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From: shauns@vice.UUCP (Shaun Simpkins)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Front wheel drive and chains
Message-ID: <1282@vice.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 22-Dec-83 16:36:19 EST
Article-I.D.: vice.1282
Posted: Thu Dec 22 16:36:19 1983
Date-Received: Wed, 15-Feb-84 04:12:30 EST
Organization: Tektronix, Beaverton OR
Lines: 23


Just a comment on the proper placement of chains on front wheel drive cars:

If you're climbing a hill, the chains should go on the front wheels for
traction.
However, if you have to stop suddenly while descending, it is possible that
you could wind up rear end first.  The reason is simple: the front tires will
hold longer than the rears - and since most of the car's weight is behind the
fulcrum so formed, the car will spin around if there is sufficient lateral
acceleration.

Rear wheel drive doesn't have this problem since the car effectively hangs from
the rear wheels going down hill.

The best solution is chains on all fours, or none at all.  That way, adhesion
is the same front and back.

-- 
				Shaun Simpkins

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