Date: Sun, 06 Mar 2005 16:10:26 GMT From: Robert <rxobert.bxrownnospampnet.se> Subject: Re: 2004 9-3 aero bad in snow
Onejob wrote: > Tex wrote: > > >>I recently purchased a 2004 9-3 Aero...with the 17" wheels/pirellis. >>This car, as is, stinks in the snow. This morning, I was embarrased >>that it couldn't even get me up a small, somewhat snowy incline, at >>low speed (as an AWD Volvo and an old Ford Escort zipped right past >>me up the hill). The AWD clearly has the advantage but the Escort??? >> >>I realize snow tires would help, but would they markedly improve snow >>weather performance? It's disastrous, as of right now in the snow. >> >>- tex > > > I had to smile yesterday! A local news report here in the UK was > reporting how disruptive and terrible our "big freeze" was i.e. 6 > inches of snow over 3 days. Lughable in itself BUT then it showed a > queue of stationary traffic with a not so stationary car heading for > the rear of the queue, sliding out of control. It narrowly misses. > > No prizes for guessing what the car was. A 2004 9-3 Aero! The next > morning, I left the Saab in the drive and took my Vectra instead! > > SP. Hard to know whether to laugh or cry over the total incompetence of the people who think that wide summer tyres on 17 in. rims are something to use when the temperature is under +3C, let alone snow and ice. Unfortunately these kind of idiots don't just harm themselves. Many bad accidents, many deaths, until winter tyres became law here (Sweden). But maybe British drivers are better snow-and-ice drivers on summer tyres, than their Swedish counterparts? It is not the car which is at fault. The latest Saab 9-3 is an excellent winter car (as are so many other cars, including my 2WD Audi A4), on the condition that proper winter tyres (preferably narrow, high-profile ones) are fitted to all 4 wheels. In many places, snowfall and freezing conditions are so infrequent that they don't merit buying a set of winter roadwheels. But then the car should be left in the driveway until the snow clears. And for those who have AWD cars - just because you can accelerate better with AWD and traction control, doesn't mean that you can stop any better than a 2WD car. <climbs off the soap box> /Robert
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