a potty lol but with a lid)


No I'm not a Tesco driver, I'm a medical engineer

pulliptears

Barneysmom wrote: »

Yes, they do look good but I'd have to get out of the car to use it? i need something I can use whilst in the car (like a potty lol but with a lid)


No I'm not a Tesco driver, I'm a medical engineer

No you could 'manoeuvre' yourself I think

or try a "Unisex UriWell'

http://www.presentsformen.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=5594&src=webgains

Barneysmom

Hey that one looks good!

pookienoodle

Barneysmom wrote: »

Yes, they do look good but I'd have to get out of the car to use it? i need something I can use whilst in the car (like a potty lol but with a lid)


No I'm not a Tesco driver, I'm a medical engineer

You can use them sat down as some wheel chair users use them.
I used one last year in the car when stuck in snow.
there is a knack to it but it works.