Mark writes good :)

to add some reinforcement, get the Hakkapeliitas , studded, all 4.
Really, they do work, and it is cheap insurance if you plan on driving
much at all in snow with a 2wd Vanagon.

Alistair

PS while i only use my studded Hakkapeliitas when needed, others have
noted that they do wear well and will last even year round (the studs
won't however, and can't be re-studded I believe)

'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94
http://www.members.shaw.ca/albell/

Mark Tuovinen wrote:

> Cindy,
>
> If you are going to be driving in snow on a regular basis then invest
> in some good tires.  I highly recommend Nokian Hakkapeliita C2 tires,
> especially for those that are not allowed to use studs.  I have driven
> a number of different vehicles over the years with nonstudded tires,
> including Blizzaks, Arctic Alpins, NRW's, and many brands of studded
> tires as well.  Studded tires beat nonstudded tires everytime, but if
> you can't legally run them then the Nokians are the next best thing.
> The next most important item for snow and ice is the nut behind the
> steering wheel, a bad driver can get the best equipped vehicle stuck
> and a competent driver will go places on summer tires that you would
> think were impossible.  Start by adding weight to your van over or
> just in front of the rear tires.  I prefer it just in front of the
> tires as too much weight in the rear will reduce your ability to
> steer, just ask the sign I ran over years ago, it did not move when I
> honked my horn as I ran i
> t down.  Further proof that both halves of the teenage brain are not
> connected.  You also may need to plan your route and adjust your
> driving behavior.  Chose routes that minimize or avoid hills,
> especially ones that you will have to stop on or at the top and/or
> bottom of.  The area just before an intersection gets very slippery
> from snow being melted by the heat coming off engines, exhaust
> systems, and friction from tires.  Because of this it may be necessary
> to stay to the side of the road or lane as much as possible, this
> keeps your tires out of the trough made by the cars in front of you
> and is often less slippery.  On side streets or low traffic main roads
> you can, assuming no oncoming traffic or police in the area, either do
> a rolling stop or stop short of the intersection which gives you a
> chance for better traction and room to build momentum to get you
> through it.  A light touch on the gas pedal is a must, spinning tires
> do not have traction.  The more you drive in sn
> ow the better at it you will become if you think about what you are
> doing and how your vehicle is handling.  My daily driver is a 1990
> Jeep Cherokee with all-season tires, it has been in 4whl drive for no
> more then 1/2 a mile this winter, and most of that was just so that I
> would not delay other drivers while trying to cross an intersection on
> a hill in two wheel drive.  My daily driving does not include any
> major hills so I do not have studs on the Jeep.  My wife drives more
> every day so her Audi Quattro has studded Nokian Hakkapeliita's on it,
> I consider them to be cheap insurance.
>
> Mark in Ak since 1969
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Cindy Taykowski <JUNAMOSS@MSN.COM>
> Date: Thursday, December 1, 2005 10:48 am
> Subject: sucks in snow!
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>
>
>> Hi
>> I have heard it before. Some have no trouble in the snow. What's
>> the secret? I am completely stuck in nearly no snow. 4 inches last
>> night to be precise. I shovel, I use salt, kitty litter and well I
>> get stuck in the street.
>> help.
>> cindy
>>
>>
>
>
>