RE: Snows

[Mark Hilbush <73441.73@CompuServe.COM>]

Andrew Duane USG/PE wrote:
> Hairy green toads from Mars made Mark Hilbush say:
> 
> > Well, for some of us it's time to start thinking about new tires for
> > the winter.  First, even though they say "all-season" and are great on
> > dry and wet pavement, I'm assuming my 205/50/15 Dunlop D60s won't quite
> > cut it.  Besides, I want to protect my wheels from the harsh winter.
> 
> Well, your wheels may present a valid argument, but I don't really
> see any reason to buy snows on a quattro (warning: heresy alert!)
> 
> I live in hill country in NH, and am an avid skier with my family.
> My 100Q gets through the snow magnificently with all-seasons on it.
> In fact, last year, it got through fine with almost bald Comp T/As
> in the back.  Last year, we had about 175" of snow, and I drove
> through most of it in the mountains.
> 
> I'm looking forward to this winter with my D60A2s.
> 
> I know a lot of people who claim that snows will radically improve
> your snow capability, but I don't think Baltimore gets nearly enough
> snow to worry about it.

Andrew,

I would've agreed with you until this last winter.  Even our Jeep w/ high
clearance had trouble after 3' snow and roads unplowed for days.  :(

It's not so much the quantity of snow, but the quality of the snow removal.
Here in the mid-Atlantic, where budgeting for snow removal is an afterthought,
anything but freeways and major arterials can go days w/o being plowed.  I went
to college in central PA and never had trouble driving in winter even w/ my 2WD
Vega.  In MD, the better traction and braking ability you have, the easier it is
to stay away from all the loonies who head out to buy toilet paper at the first
sign of snow!

I guess if I'm gonna put something on my oe wheels, it might as well be snows.
Right?

Mark Hilbush
Baltimore, MD
87 4KQ
94 Grand Cherokee 5.2L