Monday, November 29, 2004

How to have a good winter

I recommend the following items to have a fantastic winter:

1) Heated seats
2) All Wheel Drive
3) Snow tires

Feel free to make additions to my list.

After I got back from the airport last night I went out and played in the snow.  The traction in my R32 never ceases to amaze me (except when I'm sliding on gravel into a railing).  With the traction control on, I pulled into a snow covered culdesac at about 20 MPH and sharply turned the wheel.  Normally I'd expected the laws of physics to keep my car going relatively straight, but the traction control kicks in and starts to brake individual wheels and cut my throttle so that the car practically pivots about one wheel and makes the turn.  In some less drastic tests, the car really stuck to road with little or no slippage, and when it did slip, it was super controlled.  I may just have to enter a snow autocross to play because it's about the safest way I'll be able to test my car at higher speeds.  Finding out that my car oversteers a little more than I expected when I lift the throttle is not something I'd like to find out on the highway.

On a related note, I got a letter from my insurance company telling me they're raising my premium because of some $6000 repair bill.  Hrmph!  I should add up all the money that I've spent on insurance and tell them they still owe me a few thousand dollars.

4 comments:

  1. 4) Heated mirrors
    5) Heated windshield wipers
    But you could have just said Subaru. ;)

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  2. I think your insurance company has been reading your LJ and is just hedging its bets ;)

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  3. Ha!
    I say we if it's snowy for the Utah exchange Liv and I make you drive...again!

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  4. I have those too, but haven't found them to be a requirement just yet. I kind of want to spray water on my mirrors one night and park outside just so I can see them defrost the next morning.
    However, my dog and I both agree, Subaru's rule. She would love the extra space to lounge, and I would love the extra space for gear.

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