95 in the snow
Discussion
Can anyone tell me if they are having as much trouble in their Saab in the snow as I am please?
I've driven 9000s for years and was always happy with the way they coped but this is my second winter in a 95 2.3 lpt estate and its really bad in the snow! No, I don't have winter tyres or chains but never needed them on any of my 9Ks. I've heard it could be to do with the tcs system? It's a manual and I do engine braking in snow and ice but it's like bambi on ice even on mild slush. I'd be interested to hear if anyone else struggles or if it's just me being rubbish. PS tyres are good tread Michelins.
I've driven 9000s for years and was always happy with the way they coped but this is my second winter in a 95 2.3 lpt estate and its really bad in the snow! No, I don't have winter tyres or chains but never needed them on any of my 9Ks. I've heard it could be to do with the tcs system? It's a manual and I do engine braking in snow and ice but it's like bambi on ice even on mild slush. I'd be interested to hear if anyone else struggles or if it's just me being rubbish. PS tyres are good tread Michelins.
I have a 9-5 LPT in auto and it is awful in the snow. No grip. At all. And this is with good tyres not cheapos. I don't think the slush box help it in the erm...slush. Mine is modified but even i was surprised at how bad it was. Is it still true that the door handles are strong enough for it to be pulled out of a ditch by or does that only apply to the old 9000s?
9000 fan said:
Can anyone tell me if they are having as much trouble in their Saab in the snow as I am please?
I've driven 9000s for years and was always happy with the way they coped but this is my second winter in a 95 2.3 lpt estate and its really bad in the snow! No, I don't have winter tyres or chains but never needed them on any of my 9Ks. I've heard it could be to do with the tcs system?
My 9-5 Aero auto has been better in the snow than my previous 9000 Aero manual was (and that had a Quaife LSD as well)I've driven 9000s for years and was always happy with the way they coped but this is my second winter in a 95 2.3 lpt estate and its really bad in the snow! No, I don't have winter tyres or chains but never needed them on any of my 9Ks. I've heard it could be to do with the tcs system?
I have been switching the ESP off though on untreated roads and using the W button on the gearbox, and as such have been able to drive up snowy/icey hills without even getting much wheelspin, and I'm running 225/40x18 tyres.
The handle thing most definatley can not be true of my 95. I tried to open the door in the snow the other day and was certain I was gonna end up just holding the handle. Like I say, I've heard the tcs can hamper them because its not the same as abs. I'm not sure on that one but I had two 9000s with tcs and never had the trouble in those that I'm having with the 95. It's a shame cos it's a good little worker, never lets me down and works like a trojan but I just have no faith in it when I see snow. Think I might have to dust off the 9000 and show the 95 how its done!
My 900's been great; my dad's 9000 has been fine too (on normal road tyres), & I don't think my brother's had too much trouble with his 9-5. A lot of it will be tyre type and profile. The 9000, 900, and earlier cars were designed with these climates in mind and are generally pretty good in it, the newer cars not so much IME. My 900 was OK in the snow last Feb on Toyo Proxes.
I have been driving around on Nokians in my Saab for the last week wondering what the fuss regarding the snow was about. Tried to get my MX-5 on summer tyres and really struggled to get it off the drive and out of the road! Made me appreciate how good the Saab is!
You're not alone though, there was a "Why is my Saab rubbish in the snow" thread a few days ago!
Edited by NiceCupOfTea on Monday 11th January 18:32
Just don't build em like they used to do they! I'm a classic fan and I've seen 900s and 9ks do awesome stuff. I've used my 95 on the rare occassions I've HAD to this past week but having refused to stop twice today at two major junctions it's staying on the drive now till the snows gone and I'll use my 9K. Many thanks.
aeropilot said:
9000 fan said:
Don't have a winter button on my auto box, that's my job with my engine braking I think.
You should have....?What year 9-5 is it...?
9000 fan said:
Thank you. Hints for approaching flat junction in 1st at crawling speed, applying brakes slowly and car fails to grip or stop at all?
I think a lot of your problem is the tyres. Michelin's are known for having hard compounds, which is why they wear well, but that's less than ideal for snow/ice conditions.May be worth dropping the tyre pressure a bit to allow the sidewalls a bit more flex..?
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