Date: Wed, 09 Mar 2005 21:12:49 GMT From: Robert <rxobert.bxrownnospampnet.se> Subject: Re: 2004 9-3 aero bad in snow
Onejob wrote: > BIG SNIP > > That's a BLOODY great soap box you got there. And as for the term > IDIOT, realistcally, I think you're a bit of a twat myself. You're entitled to your opinion. > > Look at it this way, if you're capable. In this part of the UK we will > have no more than 4 days in the year which there is ice or snow on the > road. 4 days in a whole year. Studs and chains are ILLEGAL. We are not > allowed to use them. So the only option is another set of tyres... for > 4 days. Yes, I'm quite capable of seeing the situation that way. My having that view is why you called me a twat in the first place. > > My car is a UK spec and cost 29,000 GPB (around 60,000 USD) and came > with summer tyres. I was not told that they were summer tyres. My other > car has always run fine on one set of tyres. Why should I even question > it? It's part of the car as supplied. Why the fuck should I spend out > another wad of money on fresh tryes for 4 days. Saab should put on all > seasons to get through the "typically uneventful" British winter. The > summer tyres should be put on cars sold in warmer climates. You should really make a decision about whom you're criticising here. Do you want to criticise me for finding fault with drivers who drive on summer tyres in snowy conditions, or do you prefer to criticise the UK dealers because they don't take the trouble to remind you that your summer tyres are summer tyres, not designed for freezing, snowy, or icy conditions? > > So don't label everyone who ventures out on those 4 days as idiots. If we're talking about conditions where there's a great risk of crashing due to loss of grip, then yes, anyone not leaving their car parked during those days is a danger to other road users and is thus an idiot. > If > we don't see snow, we don't think about it often. We don't have to plan > how we drive in it or even pay much attention to what type of tyres we > have. Simply speaking, the tyres I have ARE DANGEROUS in ice. We get > ice here, therefore the car is DANGEROUS for around 4 days in the year. > So: > > a) The car should not be allowed to be sold as it is with those tyres > as it is dangerous to drive in certain conditions that are not > considered extreme OR > > b) When the car is sold to a customer, he should be warned that "under > no circumstances should you take your new 60,000 dollar car in the ice > or snow because the tyres you have are shit.... sir". > You seem to be more preoccupied with the fact that the car costs almost 30000 quid, that its price tag should make it more immune to bad weather conditions. That's a superb car you have there. Put on 195 or 205 tyres on 16in steel rims and it will be wonderful on snow and ice. Even with studless winter tyres it will be very obedient and forgiving, as long as you don't push the envelope too much. Of course it's probably a bad investment to buy winter roadwheels for only half a week of snow every year - unless you're so dependent on the car for those few days. I think I understand the dilemma. No fun to watch a Ford Escort whiz by either ;-) In Sweden, there can be such bad conditions that some drivers with AWD and studded tyres will still elect to garage the car for safety reasons. No shame in that. But don't put all-season tyres on the car. They really take the joy out of summer driving (I haven't tried but I've heard from others). /Robert
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