I have quite a big hill to go down to get to work. Last year, I slid across the highway (and I drive v-e-r-y slowly). I even slide through stop signs and it is frightening. I put a few sandbags in the back of my truck, perhaps I need more?
What I want to know is what sort of difference will snow tires make? I would like to not be killed on my commute to work.
Thanks so much!
They are just all season tires. They suck. Did I mention I have literally been stuck and unable to get out of my own driveway? :)-
They are just all season tires. They suck. Did I mention I have literally been stuck and unable to get out of my own driveway? :)-
Chains are not an option. I am a single female and have no idea even how to put them on. Also, I live in Nevada where it will be heavy, heavy snow in the morning which could end up melted by the end of the day. Even if I knew how, it would be off and on with the chains almost daily, just not practical.
Chains are not an option. I am a single female and have no idea even how to put them on. Also, I live in Nevada where it will be heavy, heavy snow in the morning which could end up melted by the end of the day. Even if I knew how, it would be off and on with the chains almost daily, just not practical.
9 Answers
Snow tires on all four wheels will help. Even just on the rear will help some.
Adding weight over the axle helps traction, too much weight just makes it easier to break traction. A heavier vehicle will slide further and hit with more force.
You say chains are not an option, but I’ll ask: have you considered the easy mount strap-on type? http://www.tirechain.com/emergency_strap_on-suv-li…
Some other tips:
If you slide into or through intersections, you’re going too fast.
For your hill, go down in low gear. Let compression braking slow you instead of the brakes until you need them.
Nissan Frontier Snow Plow
2WD trucks are very bad in snowy conditions because there is very little weight on the powered rear wheels. Putting a load in the back like sandbags or sidewalk blocks will definitely help, but you will still find climbing hills in snowy conditions a major challenge.
1. Drive a bit more slowely.
2. Check the tires air-pressure. Add just a bit to the rear.
3. Have the suspension and brakes checked out.
4. If you need to stop — stop. Don’t brake half-way, start off in maximum braking pressure, and release if nessecary. Also works without ABS.
5. Add more weight to the rear. Have passengers and cargo be in the rear.
6. Light acceleration makes the car balanced.
Sand bags only go so far. Try using tire chains on all four tires. When you drive downhill, use a low gear to limit your speed, and avoid using the brakes if at all possible. (On level ground, on the other hand, avoid the low gears when driving in snow.)
The sand is a good idea but at the same time you can get several 40 pound bags of regular dirt at any lowes or homedepot and but them in the back, they cost around .99 cents a bag and they will do the trick….
my best advice is to get more sand bags directly over the rear axle. It will help keep the weight where you need it. Also have your struts and shocks checked. If they are bad it does effect your stopping ability. All terrain tires are good in snow. But you have to rotate them properly.
Yes at least another four sandbags will help.
Snow tires do help, even all terrain type will help. What’s on the truck at the moment? If they are normal sedan type for quiet running on tarmac you need to upgrade.
If you can afford to, I would consider changing your car to a 4 wheel drive. If you are struggling so much to handle this car in your normal weather conditions, it is not the car for you, or for the weather you have to cope with.