Snow driving
22 November 2008, 04:59 PM
#1
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Snow driving
Are Imprezas ok for driving in the snow? I've not been out in mine yet in the snow, but just been out in my friends 330Ci and it was a joke, we were all over the shop 
22 November 2008, 07:07 PM
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Agreed braking is poo, as ABS comes in too easily, but in the snow you should be using your gears anyway
Saying that there bloody good fun!!!
Another problem I found when I was hooning about in the carpark was that snow packed up between the wheel arch and the wheel eventually not allowing me to turn the wheel....lol
never had too many problems getting it to turn corners though, apart from the brakes I thought it was a very capable car in the snow
Graeme
Saying that there bloody good fun!!!
Another problem I found when I was hooning about in the carpark was that snow packed up between the wheel arch and the wheel eventually not allowing me to turn the wheel....lol
never had too many problems getting it to turn corners though, apart from the brakes I thought it was a very capable car in the snow
Graeme
Last edited by G.Mac; 22 November 2008 at 07:09 PM.
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22 November 2008, 07:17 PM
#8
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my younger brother has a WRX bugeye took it to the Alps skiing acouple of years ago
went in convoy with a Vectra -- about 2 miles form the resort it was really snowy on the roads
Had to leave the Vectra (it was ALL over the place) -- put all the luggage into the scooby and simply drove right up to the ski resort -- passing loads of abandoned 2 wheel drive cars in the process
so yes -- much much better in the snow
(obviously not rallying just driving to get from A to B)
went in convoy with a Vectra -- about 2 miles form the resort it was really snowy on the roads
Had to leave the Vectra (it was ALL over the place) -- put all the luggage into the scooby and simply drove right up to the ski resort -- passing loads of abandoned 2 wheel drive cars in the process
so yes -- much much better in the snow
(obviously not rallying just driving to get from A to B)
22 November 2008, 07:33 PM
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They are pretty good as long as you are SENSIBLE and don't start thinking your some kind of rally driver in Sweden on the rally course, will be far better than a 330 that's for sure
22 November 2008, 08:33 PM
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That's not so daft!
For snow, you need thin tyres with a bold and sticky tread so the increased weight per square inch and the narrowness cuts into the snow and the sticky bit is a tread that works well in cold temperatures - e.g. Vredestein.
If you are serious about using the Scooby in the snow, get the right kit on the wheels, otherwise go out, buy yourself an old Land Rover [plus thick clothing or you'll freeze] and leave Scooby in the garage. If you have no choice then don't be an idiot: go easy on all the pedals, leave lots of room and even more if the car or truck behind you is too close and take it steady - the laws of physics apply to 4 wheel drive cars too!
And the 330 would a lot better with 150kg of ballast over the back wheels and a full tank of fuel. I put rolls of B&Q lead flashing on the rear seat secured by the seat belts in my various BMWs in what little snow we've had over the past few years, but its another motor I'd prefer park up to protect my NCB and use the Landie instead.
For snow, you need thin tyres with a bold and sticky tread so the increased weight per square inch and the narrowness cuts into the snow and the sticky bit is a tread that works well in cold temperatures - e.g. Vredestein.
If you are serious about using the Scooby in the snow, get the right kit on the wheels, otherwise go out, buy yourself an old Land Rover [plus thick clothing or you'll freeze] and leave Scooby in the garage. If you have no choice then don't be an idiot: go easy on all the pedals, leave lots of room and even more if the car or truck behind you is too close and take it steady - the laws of physics apply to 4 wheel drive cars too!
And the 330 would a lot better with 150kg of ballast over the back wheels and a full tank of fuel. I put rolls of B&Q lead flashing on the rear seat secured by the seat belts in my various BMWs in what little snow we've had over the past few years, but its another motor I'd prefer park up to protect my NCB and use the Landie instead.
Last edited by noobyscooby; 22 November 2008 at 08:44 PM. Reason: added stuff
22 November 2008, 09:02 PM
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remove the abs fuse and they are pretty good compared to anything 2wheel drive imho.. only time I had trouble was in about 8inchs of snow as it just then lost traction as the car was lifted on the snow compacted under the car.. driving acorss dartmoor in heavy snow where people were unable to get up hill my impreza fully loaded with four adults and luggage just drove up like a wet road.
Simon
Simon
22 November 2008, 09:45 PM
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Yes, i was being serious about using 4 skinny space saver tyres! I think it would work quite well.
what wheel/tyre configuration do the WRC cars use on snow stages?
what wheel/tyre configuration do the WRC cars use on snow stages?
22 November 2008, 10:44 PM
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I have found the Impreza far better than an other normal road car in the snow (except my old renault 5 which had fantastic ground clearance and very skinny tyres).
The only time I've had a problem was when the snow became too deep (approx 6 to 8 inches with some drifting) and was building up against the front spoiler, I turned around before I did any damage.
You've just got to drive to the conditions, be very smooth with all the controls and don't get carried away with the added traction which the Impreza gives you. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can pull away when other cars can barely move. Just remember stopping is a different thing all together, wide low profile road tyres and abs don't do you any favours.
The only time I've had a problem was when the snow became too deep (approx 6 to 8 inches with some drifting) and was building up against the front spoiler, I turned around before I did any damage.
You've just got to drive to the conditions, be very smooth with all the controls and don't get carried away with the added traction which the Impreza gives you. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can pull away when other cars can barely move. Just remember stopping is a different thing all together, wide low profile road tyres and abs don't do you any favours.
23 November 2008, 01:10 AM
#15
It needs some skill:
Learn to steer using VERY delicate use of the throttle and they are ok
Do any thing stupid with the throttle (like lift off the throttle in 1st or 2nd gear) and the rear-end is all over the place.
It'll also just understeer when you need to turn (thus the need for throttle control), plus it won't be able to stop.
Something you quickly learn with AWD: it gives you traction, but not much else. Keep that in mind and you'll get on fine
Learn to steer using VERY delicate use of the throttle and they are ok
Do any thing stupid with the throttle (like lift off the throttle in 1st or 2nd gear) and the rear-end is all over the place.
It'll also just understeer when you need to turn (thus the need for throttle control), plus it won't be able to stop.
Something you quickly learn with AWD: it gives you traction, but not much else. Keep that in mind and you'll get on fine
Last edited by ALi-B; 23 November 2008 at 01:11 AM.
23 November 2008, 12:30 PM
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Anyone been out today then? weve had a lot of snow here in the east.
Havent got my manual to hand but which fuse is ABS one? is it in engine bay or inside car fuse box?
Havent got my manual to hand but which fuse is ABS one? is it in engine bay or inside car fuse box?
23 November 2008, 01:32 PM
#21
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Ahh i see the angle you are taking here.
Dear norwich union insurance, I will not be removing my fuse to disable my ABS, as i really know you are on here checking this yadda yahhh etc.
FAIL
Dear norwich union insurance, I will not be removing my fuse to disable my ABS, as i really know you are on here checking this yadda yahhh etc.
FAIL
23 November 2008, 02:07 PM
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It would be more like:
===
Dear S3TH,
With reference to your collision claim and subsequent writing off of your WR Blue MY03 STi PPP, we will not be paying your claim and have advised the 3rd party you slid into that you were not insured at the time of the accident due to undeclared intentional modifications to your vehicle, namely the disabling of the ABS system (which our claim assessors have proven following an investigation), so their insurers will be making a personal claim on your remaining assets (house etc) to recover their costs.
As you were also therefore driving the vehicle illegally, the Police have been notified.
Best regards
Your Insurance Co.
===
Now before anyone goes 'yeah right, ain't gonna happen', think about the ways insurers will be trying to get out of paying ANY claim in the current economic climate. The slightest excuse they can find, they'll use. Posting that you're trying to find out how to disable your ABS is a bit dumb, as is disabling your ABS really
Moral of the story; make sure all your mods, everything, is declared in writing to your insurers and keep a copy of what you sent, and don't screw around with your ABS! Also, if you can't afford to insure a modified car, don't mod it!
===
Dear S3TH,
With reference to your collision claim and subsequent writing off of your WR Blue MY03 STi PPP, we will not be paying your claim and have advised the 3rd party you slid into that you were not insured at the time of the accident due to undeclared intentional modifications to your vehicle, namely the disabling of the ABS system (which our claim assessors have proven following an investigation), so their insurers will be making a personal claim on your remaining assets (house etc) to recover their costs.
As you were also therefore driving the vehicle illegally, the Police have been notified.
Best regards
Your Insurance Co.
===
Now before anyone goes 'yeah right, ain't gonna happen', think about the ways insurers will be trying to get out of paying ANY claim in the current economic climate. The slightest excuse they can find, they'll use. Posting that you're trying to find out how to disable your ABS is a bit dumb, as is disabling your ABS really
Moral of the story; make sure all your mods, everything, is declared in writing to your insurers and keep a copy of what you sent, and don't screw around with your ABS! Also, if you can't afford to insure a modified car, don't mod it!
23 November 2008, 02:21 PM
#23
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ABS off with road tyres is not a good idea IMO, remember it's not there to stop you quicker but to allow you to steer or atleast hit whatever front-first.
I've found that, with studded road tyres, even on lake ices (albeit rugged by other cars with rally tyres) braking and steering is much more in control with ABS on.
Only occasion I pull the fuse is with rally tyres on lake ice.
I've found that, with studded road tyres, even on lake ices (albeit rugged by other cars with rally tyres) braking and steering is much more in control with ABS on.
Only occasion I pull the fuse is with rally tyres on lake ice.
23 November 2008, 03:24 PM
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Scoobs are great in the snow provided you are not English and insist you can drive on summer tyres due to the fact you don't get enough snow and cold winters to justify changing to the correct tyres. 
23 November 2008, 03:30 PM
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I see that ridiculous 'insurers wont pay out' type remarks are being made here. They have your money and you have their certificate, so theyre bound. The notion that insurers can elect not to cover you is about as credible as: 'if you dont have a tax disc your insurance isnt valid'.....
23 November 2008, 04:15 PM
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I see that ridiculous 'insurers wont pay out' type remarks are being made here. They have your money and you have their certificate, so theyre bound. The notion that insurers can elect not to cover you is about as credible as: 'if you dont have a tax disc your insurance isnt valid'.....
23 November 2008, 04:31 PM
#29
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It would be more like:
===
Dear S3TH,
With reference to your collision claim and subsequent writing off of your WR Blue MY03 STi PPP, we will not be paying your claim and have advised the 3rd party you slid into that you were not insured at the time of the accident due to undeclared intentional modifications to your vehicle, namely the disabling of the ABS system (which our claim assessors have proven following an investigation), so their insurers will be making a personal claim on your remaining assets (house etc) to recover their costs.
As you were also therefore driving the vehicle illegally, the Police have been notified.
Best regards
Your Insurance Co.
===
Now before anyone goes 'yeah right, ain't gonna happen', think about the ways insurers will be trying to get out of paying ANY claim in the current economic climate. The slightest excuse they can find, they'll use. Posting that you're trying to find out how to disable your ABS is a bit dumb, as is disabling your ABS really
Moral of the story; make sure all your mods, everything, is declared in writing to your insurers and keep a copy of what you sent, and don't screw around with your ABS! Also, if you can't afford to insure a modified car, don't mod it!
===
Dear S3TH,
With reference to your collision claim and subsequent writing off of your WR Blue MY03 STi PPP, we will not be paying your claim and have advised the 3rd party you slid into that you were not insured at the time of the accident due to undeclared intentional modifications to your vehicle, namely the disabling of the ABS system (which our claim assessors have proven following an investigation), so their insurers will be making a personal claim on your remaining assets (house etc) to recover their costs.
As you were also therefore driving the vehicle illegally, the Police have been notified.
Best regards
Your Insurance Co.
===
Now before anyone goes 'yeah right, ain't gonna happen', think about the ways insurers will be trying to get out of paying ANY claim in the current economic climate. The slightest excuse they can find, they'll use. Posting that you're trying to find out how to disable your ABS is a bit dumb, as is disabling your ABS really
Moral of the story; make sure all your mods, everything, is declared in writing to your insurers and keep a copy of what you sent, and don't screw around with your ABS! Also, if you can't afford to insure a modified car, don't mod it!
23 November 2008, 04:42 PM
#30
Just done about 25 miles on mostly untreated roads, big cheesy on my face all the way, as has been said, a much much more caperble car in these conditions than any 2 w/d ive ever driven but you still need to keep your sensibility about you ps What ABS!?!
Last edited by Glowplug; 23 November 2008 at 04:45 PM.