Driving in Snow near Calais (Brewer, Machias: live, move, car)

[MaineMathTCHER]

Hi- Who knows about the condition of the roads around Calais in the Winter-(214, 191, 1, 9). New to this area after the snow this year and wondering how the commute will be in Winter. Thanks!

[mollysmiles]

Rts 1 and 9 are usually bare, thanks to the liquid chlorine used on the roads. They spread that unto the road before the storm begins, and unless the snow is really accumulating rapidly, that will make a huge difference. The plows come out and clear it away once accumulation begins. The intown roads aren't treated in this way, so they will have snow on them longer. Rt 214 isn't usually too bad, but not nearly as clear as 1 and 9. It's well traveled though, so it tends to be bare pretty quickly. Rt 191 though is entirely different, especially through Cooper. It's left to build up and build up, and with all the tree coverage it doesn't even have a chance to melt much from the sun during the day. It's just not well cared for, rarely seems to see salt or sand. I travel from Calais to Machias, used to be very regular, 2 or 3 times a week, but now it's every other week or so, and there have been a number of times I will drive out of my way on Rt 1 rather than drive 191. I have to say too...I'm not easily intimidated, and have been driving for 25 years, and I'm careful....but the road is just not maintained well at all.

The good news is this: people will stop if you get stuck in the snowbank or go off the road, the road crews around here are really good and stay on top of it (except 191!), and driving slow and using common sense really do work! Leave a bit early, take your time, and I think you'll do great!

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Molly is right about Cooper and the biggest drifts you'll ever see can occur in Cooper where the blueberry barrens are on top of the ridges. They are also famous for their white-outs.

[Bydand]

Don't forget, tires make a GIANT difference also. There is a reason tire companies still make a dedicated severe service snow tire. (little mountain on the side) All season tires are really only all-season if you live someplace like Miami and don't get real snow. That being said though, I have lived all over and traveled all over the US and can say beyond a shadow of a doubt, I have never seen road crews keep the roads as bare and dry during the winter as they do all over the State of Maine.

[Elcarim]

I was talking to someone just today about needing to get snow tires when we move. I'm guessing they may be hard to come by in Texas!

Is there a 'best brand' or type you could suggest?

[Ihate the big"O"]

what does the chlorine do to the roads? Here in NE they just use salt and sand.

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by Elcarim

I was talking to someone just today about needing to get snow tires when we move. I'm guessing they may be hard to come by in Texas!

Is there a 'best brand' or type you could suggest?

While there are probably as many opinions as there are people on the forum, I personally have never had snow tires as good as the ones I run now. They are made by Firestone, but just carry the Winterforce label. Winterforce M+S They out preform the Nokians, Michilens, Coopers, and every other brand I have had over the years. Of course I can only say that for sure on the vehicles I have driven.

Originally Posted by Ihate the big"O"

what does the chlorine do to the roads? Here in NE they just use salt and sand.

As it was explained to me, (and I cannot say it is 100%, but makes sense) the chlorine being applied to the road surface shortly before the snow falls, acts as deterrent to the snow pack/ice from adhering to the road surface, making it easier to remove for the road crews.

[bigchuckie]

Originally Posted by Ihate the big"O"

what does the chlorine do to the roads? Here in NE they just use salt and sand.

Calcium Chloride in a liquid form is like rock salt it melts the ice and snow accumulated on the road surface. Kills ice and rots out brakelines on your car

[Ihate the big"O"]

Originally Posted by bigchuckie

Calcium Chloride in a liquid form is like rock salt it melts the ice and snow accumulated on the road surface. Kills ice and rots out brakelines on your car

You speak like a mechanic.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

I'll second that endorsement of Firestone Winterforce tires. My wife runs them on her van. If you can afford it, get a second set of wheels and run Winterforce studded tires in the winter and summer tires in the summer. No need to spend the extra money for factory alloy wheels for the winter tires. Steel wheels will be fine. We got our second set of wheels at Greenpoint Auto in Brewer. They have quality used parts.