1 = 2 for sufficiently stupid values of 2

[mellowtigger]

I learned in 2010 that "2-wheel drive" actually means "1-wheel drive". My pickup delivers power from the engine to only the back, right-side wheel. That limitation is why it handles poorly on slick roads and needs weight in the bed to help it gain traction with its 1 powered wheel.

That limitation is also why I try to get snow shoveled off of the driveway as fast as possible because after even 1 vehicle drives on fresh snow, it's compacted down to ice. That ice is not only difficult to remove (before thaw), but the ice also makes it difficult for me to get in/out of the short driveway with its uphill "curb" near the alley. The ice stays (usually) from November through March, so it's important to remove it quickly after it falls.

We've recently had several days of above-freezing weather. All of the plowed/shoveled areas were clear of any remaining snow. All of the snow banks were still there, of course. On Sunday, the Twin Cities area received anywhere from 6-18 inches of snow depending on which city you were in. I think we got about 7 inches here, although the wind spread it around from 1 to 12 inches deep.

I've finished shoveling, and the snow bank in the back patio area is now nearly back up to the roof again. I'm also done showering and dressing, so it's time to drive in to work (late).  Yes, we still have to work today, even on this national holiday.

Comments

question

[kroyd.livejournal.com]

I don't deal with such weather conditions, but I was just wondering if sprinkling gravel in the tire tracks would allow tires to grip the surface better.

[snousle.livejournal.com]

What you have is probably an open differential. Both wheels get torque under ordinary circumstances, but if one wheel slips the other one loses torque. It can be replaced with a "positrac" differential that will ensure that both wheels get torque, but it costs a bit.

[litch.livejournal.com]

one of the great dirty tricks is to dump a couple 5 gallon jugs of water on somone's unshoveled drive a few hours before they get up