Snow Passage

[blktoptrvl]

Well, I got my answer tonight.

Bellingham was forecast to get one to six inches of snow; then it was reduced to one to three; then finally no snow at all.

So, I decided to take a trip tonight to a local casino (won $150), had dinner, and then decided to go home. Outside, there was 2.5 - 3 inches of snow.

Started the car, drove a few feet in the parking lot, and since it felt OK, I decided to go home instead of becoming a guest of the local tribe.

During the 26 mile trip to drop off a friend and get back to my apartment, I had no trouble with the go and the cautious slow, however, there was one incident where the X decided on it's own to make a left turn. I was on a down slope in a banked section of the road.

Getting the friend back to his motel was no biggie, but then I did have to descend a steep hill to get back to the apt. I crept down the hill as slow as I could and timed my entry into the intersection - where I had to make a right turn - with the changing of the light.

With cautious braking I was able to get down the hill without sliding, however, the turn was a complete miss.

So, now that I have personal experience I will say:

If you absolutely have to get somewhere in 3- inches of snow, the Damaris 19 inch tires on relatively flat terrain, the X5 can probably make it. However you have to go really, really slow - and hope that nobody on the road does anything that causes you to have to react.

These tires have plenty of go, but any kind of turn above 5 mph - or any sudden turn or stop is a good opportunity to customize your sheet metal.

I would NOT recommend that anyone use these tires in the snow unless they absolutely have to. So unless the streets clear tomorrow - Monday I will be a bus passenger - and damn glad to be one.

[realchef]

Originally Posted by blktoptrvl

Well, I got my answer tonight.

Bellingham was forecast to get one to six inches of snow; then it was reduced to one to three; then finally no snow at all.

So, I decided to take a trip tonight to a local casino (won $150), had dinner, and then decided to go home. Outside, there was 2.5 - 3 inches of snow.

Started the car, drove a few feet in the parking lot, and since it felt OK, I decided to go home instead of becoming a guest of the local tribe.

During the 26 mile trip to drop off a friend and get back to my apartment, I had no trouble with the go and the cautious slow, however, there was one incident where the X decided on it's own to make a left turn. I was on a down slope in a banked section of the road.

Getting the friend back to his motel was no biggie, but then I did have to descend a steep hill to get back to the apt. I crept down the hill as slow as I could and timed my entry into the intersection - where I had to make a right turn - with the changing of the light.

With cautious braking I was able to get down the hill without sliding, however, the turn was a complete miss.

So, now that I have personal experience I will say:

If you absolutely have to get somewhere in 3- inches of snow, the Damaris 19 inch tires on relatively flat terrain, the X5 can probably make it. However you have to go really, really slow - and hope that nobody on the road does anything that causes you to have to react.

These tires have plenty of go, but any kind of turn above 5 mph - or any sudden turn or stop is a good opportunity to customize your sheet metal.

I would NOT recommend that anyone use these tires in the snow unless they absolutely have to. So unless the streets clear tomorrow - Monday I will be a bus passenger - and damn glad to be one.

Glad you are OK! Congrats on the 150!
It's all about the compound, that summer rubber just freezes SOLID and you gots no chance at real traction.
Enjoy the weather while you have it.