Sunday, December 14, 2008

Snow in Portland


Here in Portland, we're getting a blast of winter weather. We've got about 4" of snow here at my house, and it's on top of icy streets. For a city that doesn't often get snow, this is a pretty big deal.

After shoveling my driveway with a garden shovel, rake, and broom (I left my snow shovel back in Wisconsin in 2006), I backed the Yaris down the driveway, and could successfully go up and down the drive. Great. How about a spin around the block? No dice.

After backing out onto the street, I actually got stuck on a very minor incline in front of my house due to the ice on the streets. I love my Falken Ziex 912 tires, but just about any tire without studs or chains isn't going to cut it. Perhaps it's time I invested in a set of studded tires for my car. Of course, my Yaris is lowered, so I can't put chains on it, which are currently required for travel on the highways. Craigslist has a good amount of studded tires with wheels for sale, so I'll probably keep browsing those listings.

This is supposed to be the longest cold snap in 18 years here in Portland, so the snow and ice aren't going anywhere soon. Sigh.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Well you know there's always walking, had to book it up to the villiage this morning, and Sears yesterday....not shabby walks.

Andy Lilienthal said...

That's true. I assume the streets aren't too terrible to walk on. I have to hoof it up to the post office today. It wouldn't be so bad if it weren't so darn windy. I moved from Wisconsin to get away from this kind of weather! :-)

nlpnt said...

I'd like to see more limited-slip differentials in FWD cars myself...

Andy Lilienthal said...

As would I. An LSD does a lot for handling. My 1998 Honda Prelude SH had an LSD-type diff (SH = Super Handling), and it was great. My buddy Craig's Nissan Sentra Spec V has an LSD, and it pulls through a corner so much better than an open diff.