Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site fortune.UUCP 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