Just spinning my wheels...

[The Short Bus]

...in the snow. I've got a manual and Kumho ASXs, which aren't bad unless there's a couple of inches of snow, in which case I'm done. My question: what role does air pressure play in traction? Is 30psi better than 36psi, or should I just wait until the plows go through?

I'd get steelies and Blizzaks, but I don't have the money right now and for the most part the roads are almost always in good shape anyways. Thanks guys!

 

[dwpeek]

Use alittle less clutch. This will help, also 30 psi sounds good for the snow. This combo should work well. Also NO GAS when you take off.

 

[NCZ13]

Use alittle less clutch. This will help, also 30 psi sounds good for the snow. This combo should work well.

i dont understand how you would use less clutch for more traction... just drive slow in the snow...

 

[StealthWyvern]

i dont understand how you would use less clutch for more traction... just drive slow in the snow...

I think he means to say let of the clutch a little slower.

 

[MakeMeGoFast]

drive in the highest gear (possible) if your going 5, your not going to be able to drive in 5thgear

 

[StealthWyvern]

drive in the highest gear (possible) if your going 5, your not going to be able to drive in 5thgear

just gotta say this becuase you KNOW someone will say something about the car stalling or bogging down and wanting to die. Drive in the highest gear that you can WITHOUT bogging the car down or.....

Just drive like a granny and you will be fine... Leave yourself tons of room for breaking incase you find yourself some ice. I dont know how or why is it do hard for people to drive in the snow! gee I'd hate to see the person who has a hard time driving a low hp/trq fwd car in the snow drive a torquey truck with no weight in the ass.

 

[John Wehrman]

Well, I'm a newbie here, but not to driving in Minnesota. Looking for a set of steelies or just cheap alloys (for my '03 silver P5) that'll allow me to run my Dunlop Graphic snows w/one season on 'em. They're 205/55/R15s, so I think if I can find the right wheels, I oughta be able to use 'em...anyone concur?

Uh...make that Dunlop Graspics...

 

[dwpeek]

I think he means to say let of the clutch a little slower.

Yes I did. Sorry for the miscommunication.

 

[MTV]

Either pump the gas in first or start in second when taking off...

 

[Magus]

Actually 30psi is very low. Stock you should have 32psi in your tires. If you want better traction and mpg, you should run 36psi.

When the rally car drivers are driving in snow conditions, they have skinny tires on. This helps apply more force in a smaller area to cut into the snow. They do this since they are not very heavy (A Chevy Tahoe would not have this issue). Since we can not all go out and put on snow tires, higher pressure will help. I would mention that this also helps in getting better mpg because of the smaller contact patch.

Everyday 36psi
AutoX 32psi

Magus

 

[dwpeek]

Either pump the gas in first or start in second when taking off...

...or when you take off, use no gas and just ease the clutch out and imediatly shift into 2nd. It works on the St Louis ice.

 

[Purrfectangel]

Your main problem is that your tires are all seasons. Those kumho's don't have very much grabbing power because they are harder and have smaller grooves. You can drive with them on but I'm a firm believer in seasonal tires, summer for summer and winter or studded winter for winter. Makes a world of difference and also to get more traction I put a bit of weight in the back cause she's heavy but she's just too light in the back. She pulls better, and she won't swing as fast. Cinder blocks or sand bags work well.

When you get you winter one's you don't have to get blizzaks, the Dunlop Graspic work well. That's what I put on, just remember to drive easy for your first 500 km's or so till they get textured. Skinny tires are best for snow so I left the stock 195/50/16's on. Any tire unless it's a on a trailer or something specific vehicle that requires less or more pressure you should always have a minimum of 32psi but for ours 36-38 works best for everyday driving. As far as it concerning traction it really doesn't, air is more noticed in the wear department.

Magnus and everyone is right, just let out easy on the clutch and be soft with the gas. I've never had any problems with mine, just stay three car lengths behind, and use your gears to slow down more instead of the breaks and winter is a blast. I love driving in the snow..

 

[crashkelly]

I think if you pound the gas while completely dropping the clutch you will have no problem driving in the snow.

 

[probin94]

other thing is.....how much life is left on the tires(tread). ive been running yokohama avid h4s at a 205-45 all season. i put them on before winter and they went through everything fine. i am now in need of replacing them again and im down to the wear mark on them and i couldnt make it through anything. but they have lasted me two winters so im more than happy with them. with decent tread left i really have no troubles starting in first...a little bit of spinning but then they grab....like a couple others mentioned...slowly let the clutch out also.

james