Re: Descending Icy Hills

[Shaun Mullen <smullen@philly.infi.net>]

Phil Payne wrote:
> 
> Slowing down is good advice.  I'm not sure about "low gear" - I was always
> taught to be in the highest one I could manage.  If you're in a low gear, tiny
> throttle movements translate to large torque changes.

Hmmmm.  I am going into the fifth Northeastern U.S. winter in my '92
100CSQW and already have had two interesting ice-filled commutes this
fall.  As in past winters, I make sure to slow way down.  And I also,
from experience, shift into the lowest gear in my AUTOMATIC. There is a
palpable sensation of the car crawling on the ice.  Maybe the sensation
is between my ears, but might the parameters be different with an
automatic vs. a five-speed?