Hi,

I have been driving for thirty years and have owned lots of fun, performance-oriented cars... but I have also owned 14 SUV's. I am a field biologist and use my trucks in extremely challenging conditions requiring low range/8-10 lbs of tire inflation/spotters, etc. These trucks are amazingly capable - but so many drivers are completely unaware of appropriate off-road or snow-covered driving techniques. I have taken a number of performance driving programs including off-road schools back in the '70's. When I was a police officer, one of my assignments was to teach off-road driving techniques to folks registering their SUV's for use off-road in out park system - that was a trip!!

Under careful control AWD/FWD is extraordinay... just remember, when unpowered, these vehicles coast just like any other car (one tremendous advantage of manual transmissions is the ability to modulate engine braking). I also feel its critical to fit appropriate winter tires to your SUV - just like any other car ... I run big 285 series tires for oversand travel in the summer - but those tires are lethal in snow (despite their aggressive appearance)... in the winter I switch to 245 series Blizzaks and its just a super combo....size isn't everything... especially when its cold :-)

I love my "02 Aero in winter (with Nokians) - but today with a fast moving storm and 8-10 inches of blowing snow in 7 hours - the Saab was safe and warm in the garage - the SUV was trudging through the mess - center differential locked, axles left open - 20 lbs/tire.

Best to all,
eric

posted by 24.60.216...

• SUVs and snow, Bob M, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 11:00:48
  • Don't blame the SUV..., Dr. Eric Strauss, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 20:38:57 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Re: traction, BobS, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 22:40:28
    • Re: open axels, BobS, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 22:37:58
      • Well, not so much...., Dr. Eric Strauss, Sat, 8 Feb 2003 16:40:38
  • I once passed 21 cars off the road on a trip to VT..., Chris., Fri, 7 Feb 2003 16:14:58
  • Since we have an SUV..., Noel, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 16:05:48
  • Re: SUVs and snow, Rod'899kT, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 14:43:22
    • Oh yeah too deeeeeeeeeeeep, saw, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 15:39:45
  • Yes, it is always the driver, the car doesn't drive...., TKC, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 13:01:57
    • i agree more traction affords a false sense of security, tturboboy, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 15:41:58
      • Problem is that there is less traction with SUV's too!, saw, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 15:57:22
    • SUV's and traction., bRAD, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 14:24:57
      • Not sure your use of friction formula applies ..., TKC, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 22:44:27
      • Re: SUV's and traction., jp, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 16:20:20
      • to add to that, consider ..., RS , Fri, 7 Feb 2003 15:54:01
  • So true. People who would properly >, ChipJ, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 11:32:09
    • so why do SUV's get the blame when the problem, MJM , Fri, 7 Feb 2003 11:38:47
      • Damn lies and statistics... (long), Wes Miller, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 12:15:44
        • Good post, No.9, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 12:49:19
      • My theory..., KQuigley, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 12:03:03
      • Maybe it is the arrogance of some SUV drivers......, REM in Seattle , Fri, 7 Feb 2003 12:00:14
        • Re: Maybe it is the arrogance of some SUV drivers......, No.9, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 12:09:24

No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.

• Prev by Date: Re: saab parts cd, Dan W, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 20:34:14
• Next by Date: Oooooh cosmic blue.....wife says I can have one too..., Mike Lynch, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 21:09:45
• Main General Bulletin Board

StateOfNine.com

SaabClub.com

Jak Stoll Performance

M Car Covers

Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)