Sounds like (as I suspected) were training a nation of very poor drivers...

Well, less torque will be transmitted thru the wheels surely? resulting in it less likely losing traction? Thats how I read it anyway

yes... which is what it should say...

"less power at the wheels" not "use a higher gear so the wheels turn slower" (which is wrong/backwards)

and then, if you have a little bit of grip, youll have to give it decent revs just to stop is stalling.... more revs - more power and youre right back where you started

Ive been stuck a few times, and Ive always pulled away in 1st gear with no revs (just clutch control)
(but I do drive diesels, its a bit harder in a petrol)

Yes Knighty that is what I do in my diesel, no revs just ease the clutch, in petrols as low revs as possible in first gear should do fine as long as you are smooth  with yer pedals.

Quote from: knightyIve been stuck a few times, and Ive always pulled away in 1st gear with no revs (just clutch control)
(but I do drive diesels, its a bit harder in a petrol)

Thats exactly how I got myself out from some ice in a car park at the weekend in the BMW.

Quote from: knightyIve been stuck a few times, and Ive always pulled away in 1st gear with no revs (just clutch control)
(but I do drive diesels, its a bit harder in a petrol)

I miss my diesel in this weather. Try that in my current petrol and it will stall, where my old 306XLD could pull away with no revs in 3rd if for some bizzare reason you wanted to.

Quote from: bearI can see though, the necessity of wearing ones clutch out and starting in 2nd gear if using inadequate tyres but which costs more, clutch replacement or a set of proper winter tyres ?

More expensive for me to blow cash on winter tyres since theyll get used for maybe 2 month then Ill need another set for a different car (change frequently), a bit of wear on a clutch isnt going to hurt me

And i dont like to labour my engine

Quote from: EagleSounds like (as I suspected) were training a nation of very poor drivers...

everyone knows they only teach you to pass the test, the real learning begins when your on your own

bag of cat litter in the boot, good stuff to give traction.

Quote from: Binary Shadow

Quote from: bearI can see though, the necessity of wearing ones clutch out and starting in 2nd gear if using inadequate tyres but which costs more, clutch replacement or a set of proper winter tyres ?

More expensive for me to blow cash on winter tyres since theyll get used for maybe 2 month then Ill need another set for a different car (change frequently), a bit of wear on a clutch isnt going to hurt me

And i dont like to labour my engine

But often wheels fit on other cars, if you keep in mind that while changing car you could possible use the winter set on next car or maybe a better price
when you sell your car as it includes winter tyres.

winter remoulds are available, and theyre still much better than summer tyres

winter part worn tyres are also available

Quote from: Markbag of cat litter in the boot, good stuff to give traction.

good for absorbing engine oil when servicing too. Surprisingly useful stuff cat litter.

A sack of sand in real wheel drives gives a bit of extra weight and traction if needed, in my volvo 145 I had two cement plates (type you put as walkways) in the back to give traction in the hills.

this winter is hurting both my cars

My misses decided to use the kerb as a bump stop on an icey bend the other day so that is a bent lower arm or two on the Audi.

And my run around Metro has developed a quite violent steering wheel wobble/vibration for no apparent reason and the thermostat seems to be stuck open so it never warms up properly.

 

The Metro might have ice lumps frozen to the rims, it happended to me I drove a 100k and the car was warm and nice and I drove the last part on smaller not wellplowed roads and parked a few hours and drove home as I came out on the big road and was going 50-55 it wobbled so I stopped found ice lumps on rims so I just knocked them loose and all was fine.