Date: Tue, 11 Nov 1997 11:34:28 -0600
Reply-To: Budd Premack <bpremack@WAVETECH.NET>
Sender: Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From: Budd Premack <bpremack@WAVETECH.NET>
Subject: Re: WINTER DRIVING
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Alan,
Enjoy yourself as you watch all the low ground clearance cars get bogged
down while you drive by!
The most important factor in winter driving is the DRIVER: second most
important is your tires. For all around slush and mush driving, you can't
beat Bridgestone Blizzacks, although any other snow and mud tire should do
fairly well also.
Keep the gas tank full for more weight and better traction. If you are on
glare ice and can't move, use some sand from your container which is stored
in the van (used one gallon plastic milk or anti-freeze containers work
well). If you have neglected this item, floor mats can work wonders. Just
remember to walk back and retrieve them once you have freed the van. Carry
a small shovel and don't be afraid to use it.
Most importantly of all, stay out of situations where your skill and
equipment is likely to get you into trouble. You gave no information as to
whether you are in the Colorado mountains, the Alaska wilderness, or the
dreaded Detroit suburbs, but there are Vanagons moving around in all of
these spots every day of every year, so simple observation indicates that
it is possible.
The two failsafe items are a sturdy tow strap or chain, and a AAA card. Of
the two, the AAA card is not the most useful, as generally when you want
help, so do many others, necessitating a long wait.
You didn't mention it, but it is generally cold when it snows, so have a
good quality set of jumper cables always available. Make sure that they
are long enough for awkward logistic situations, such as when the helper
vehicle must park on the driver's side or behind your van. A length of 16
feet should do nicely.
Winter can be fun, winter can be beautiful, winter can best be enjoyed
while relaxing by a warm fire and bragging all about how you were smart
enough to keep moving while others got stuck.
Remember, millions of unprepared drivers and their vehicles survive until
Spring every year. You can too!
The preceding message has been brought to you by a veteran of 35 winter
driving seasons. I'm not old, just savvy.
Budd Premack
87 Wolfsburg, 84 Vanagon, 86 Syncro (for sale)
73 Super, 64 Bug
Minneapolis, MN
