How do you get your car out (of snow)? (New York: houses, landscaping) - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

Weloveantiques · 06-02-2006, 06:27 PM

Never say never! Check back with us in March..after 5 or 6 months of winter!!

pioneer8 · 06-02-2006, 06:46 PM

Ha! How did I know someone would say that? I told my kids, "Guys, if we ever get to live in the snow, no one can ever complain about gray skies OR too much snow!" My logical 13 year old son reminded me that it is only normal to find an excess of something... to much of a good thing and that we are "mere mortals". My very imaginative 11 year old assured him we were not mortal... (he is a comic book lover)... Anyway, they could get me through any gray sky. And as May West said, "Too much of a good thing can be.... WONDERFUL!" .... I tend to see the glass "half full". I know. We'll see... (smile)

melc · 06-02-2006, 07:04 PM

But you need sunshine too! People get cranky if there is not enough, something to do vitamin D I think. But too hot makes people cranky too, unless you are at the beach boogie boarding!

Glen NY · 06-02-2006, 07:15 PM

Pioneer, Since you mentioned black ice I will elaborate on that. Icey roadways are when there is snow or precipitation past or present and it has left the roadways slippery. They use salt speaders and sand to address that. Black ice is a very dangerous condition. The roadway picks up some moisture from dew or condensation perhaps a lite misting rain usually not noticable. The road feels fine and not slippery. Suddenly you hit a section of roadway that, for a variety of reasons such as elevation, is frozen yet still not visible to the eye. Suddenly you are traveling on all ice. You usually realize you have a black ice condition when you are either sliding off the roadway or observing other vehicles that have already done so. These condition can result in big pile ups or many isolated accidents. Either way it can be quite dangerous, but when you live in the north you become aware of these hazards and you learn to take proper caution. It is not as if we all drive around crashing and bumping we handle things fine. Don't want to scare you, you'll get used to it.

pioneer8 · 06-02-2006, 07:23 PM

O.K. That WAS scary. I think about my boys... driving in a few years. I guess, the best we can do is what we are... learn about it, and take proper precautions. I appreciate the depth of your explanation. My husband will want to understand the concept, as he graciously does most of the driving. I'm one of those back roads drivers. Thanks again GlenNY!

Phish Head · 06-02-2006, 10:04 PM

In Vermont where I used to live, some people had cars that they would use only in winter, and didn't care if they got hit. I think they called them "winter rats" but I'm not sure. With a front wheel drive car, you can usually drive in up to 6" of fresh snow. A 4x4 with high ground clearance and rugged tires like a Cherokee or a 4Runner, easily will get through 12" of the white stuff. Hills can be scary no matter what type of car you are in. More so going down the hill than going up. If you keep moving, you can usually get up a hill. But if your wheels lock up going down a hill, you're in trouble. When in doubt, stay home. Keep the gas tank full, cars use a lot of gas in winter. Don't even bother going out if you have a Camaro or other sports car with rear wheel drive. In fact if you have a sports car with rear wheel drive- sell it where the weather is warm! Its useless in Upstate! And don't bother going out in icy conditions. I yearn to move back north because of all the snow! Life is so fast paced and hectic, that when it snows, you have no choice because things CAN'T get done. It forces your family to be together. I think we all could use more of that- that break from non-stop commerce. Even if its just 3 days a year. Just my two cents.....

pioneer8 · 06-02-2006, 10:40 PM

Very Nice. It is so good to hear that someone has good feelings about the snow. I wish I could move NOW! -Could you tell me something about cars? What kind of vehicle sits eight and still works in snow? Right now we have a Suburban... Is that bad or good? I have no idea if it has four wheel, rear wheel, or front wheel drive. Sorry, just not a car person. Can you enlighten me? Thanks for everything.

jennyobot · 06-03-2006, 02:03 PM

Salt - not table salt, but ice-melt, is necessary for your walkways and/or entry points. Anywhere you have to walk where snow melt occurs, but re-freezes at night.

Weloveantiques · 06-03-2006, 03:43 PM

Winter rats cars...yup I always see ads in the classifieds around Oct-Nov for winter rats.

Glen NY · 06-03-2006, 03:59 PM

Pioneer your car is probably 4 wheel drive, even if it is not I am sure it is fine. It is not like everybody is using 4X4s. I have a Honda pilot, it is 4X4 and it is 8 passenger and the mileage isn't bad, we love it. There are many other make and models similar to it. Don't get me wrong, I love the snow! There are just a few precautions to know about and a little work behind it. It builds character in your children, make sure you put them to work. Kids usually love the snow, skiing, snoboarding, tubing, sledding are all a blast.