 Poster: A snowHead
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
I'm not sure that putting Vaseline on rubber door seals is a great idea.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
The guy giving the tips has lived in the alps for a LONG time.
Putting petrol in diesel is one I've heard before, but never more than about a litre of petrol.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
Petrol in diesel. Mmmmmm, it'll help it stop freezing. However, it will rely on the compressed diesel to ignite the petrol so the burn will be a little longer and slower.
That means the timing will be a little off, you'll loose a bit of power and consuption will increase.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
Know how to put snow chains on- Gloves wont help you. Be prepared to carry bin fulls of diesel up and down the mountain in the back of a transit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I try to use BP's diesel in winter because the temp it freezes at tends to be lower than other diesel suppliers.
Normal gloves don't work with snow chains but a pair of thin marigolds keep the dirt off and take the bite out of the cold.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nadenoodlee,
| Quote: |
Gloves wont help you.
|
But a headtorch will 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
Still good info to people that havent driven to the Alps before
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
richmond, I agree I woldn't advice putting vaseline or any other petroleum based product on rubber seals. As it will cause the seals to deteriorate. If you really want to put something onto rubber seals use a cold weather rubber seal lubricant. They will be more expensive than vaseline, but cheaper than replacing the rubber seals.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
"Buying chains in the Alps is cheaper than buying at home but if you do, don’t leave it till the last minute and then find that the size you want is sold out."
Can anyone suggest where en route to Chamonix would be a good place to pick up chains - I'm driving down in two weeks' time.
Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
|
GeorgeM, what route are you going?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GeorgeM, E bay asap 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
Either driving down from Calais or from Cherbourg - not sure yet, but probably the latter.
I'll check out ebay, but think I've left it too late.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
GeorgeM, there should be a range available in motorway service areas if you are not likely to be stopping in a big supermarket. The difference in price is not worth a big detour and losing time but if the weather looks as though you might need them, have a quick practice in a dry car park. davidb, would cold weather sealant be available in motoring accessory shops? It sounds just what I need.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
GeorgeM, Personally I would (did) buy them in the UK. Many companies will offer you a part exchange for old ones when you change your car. But the big plus is you can put them on on the drive on a sunny afternoon with all the time in the world. Believe me that is invaluable when you're cold and its dark.Check out http://www.snowchains.co.uk/index.htm
I've driven at least 10 times now and its fine, its motorway to most of the main resorts and chains would only be required on the climb to resort - even then most times the roads have been cleared so not needed at all.
Personally would recommend Calais as you're on the motorway, from Cherbourg is a bit cross country.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
GeorgeM, Done the drive over quite a few times now, only had to put the chains on twice (but it's definitely worth practicing in advance), always use the tunnel as it's soooo much quicker, plus with tesco clubcard points its free! Cruisin' along the French Autoroutes is a pleasure in itself. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
|
pam w, I am not sure if you can buy cold weather sealant at a motoring shop, but you should be able to buy it online or from a boat shop & maybe a DIY store.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
Although you might get away with it, putting petrol in a modern diesel engine is potentially an expensive disaster. I knew nothing about this until I put some into the tank of my diesel car by mistake recently. It had to be towed away and the fuel system drained, filters and seals replaced etc.
Although you'll always get some bizarre maverick advice from the web, there was a good degree of consensus when I researched the issue to make sure I wasn't wasting my insurance excess. The insurance company covered the work which I doubt they'd bother doing unless it was needed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
I use silicone lubricant on my door seals, you can buy a small tube in Wickes. (well you could last year)
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
We drive to and spend the winter in Les Arcs, and I would tend to agree with what the guy says. But a lot of the things you can buy a lot cheaper on the way to the alps rather than buying in the uk.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are a few errors in it but in general good advice. I would always carry a pair of chains even though I have snow tires on my car.
The French Transport Ministry says the following:-
"Les pneus lamellisés dénommés "pneus hiver" ne sont pas considérés par le ministre chargé de l'équipement comme des équipements spéciaux et ne dispensent pas de l'obligation d'équiper le véhicule de chaînes lorsque la chaussée est recouverte de neige."
In other words tires known as "snow tires" are not considered to be special equipment and do not obviate you from putting chains on when the road is covered with snow. Studded tires have a speed limit of 90km/h max and can be used on French autoroutes. They can only be used between Nov and March.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I've binned my old Escort, so am selling my snow chains - only used them once. Will check out the actual size next time I'm in the garage.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
Tips for driving in winter? Don't take the Arlberg-Pass to St Anton in a rental car with no chains... Obviously the €9 to use the tunnel coming back seemed value for money after that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
Fortunately spotted it before I'd filled right up 
Filled the rest of the tank with diesel and suffered no ill effects. Whether it does any GOOD I can't say.
