snow birds!

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Art McGinn - 24 Aug 2005 23:57 GMT

As a Californian trepidatiously headed into the teeth of snowy winters in
the Pacific Northwest with our '91 Miata, I was pleased to learn from
northern list members that a Miata can tame snow -- if not too much snow for
the little fella. Like more than five inches or so. The Nokian RSI winter
tire also seems the favorite to accomplish this. Any other nominations?
Cheers, Art, San Francisco (but soon Spokane)

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Grant Edwards - 25 Aug 2005 00:29 GMT

> As a Californian trepidatiously headed into the teeth of snowy
> winters in the Pacific Northwest with our '91 Miata, I was
> pleased to learn from northern list members that a Miata can
> tame snow -- if not too much snow for the little fella. Like
> more than five inches or so.

You can probably handle twice that if it's light fluffy snow.
I've never had any problems with fresh snow, but I've probably
never tried to drive through more than a foot. What's nasty is
the day-old stuff that's turned sort of tan-colored and doesn't
stick together anymore.

> The Nokian RSI winter tire also seems the favorite to
> accomplish this. Any other nominations? Cheers, Art, San
> Francisco (but soon Spokane)

With 4 snow tires, driving a Miata in the snow is really pretty
fun. More than enough traction to get around, but you can kick
the rear end loose on demand. Not that I do that sort of thing
of course...

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Grant Edwards grante Yow! I'm continually
at AMAZED at th'breathtaking
visi.com effects of WIND EROSION!!

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Leon van Dommelen - 26 Aug 2005 00:58 GMT

> As a Californian trepidatiously headed into the teeth of snowy winters in
>the Pacific Northwest with our '91 Miata, I was pleased to learn from
>northern list members that a Miata can tame snow --

Don't start thinking now that tires solve all. You will still need to drive
*much* slower in any case, not just incrementally slower than in California.
Watch for ice. (Just making sure that you do not drive like Florida drivers
do in such a case.)

Leon (who did drive an MGB on all seasons in hilly upstate New York,
with a much valued shovel in the trunk.)

> if not too much snow for
>the little fella. Like more than five inches or so. The Nokian RSI winter
>tire also seems the favorite to accomplish this. Any other nominations?
>Cheers, Art, San Francisco (but soon Spokane)

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Leon van Dommelen :) Bozo, the White 96 Sebring Miata .)
rammm@dommelen.net http://www.dommelen.net/miata
EXIT THE INTERSTATES (Jamie Jensen)

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Art McGinn - 26 Aug 2005 18:34 GMT

Leon: Good advice. I grew up in snow country (the selfsame Spokane) but
haven't driven in ice and snow for about four decades. So will have to
relearn all that. One of those army surplus folding entrenching shovels for
the trunk sounds like a great idea. Art

>> As a Californian trepidatiously headed into the teeth of snowy winters
>> in
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
>>tire also seems the favorite to accomplish this. Any other nominations?
>>Cheers, Art, San Francisco (but soon Spokane)

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mcola - 31 Aug 2005 16:42 GMT

Full fuel tank as much as possible and maybe a little extra weight in the
trunk. This with good snow tires should get u thru.
Use downshifting as much as possible to avoid using brakes. If not equipped
with ABS, (are all Miatas so equipped?) pump the brakes if front wheels
lock, this will help u to be able to turn while braking. Drive slowly and
watch out for SUV's many who seem to really enjoy showing off their 4 wheel
drive when it snows.

> As a Californian trepidatiously headed into the teeth of snowy winters in
> the Pacific Northwest with our '91 Miata, I was pleased to learn from
> northern list members that a Miata can tame snow -- if not too much snow for
> the little fella. Like more than five inches or so. The Nokian RSI winter
> tire also seems the favorite to accomplish this. Any other nominations?
> Cheers, Art, San Francisco (but soon Spokane)

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Art McGinn - 31 Aug 2005 17:02 GMT

mcola: thanks for the good tips. and to all other responders, too. will
advise how the miata rocked in the snow and slush... art

> Full fuel tank as much as possible and maybe a little extra weight in the
> trunk. This with good snow tires should get u thru.
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>> tire also seems the favorite to accomplish this. Any other nominations?
>> Cheers, Art, San Francisco (but soon Spokane)

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