Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Looks quite good Howard - much better than Churchill Road at the back of me and it's on a bus-route.
Roger
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
you must have managed to get to the hospital then roger.
clarendon place was not gritted but i think mount road was, both parts of the bus route.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Yes we did thank you Howard; we left in good time and even though driving quite slowly, we were early.
I might leave the car on the main road tonight, certainly be easier and less risky than driving along Churchill Road.
Roger
Guest 665- Registered: 24 Mar 2008
- Posts: 345
I managed to get the car out this morning, got off to work. Then turning back into my road on the way home halfway up the hill nearly pranged a car when I got stuck in a wheel spin and the car suddenly lurched sideways. I had attempted it as the hill looked fine, but I couldn't see into my road. By the time I realised how bad it was it was too late and I was going nowhere. Fortunately I still had my spade in the car so dug myself out again. Phew!!!
Guest 703- Registered: 30 Jul 2010
- Posts: 2,096
I've just been driving around River and the side roads are getting icy and slippy again, and some spots on the main roads where the melting snow washed the salt away during the day are beginning to freeze. All paths are very slippy, take care!
Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,888
My daughter has just got in and commented how icy it was walking home.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Guest 686- Registered: 5 May 2009
- Posts: 556
If the car starts to slide and wheel-spin, just take your foot off the "loud" pedal!! Don't touch the brakes or clutch,especially if you're on a slope/hill. Above all DON'T PANIC - you'll only make matters worse.
Just a thought but try putting "skid pan" into a search engine and see if there are any training courses in the area before next winter. It's probably a bit late for that right now but these courses will give you the confidence to control a car in a skid.
Phil West
If at first you don't succeed, use a BIGGER hammer!!
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Is that right Phil that front and rear wheel drive cars react in completely different ways - I appreciate of course the difference, but the common belief (I understand) is that front-wheel drive cars are safer in the snow and icy conditions - what's your view ?
Roger
Jan Higgins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,888
Wendy slipped over on black ice this morning, those venturing out be warned.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Guest 703- Registered: 30 Jul 2010
- Posts: 2,096
My Jimny is rear wheel drive, when it starts to slide the back end drifts but the front keeps steering - when that happens I put it in four wheel drive and off we go again, they're wonderful in this weather!
Can I get that for my legs......?
Guest 686- Registered: 5 May 2009
- Posts: 556
Re: Post #28: I'm not entirely sure what difference front or rear wheel drive makes, but most modern cars are front wheel drive which must say something. My feeling is that front wheel drive gives better control as you're "pulling" the car in the direction you wish to go and the back end should follow. There would be less likelihood of the car "swapping ends" on a slippery surface when traction is applied from the front rather than the rear. Try pushing a ruler across your desk/table and see how easy it is to steer, as opposed to pulling it across the surface!
One consequence of this is the ability to pull the front of the car sideways. I got a bit boxed in a few years ago, on an icy patch, and only managed to get out without nudging the vehicles in front or behind by holding the handbrake on (which locked the rear wheels) and applying a LITTLE power, which made the front slide out enough for me to get away safely. Admittedly the surface was flat and level.
A slide on a slope is an entirely different ball game as there is very little you can do and it's probably best to do nothing except pray for soft landing without too much damage. The worst thing you can do is try and power out of the problem as that will just make things worse.
"Gently, gently catchee monkey!"
Phil West
If at first you don't succeed, use a BIGGER hammer!!
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Thanks Phil
BMWs are rear-wheel drive and I have a 3 series; driving out of my garage yesterday, it slid all over the place and I couldn't have driven more slowly.
Roger
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
conditions have now worsened due to a stiff wind, ungritted roads are a write off.
i left home at about half one and walked in the middle of the road down to the folkestone road, this was clear yesterday.
today it looks perfect but is very slippery underfoot,
pencester road pavement is also treacherous, best to stay indoors.
Jan Higgins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,888
Salisbury Road still has thick compacted ice and snow, this well known short cut is never gritted and the road does not get the winter sun. Road and pavement is lethal.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
I second that!! I am at home because!
Jan Higgins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,888
Same here Bern, I was strongly instructed by Wendy not to even try going to the shop this morning.
Quite nice being treated like a child on a day like this.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Guest 700- Registered: 11 Jun 2010
- Posts: 2,868
Yes, Jan, Salisbury Road was thick with snow and ice this morning, I went with Bob to the dentist where he had a filling !!
---------------------------------------------------
Lincolnshire Born and Bred
Guest 665- Registered: 24 Mar 2008
- Posts: 345
I have to share my experience of using my Yaktrax today - they were absolutely fantastic. I walked about 3 miles altogether today on impacted snow and ice, walking to work and back, around town at lunchtime and then walking the dogs when I got home.
Without them on it would have been lethal, but I was able to walk normally with full confidence. The only time I felt slightly unsteady was when walking down a steep slope.
I can't recommended them highly enough. I am going to buy them for all my family for next Christmas!
Jan Higgins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,888
Road closed both ways Bunkers Hill Road.
Just heard on the local news on Breakfast an accident between Bunkers Hill Road and Hillside Road and also London Road which does not quite make sense but obviously in that area so avoid if you can.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
-------------------------------------------------------------------