Date:         Fri, 20 Dec 1996 07:47:39 -0800
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "Steven E. Broomhead, Sr." <broom-sr@southwind.net>
Subject:      Re: Waht was that about lowering tire pressure on ice?

Dave Thomas wrote:
> 
> With winter officially announcing its presence last night, I
> am recalling a thread a few weeks ago about using lower tire
> pressures to drive on ice.  Can anyone reiterate the details
> of that for this "snow & ice newbie"?  I already have some
> Z-chains (they go on fast & fit great!), but I'm curious
> about the tire pressure technique.
> 
> Dave Thomas
> '93 Eurovan
> Asheville NC
> 70's Westy wannabe

Having lived with snow and ice in Illinois for 25 years of driving
pleasure, I can state truthfully that lowering the pressure in your
tires will cause them to wear out the sidewalls faster, get you stuck in
the snow as much or more than properly inflated tires, AND give you more
surface to skid/slide on the ice.

In other words, it is not a good idea :(

Snow tires, studded tires (if allowed in your state), or chains are your
best choice.

Or you can do what I do... bundle up until April ;)

Keep warm,

Steven E. Broomhead, Sr.     ,============,     ^^dead^^^^^
  "I am not Slow, I am       /__||^^^||^^^||  ^^die^^^^^   '82 Diesel
   BROKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    |   |          |^^^cough^^       Vanagon
                            `--()-------()-:.......ooooOOOO.Oil.Oil.Oil