First idiot to make a thread about winter driving - 2009 edition
#1
First idiot to make a thread about winter driving - 2009 edition
^ Ha yea that's me. I was just working outside around the house last weekend and thought it's starting to get to that time of year.
First off, my 2wd did pretty well last winter driving in snow and ice, I added 200 lbs of sand to the bed to help me get traction. I also found that starting off in 2nd (I have an auto) helped me take off from stops, and the engine braking effect helped me slow down without locking up the tires when driving slow enough to stay in 2nd. Also just driving slower in general works.
Most of my driving in the winter is just back and forth to work (main country roads, 6 miles each way) and driving around town for errands.
Still I've been thinking of ideas to improve things. I was on a kick about adding a limited slip, but upon further reading it sounds dangerous, as the rear end will kick out faster then it does now with my open rear diff.
So I'm thinking of snow tires. I've got a set of 15" steel wheels lying around now, so they would be a good candidate for some dedicated winter rubber.
Anyone with experience on tires (brands, studded vs. no studs, etc.) I would appreciate some feedback. Also if they are really worth the effort and price or not?
A couple of guys at the office here drive 07'ish Mustang GTs, all year round, and they swear by their Blizzaks. They also always make it into work every day. So I think winter tires must help a lot, but I'm interested in feedback from the Ranger people.
Thanks!
First off, my 2wd did pretty well last winter driving in snow and ice, I added 200 lbs of sand to the bed to help me get traction. I also found that starting off in 2nd (I have an auto) helped me take off from stops, and the engine braking effect helped me slow down without locking up the tires when driving slow enough to stay in 2nd. Also just driving slower in general works.
Most of my driving in the winter is just back and forth to work (main country roads, 6 miles each way) and driving around town for errands.
Still I've been thinking of ideas to improve things. I was on a kick about adding a limited slip, but upon further reading it sounds dangerous, as the rear end will kick out faster then it does now with my open rear diff.
So I'm thinking of snow tires. I've got a set of 15" steel wheels lying around now, so they would be a good candidate for some dedicated winter rubber.
Anyone with experience on tires (brands, studded vs. no studs, etc.) I would appreciate some feedback. Also if they are really worth the effort and price or not?
A couple of guys at the office here drive 07'ish Mustang GTs, all year round, and they swear by their Blizzaks. They also always make it into work every day. So I think winter tires must help a lot, but I'm interested in feedback from the Ranger people.
Thanks!
#6
Hmmm i know that i made it all year last year during the winter with the stock tires on my ranger and had no problems getting back and forth to work which was like 14 miles or so. This year i got At's and the drive is much shorter like 5 miles. But i have always belevied in AT's on my trucks. On my two cars i have owned snow tires. So in short your decision
#7
#12
#16
california allows them oct 31 - apr 1 and i believe your car must be registered in a county which recieves snowfall .... so if you have say a san diego address no go on studs even if you are driving in an area that snows.
#17
end rant
#18
end post
#19
And yes automatics can be a manual. Ever heard of autostick? Or paddle shifters?
Last edited by whippersnapper02; 11-02-2009 at 09:30 PM.
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#25
Yea my Ranger starts and stays in 2nd.
I think I'm going to see how the off-brand all-terrains work that I have on now. They came with the set of wheels I bought and have 8/32" of tread left. I think I read somewhere that less than 6/32" of an inch and you have poor snow traction left.
My thinking was if they do poorly in the snow then spend the money on snow tires so I can get more use out of these all-terrains I have on now in the spring, fall, summer, and not have to replace them for a couple more years. Will see when the powdery stuff gets here, ha.
I checked and Indiana allows studs between Oct. 1 - May 1, and the studs cannot exceed 3/32" beyond the tread of the tire. Do you think studs would tear up my concrete driveway?
I think I'm going to see how the off-brand all-terrains work that I have on now. They came with the set of wheels I bought and have 8/32" of tread left. I think I read somewhere that less than 6/32" of an inch and you have poor snow traction left.
My thinking was if they do poorly in the snow then spend the money on snow tires so I can get more use out of these all-terrains I have on now in the spring, fall, summer, and not have to replace them for a couple more years. Will see when the powdery stuff gets here, ha.
I checked and Indiana allows studs between Oct. 1 - May 1, and the studs cannot exceed 3/32" beyond the tread of the tire. Do you think studs would tear up my concrete driveway?