Poll: Are You Ready for Snow Wednesday?

Kelley HC December 6, 2011 at 11:33 pm

I have four wheel drive and have never been stuck either! It is all about being prepared. I will have to get the husband some studded snow tires!

Christine E. December 6, 2011 at 11:44 pm

The real question is, is CL&P ready for snow tomorrow?

Peter December 7, 2011 at 12:40 am

There is better alternative than studded tires - a snow tires. I got myself Bridgestone Blizzaks WS-70. One of the best on the market right now. Heard only positive opinions about it (I'm talking about the new ones that came out not too long ago - WS-70). Studded tires are great for ice, but Blizzaks will work much better when driving in the snow.

Peter December 7, 2011 at 12:42 am

PS: I got my tires+wheels in Town Fair Tire. You can get package of Blizzaks WS-70 with regular steel rims, free balancing, alignment, and tire rotations for 800$ (with tax).

Amy Pomerenk December 7, 2011 at 01:06 am

Amen!

Amy Pomerenk December 7, 2011 at 01:06 am

I love my Blizzaks! They get me up Candee!

Rich December 7, 2011 at 05:23 am

Winter driving hints: Todays "winter" tires are not your fathers "snow" tires. They have softer rubber that stays grippy when it gets cold unlike so called all season tires that have to be harder to not wear out fast in summer heat. They have hundreds of slits called sipes that open up when the tire flattens out and close as the tire rotates gripping ice. They have silica, a sand like compound mixed in the rubber to grip. Blizzak or Michelin Ice have this new technology. Studded tires handle horribly and are slippery braking on rainy roads. I'll take winter tires on a front wheel drive over a 4 wheel drive with all seasons any winter storm. Buy winter wipers and ice melting window washing fluid too and if you have a front wheel drive don't fill up the gas tank and put weight over wheels with no traction. Wait until the town crews have treated / plowed the roads first before driving, most collisions happen when the storms first start. Safe Driving!

76R December 7, 2011 at 01:36 pm

Thanks for the chuckle. Wonder if they will take the poll?!

FP December 7, 2011 at 02:29 pm

Are studded snow tires still allowed in CT? I remember changing tires over each winter with my grandfather and putting the "snows" on. I thought todays snow tires are fine and the only people that change over to winter tires are those with performance cars that have a low durometer tire for handling for the summer and then change over to a more traditional all weather tire for the winter.

Jenna December 7, 2011 at 02:53 pm

FP
Studded tires are only allowed from November 15th to April 30th in CT

QWERTY December 7, 2011 at 04:35 pm

The average snowfall around here is about 30 inches...are snow/ studded tires and 4x4 vehicles really necessary?

Rob Gianazza December 7, 2011 at 07:06 pm

Can we please dispel the misconception that four-wheel drive is "Magi-Trac". There are two factors that determine your ability to get around in snow. The ability of the driver, and the ability of the vehicle. Both are required. I've driven for 35 years without snow tires. I've seen many four-wheel drives flipped over or in snow drifts. Slow down, don't make sudden changes in braking or acceleration, maintain a safe distance between vehicles, and most important, be prepared. Oh, and never drive faster than your Guardian Angel....

brutus December 7, 2011 at 07:38 pm

exactly. I have four-wheel drive, and drive as carefully as if I had a rear-wheel drive car. what four-wheel drive is GREAT for is not getting stuck, getting up a hill, or just driving over snowpack to get out of my driveway. but once driving on the road, you can slip just as easily as any other car. particularly on ice -- two wheels or four, ice is still slippery!!
as to QWERTY's question, yes! even just for those 4 or 5 times a year where I really need it, four-wheel drive is a luxury I'm willing to pay for.

QWERTY December 7, 2011 at 09:04 pm

So the answer is 'no', 4x4 isn't a necessity...

brutus December 7, 2011 at 09:15 pm

QWERTY, very few things are truly a necessity.