Scoobs in snow.

[Red Baron]

Right then chaps.

As some of you know I have to commute from Hastings to Crawley each day. Tomorrow there are weather warnings about snow hitting us at some point during the day, if there is a slight dusting when I leave I can't really say I couldn't get into work, the trouble is my Passat is cr@p in the snow, if I want any chance of getting home will taking the scoob give me much of an advantage, it may have 4 wheel drive but that won't make it stop any quicker and Toyos aren't exactly a snow tyre. Also need to consider that no matter how sensible I am there will be plenty of BMW drivers crashing all over the place. I know some of you have ventured out in the snow in your scoobs over recent years and wondered how you got on. I think I'd give the A22/A272 a miss and head down the M23 and back along the A27.

Shane

[Steve_PPP]

I always use mine when it snows, they're not too bad. Although the ABS is awful on scoobs and cuts in very early so give yourself huge braking distances.

Might us mine tomorrow having just looked at the forecast.

[Banstead Stig]

I find mine very good in the snow, but then I did have a Nissan 350Z before!

The huge advantage of AWD is in getting you going. Thereafter tyres, etc. are the determining factor. If your tyres aren't up to it, you won't grip when braking or cornering... this is something your average X5 driver cannot comprehend.

You are spot on, the biggest danger in the snow is other drivers. Remember the tales of people taking 12 hours to get home a couple of years ago because people can't drive in the snow?

Sod that. I will aim to work from home tomorrow. Not because I can't get about in the snow, but because many others can't!

This was me "getting about" last year, with no problems:-

[bonner]

My classic was good in the snow but roads that wasnt clear it did become a nightmare as it was always spinning up and drinking the fuel! hope it snows big time tomorrow im working in helligly should be abit of fun as theres not alot of traffic!

[RobEvo5]

I tend to use the scoob no matter what, and last year found it pretty much invisible in the snow in respect of forward motion. But as above, it's not just about going forward the stopping capacity on any AWD is no better than any other, and problem will always be with other road users, and road being blocked even if you could get through.

But the ability to be able to drive out of trouble does also help.

For example last year I was coming along bexhill road and turned to go up harleyshoot, Quickly presented with cars out of control sliding coming down the hill and a car stuck going up that was quickly slidding backwards down towards me. Probably not legal but split second reaction decision, but there was enough gap at time to be able to weave /stear and drive across both sides of road around the first car sliding back towards me, missing the other car slidding down the hill and then pull back into to ride side, and easily drove up the hill. All the other cars going down and up were all over the place..... Have to say was a bit of a big grin moment and If I had just stopped I would have almost certainly had a car slide into me either coming down or trying to going up.

I've been playing & using fugly as my everyday drive. It hasn't put a wheel wrong so far. Good tyres & a fantastic heater + very controllable. I'm starting to like the old girl.

[majorscooby]

Agreed about the heaters in subarus Nige, my classic outperforms all the newer cars I've owned over the years, it's fantastic.

I'm quite looking forward to he snow tbh, get out in it for a little play, responsibley might I add though!!!!

[kartingsteve]

Originally Posted by Nige

I've been playing & using fugly as my everyday drive. It hasn't put a wheel wrong so far. Good tyres & a fantastic heater + very controllable. I'm starting to like the old girl.

It,s the trouble with a Scooby what ever the age you end up loving them, plus it's never cold long in side one.

[rossmarts]

Like Bansted Stig says, the car will be more capable than those without AWD. I got stuck in some serious snow in the Brecon Beacons though. I think the car was capable of getting through it, but the tyres were simply not up to the job.

[Red Baron]

Will have to see what its like when I leave at 6:30 tomorrow, at least its in the garage so I won't have to de-ice it. If its bad I can work from home, the guy I car share with doesn't have a laptop though.

[bonner]

Originally Posted by Red Baron

Will have to see what its like when I leave at 6:30 tomorrow, at least its in the garage so I won't have to de-ice it. If its bad I can work from home, the guy I car share with doesn't have a laptop though.

You should be good till 10am bud thats when it all kicks off!!

[Red Baron]

Originally Posted by bonner

You should be good till 10am bud thats when it all kicks off!!

Will get there just in time to come home again.

[BIG"E"]

Originally Posted by RobEvo5

I tend to use the scoob no matter what, and last year found it pretty much invisible in the snow in respect of forward motion. But as above, it's not just about going forward the stopping capacity on any AWD is no better than any other, and problem will always be with other road users, and road being blocked even if you could get through.

But the ability to be able to drive out of trouble does also help.

For example last year I was coming along bexhill road and turned to go up harleyshoot, Quickly presented with cars out of control sliding coming down the hill and a car stuck going up that was quickly slidding backwards down towards me. Probably not legal but split second reaction decision, but there was enough gap at time to be able to weave /stear and drive across both sides of road around the first car sliding back towards me, missing the other car slidding down the hill and then pull back into to ride side, and easily drove up the hill. All the other cars going down and up were all over the place..... Have to say was a bit of a big grin moment and If I had just stopped I would have almost certainly had a car slide into me either coming down or trying to going up.

Agreed 100%

Get out there and put a smile on your face, you will be surprised how good they are, even on Toyos T1Rs I presume?
I wouldn't recommend 888s though,

[ralliart didz]

wot do you guys do with your dccd,do you leave it in auto or change modes. as mine has a button to change in to tarmac/gravel/snow,no auto mode.

[Hongkongfooi]

i've never got stuck with the scoob.....amazing even on performance tyres

[BIG"E"]

Originally Posted by ralliart didz

wot do you guys do with your dccd,do you leave it in auto or change modes. as mine has a button to change in to tarmac/gravel/snow,no auto mode.

I leave mine in Auto unless its really bad, then I use the LOCK position..

[Steve_PPP]

Well the scoob is all clean for Sunday's meet, but looking at the forecast it'll be getting dirty going to work tomorrow. Not going to wash it in the cold on Saturday thats for sure!

[555_Si]

yeah mine is clean as well, but I think the focus will get left at home and the scoob taken to work tmrw, just from the fact that if I get stuck in traffic or stranded, i'd rather be in the Scooby than the focus. plus I can put the seats down and have a sleep lol.

lets hope Sunday is still going to be on.

[Scooby_Greg]

They are great in the snow. If you've got a front splitter just watch out for that on any deeper snow. I forget every time and give HT Autos plenty of business. I fitted winter tyres and they make a huge difference in the snow. Just factor in large braking distances and avoid the other tits on the road!

[Scott.T]

I think mines clean, can't remember........battery may be fat though as not run it for 2 weeks.

[Steve_PPP]

Originally Posted by SilverSurfer

I think mines clean, can't remember........battery may be fat though as not run it for 2 weeks.

Same mate, not started the scoob since weekend before last. Hope it fires up in the cold tomorrow morning!

[munk]

Always used to use my type ra in the snow.. had to get my mate from the depths of crowborough. A few times. Had to lock diffs up to get up the odd hill know and then.

[Bolesroor]

The best thing I`ve found is leave it in the garage and use the wifes Discovery instead

[Red Baron]

Doh, flat battery and seized hand brake, can't even get it out of the garage to jump start it.

[majorscooby]

Will be using mine Sunday forsure, I too haven't started it for two weeks, so first thing Saturday morn will be to check it starts and give it a run down to the shell for fuel.

[Red Baron]

Mine had been sat for 2 weeks. Do you know if the alarms get upset when you connect a charger?

[Steve_PPP]

Mine started ok this morning so its now covered in road salt

[ScoobyStu]

Originally Posted by Steve_PPP

Although the ABS is awful on scoobs and cuts in very early so give yourself huge braking distances.

As I've just found out when trying to stop. Fortunately he had a tow bar which has only dented my number plate. May as well have not bothered pushing the pedal it was that ineffective!

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by Steve_PPP

I always use mine when it snows, they're not too bad. Although the ABS is awful on scoobs and cuts in very early so give yourself huge braking distances.

Might us mine tomorrow having just looked at the forecast.

Completely agree. They are very good considering the tyres etc, but, they dont go down hills, or stop any better than a sledge!. Infact, as you said, the ABS kicks in too early and its quite disconcerting. I didnt realise quite how solid they are until this morning when I tried it in a 2 wheel drive car!.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by Bolesroor

The best thing I`ve found is leave it in the garage and use the wifes Discovery instead

Now that is the best plan!!. My business partner has an RR sport. They really do come into their own in this weather.

[Anger]

Snow mode engaged

[majorscooby]

I'd get that tucked up on your drive James just in case someone slides into it!!

[Anger]

There doing the dropped curb, so can't Rich

[majorscooby]

Doh, I'd be looking out the window every minute and wincing every time I'd hear a car pass. Lol

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by Anger

There doing the dropped curb, so can't Rich

In that case I would bring it round to my house and put it on my drive. Leave me the keys and I will make sure its started regularly

[kartingsteve]

Was out and about.

[scotty]

Scoobies just suit the snow dont you think everyone

[GB270Adam]

[majorscooby]

Originally Posted by Lucky

In that case I would bring it round to my house and put it on my drive. Leave me the keys and I will make sure its started regularly

Like your thinking there Steve and what a great offer, think you should take that up James!!!! Just think how safe it would be off the road.

Originally Posted by kartingsteve

Was out and about.

Good man. Take note polish bunnys you can use them in this weather

[Anger]

Errrr No Fooking Chance Lucky

[Red Baron]

Originally Posted by Nige

Good man. Take note polish bunnys you can use them in this weather

I would have done if the bloody thing would have started this morning.


What have you got against rabbits from Poland anyway?

[ScoobyStu]

Mines never being driven in the snow again unless I can sort the ridiculous ABS out!

[Bolesroor]

Originally Posted by Red Baron

I would have done if the bloody thing would have started this morning.


What have you got against rabbits from Poland anyway?

[Steve_PPP]

Originally Posted by ScoobyStu

Mines never being driven in the snow again unless I can sort the ridiculous ABS out!

Shocked me when i first used it in the snow as well!

Did about 40 miles on untreated A/B roads today in the scoob, very impressed with the Vredestein Sessantas in the snow considering they're a summer performance tyre! Think the big diagonal tread block right across the centre of the tyre helps, ABS was a lot less intrusive than last time we had snow and ice.

[Scott.T]

Well I opened the garage door and showed it's bottom to the snow, does that count.

[Banstead Stig]

Originally Posted by Steve_PPP

Shocked me when i first used it in the snow as well!

Did about 40 miles on untreated A/B roads today in the scoob, very impressed with the Vredestein Sessantas in the snow considering they're a summer performance tyre! Think the big diagonal tread block right across the centre of the tyre helps, ABS was a lot less intrusive than last time we had snow and ice.

Agree about Vreds, surprised me again today.

Still think I will invest in winter tyres for next year though. My Vreds were notably worse for being a year old, which makes sense, but all the same tyres are the key in this weather!

Out & about in Hastings tonight & it's getting a little dodgy. Even the Amb is sliding about. Temps are dropping - 2 at the mo.

[Steve_PPP]

Yeah, expect the roads will be worse tomorrow than today as all the slush and compacted snow will freeze overnight

[bonner]

Anyone have theres sideways?? its all goin to kick off again sunday