Theres no driving like snow driving

YOUKNOW

Well-Known Member
Location
South Jordan, UT
Hey guys and gals,

I woke up this morning and noticed snow on the ground in Eagle Mountain. I have not had the honor to drive in the snow or any kind of storm to speak of. Are there any kind of tricks to driving in the white stuff like airing down a little bit? Any comments would be great.

See ya.
 

I Lean

Mbryson's hairdresser
Vendor
Location
Utah
Nah, just slow down, increase following distance, slow down early and speed up slowly. If it's really bad use 4wd.
 

Spork

Tin Foil Hat Equipped
Slow down. -_-

An open lot with a few inches of snow is great for education on how your vehicle acts in the snow. *standard disclaimer about watching your surroundings, respect for private property, etc, etc*
 

TJDukit

I.Y.A.A.Y.A.S.
Location
Clearfield
X2 on the parking lot (as well as making sure it's safe and don't violate private property) every vehicle handles different in the snow. Learning how your vehicle handles a slide is very important.
 

jevyguy

Active Member
I don't think that airing down would add any significant benefits. However, I don't know anyone who has ever tried on the street either, so it could be a bit helpful.
 

Bart

Registered User
Location
Arm Utah
You could air down a little and it will help with traction, but the extra traction and speed may exacerbate the biggest problem with slick roads, which is having to stop. I have to shake my head at the huge lifted street 4x4s that put it in 4wd in the snow and floor it when the light turns green. They don't realize they have to bring that huge mass to a stop and 4wd won't do a thing to help with that. But I digress. Rant off.
 

DOSS

Poker of the Hornets Nest
Location
Suncrest
I agree with the parking lot thing.. really just get some speed and then try to stop.. thats what you really need to learn. once you figure out that stopping sucks in snow.. then learn that turning does too and you will be ok :)
Like was said earlier.. Slow down.. give more distance for everything and keep your head out of your anus and all will be well :)
 

BCGPER

Starting Another Thread
Location
Sunny Arizona
You aint from round here, are ya boy? :D (j/k)

When you're driving on snow, it won't be the fluffy white stuff you're picturing. It will be a hard packed, almost ice like surface. Airing down wont help, but an all terrain tire will generaly do better than a mud terrain.


Oh great, really looking forward to that.

In deep snow, like on a highway in a storm, would you airdown? Or leave the tires alone?
 

rondo

rondo
Location
Boise Idaho
Here's what will happen. Step 1. You will greatly increase the following distance between you and the car in front of you. Because you know there could be black ice and at any time cars could go into an uncontrolled skid.
Then a car with Utah plates will see the opening and squeeze in between you and the car ahead. So you will repeat step 1. Then it will happen again. and again. and again. Philosophically speaking you will never actually get to work because a thousand jacka$$'s will cut you off in snowy icy conditions because they see a 2 car length (or usually less) space in front of you.
Forgive me for being bitter. Ensure you have good insurance. Enjoy Utah :)
 

phatfoto

Giver of bad advice
Location
Tooele
I might suggest, if you think its going to snow overnight, get up a bit earlier in the morning and see. If it didn't, you have time for breakfast. If it did, leave early. As mentioned, 4x4 gets you moving better but won't do a thing to get you stopped. Leave more room than you usually would, I realize assholes will fill that gap, but still leave that extra room. Watch as far ahead of you as possible, watching for problems and brakelights. I can't imagine airing down if you are on paved roads.

And you would HOPE that people from Utah might have a better idea about driving in snow. Not really... But they sure think they do. I'm originally from the Midwest, and used to more snow than we get here...
 
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YOUKNOW

Well-Known Member
Location
South Jordan, UT
Then a car with Utah plates will see the opening and squeeze in between you and the car ahead. Enjoy Utah :)

I always thought it was the Cali plates! I have driven in the snow in so Cal to go snowboarding, but it was always really slushy so it wasn't a big deal. I see what you mean though with the stopping distance. that is a very good point. Thanks for the help!
 

Hickey

Burn-barrel enthusiast
Supporting Member
You will see mostly slush here too. Ilean pretty much nailed it. Your #1 priority is to keep your distance. Do not air down, you don't want better flotation.
 

Swoop69

Registered User
Location
Riverton, Utah
Dont know if you have lockers or not, but that can change the way your vehicle drives in snow.... Just use caution and common sense... as stated before... slower speeds, look ahead of the car in front of you....
 

jdub

Scrambler
Location
Provo, Utah.
I thought parking lots were for doing donuts?

I've heard that over inflation helps with cutting down to the road surface but I have not proven it to work. Lockers in the rear, really wide tires with large tread blocks plus a lightweight vehicle has always proven difficult for me to drive in snow. I always hold back as to be able to have an out when the cars all pile up. It happens every year.
 

O'neal

?????????
Location
evanston wy
Whatever you do dont drive a samurai welded F/R....It's like a rollerskate on an ice skating ring but it sure sharpens your skill's:D
 
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