Why We Need Winter Tires In Vermont

I had a realization recently, about people who argue they don't need snow-tires in the winter. "The snow never really gets bad enough" they say, or "I have an Audi, Subaru,Volvo, Jeep I'm all set."

It's all a load of crock.

Last year, during storm in January, South Burlington received over 32 inches in one weekend and this year Vermont is near the record for snowfall in February. We've had multiple blizzards, all sorts of snow, and piles of accidents on the highway. I wish I had my camera with me at the time, but during a snow-storm when I had to drive to school, I was at a stop sign preparing to go through and up the hill ahead of me, but there were 3 cars all skidding trying to make it up. It took them at least a minute or 2 to move about 18 feet.

Not only did they not move, but the second car in the line decided he wanted to try and go around the first car, so he tried to go up the left side of the road, and thus blocked off that section as well. So I had to sit and wait and watch, as these floppers held up traffic and molested the road with their spinning tires.

Now I will admit that these roads were bad. Quite bad, and the hill is quite steep, but I know these were fakers. You know why? Because ahead of those three cars was an older Honda that slowly steamed right up that hill, and that car only has front-wheel drive...and snow tires.

Even with the mud and snow tires shoed on my jeep now, I slip on occasion and the anti-lock braking system will help me out. 4-wheel drive vehicles are definitely more capable in adverse conditions than front or rear-wheel drive systems, but a front-wheel drive car with snow tires in 5 inches of snow will do much better than a 4-wheel drive truck with summer tires. They simply can't get the same traction because of tread design, and people need to take a look at tires physically and learn how they work and why they are more capable.

Many drivers consider a 4-wheel or all-wheel drive car as being invincible in adverse conditions, but in all honesty of the 3 vehicles I've personally seen off the road this year, one was a Chevrolet Suburban and the other 2 were Subaru's. Maybe they had snow tires, and maybe they didn't, but one thing I know for sure is they were over-driving the road conditions. If you drive a full-size, 4-wheel drive vehicle in the snow properly, you will likely only crash because of someone else behavior. Most accidents are due to operator error, not vehicle error. Not all cars have the Toyota syndrome and do what they like.

I can't imagine myself not owning snow-tires for my vehicle if I live in a place that gets a fair amount of snow. I'm still only a young man but I've realized through a few years experience the significance of having the proper equipment is. Snow-tires are only part of what vehicles need for winter preparation, but they are the most important for the vehicles ability to function properly.

Name A Better Off-Roader Than A Jeep

I've owned a Jeep for the past three years. Before that, through high-school and a year of college, I drove my moms Honda Accord...Not too fun.

So when I bought a car, I got what I wanted. Started with a '94 Grand, now its a '99. V-8, Four-wheel drive

If there was any vehicle destined to take on the Vermont winter, this is it. It doesn't have any fancy lift kits or suspension upgrades, or 35" tires but it gets the job done. From front to back it's completely stock, as it came from the dealer with a few new parts and some fresh winter tires. It has taken me through the heaviest rains on the muddiest roads, and through 14" of snow covered backgrounds. The unflappable V-8 delivers on every tap of the peddle, and assures control when you need the extra juice.

I know there are a lot of other great SUV's out there...too many to name. Old and new, but there's only one Jeep.

I would like to direct all naysayers and non-jeepers to a video on youtube, which I like to use as a reference for Jeep capability.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sVpnbHtG9E

Whether or not you agree with me, doesn't matter. This is not a persuasive essay. It's fact.