how does it handle on snow...

[GeneW]

I have to head out into the teeth of a winter storm tomorrow for a "hot" project. Heavy snow, "wintry mix" and ice. Unless the boys chicken out I'll be there.

You hear from me some time around midnight EST and I'll let you know. If you don't I either didn't get around to it or never well get around to it.

Today I hot footed it home in light snow and a greasy like substance on the road. Car never even got unstable. I blew by a Conga Line of six cars following each other like Baby Elephants and did not loose my step.

Panic under winter conditions is death. Relax and enjoy the ride... you don't want to die tense and you might if you do. It's not easy being lose and relaxed under such conditions, it takes skill and perspective, but it's doable.

Gene

[GeneW]

Originally Posted by GeneW

I have to head out into the teeth of a winter storm tomorrow for a "hot" project. Heavy snow, "wintry mix" and ice. Unless the boys chicken out I'll be there.Gene

Obviously I made it back. The trip up was easy. Light snow.

The snow was not as heavy as forecasted but the sleet and frozen rain were prevalent, to the point that I had to shatter the ice off of the windshield wipers so I could use them to get home.

Road conditions were bad. A mix of slush, snow and rain. I took a few sliders and donuts in the parking lot to see how it responded - well. These demonstrations are as much to build confidence as to gage the car's responsiveness.

The two other guys were in a gigantic Dodge pickup. They watched me do my thing before moving out. The kid did not get the point and try his brakes. Instead he crept down the road behind me and soon drifted from view.

Top speed on this caper was 55 miles an hour on the straight ways, dropping into the thirties to cope with curves and big oncoming traffic until I reached a divided four lane road. I like to slow down so I can respond to their moves. Also slowed down in known heavy deer areas.

No unusual events noted. The car performed as usual. Very stable and very responsive. I do not have a Yaris with ABS or ESC.

Gene