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Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!seismo!hao!hplabs!hpda!fortune!marsano
From: marsano@fortune.UUCP (Derek Marsano)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: How many snow tires DOES a front-wheel drive car need?
Message-ID: <4480@fortune.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 11-Oct-84 14:24:12 EDT
Article-I.D.: fortune.4480
Posted: Thu Oct 11 14:24:12 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 13-Oct-84 04:15:05 EDT
References: <869@abnjh.UUCP> <> <285@digi-g.UUCP>
Reply-To: marsano@fortune.UUCP (Derek )
Organization: Fortune Systems, Redwood City, CA
Lines: 21
Summary: 

The question of "how many snow tires" is of particular interest to us
Northern Californians.  Throughout the winter, storms routinely hit the
Donner Pass, over which I-80 runs, which connects the Northern Cal
population centers to Lake Tahoe.  The pass is at elevation 7280', and 
the storms blow in almost directly from the Pacific.

During these storms, the Highway Patrol institutes "chain control", and
prevents any vehicle without (1) snow tires, (2) chains, or (3) four-
wheel drive from passing (i.e., go back to San Francisco or rent chains).

I was raised in the East and spent five winters skiing in norther New
England.  I'm used to cruddy driving conditions.  Most Californians
are not.  After three California winters, I'm convinced that the primary
goal of "chain control" is to slow down those fools who would otherwise
drive 65 mph over the pass under blustery conditions.  (Max recommended
speed with chains: 35mph.  Most people use chains.)

Nevertheless, chains or snows are mandatory.  Any benefits from using
snows on the rear wheels in a front-wheel drive vehicle?

Derek Marsano