This morning I decided to put chains on my VW Beetle before it started snowing again. I climbed up to the top of the driveway while it was still sunny. Although I was able to get them around the tires, I could tell when fastening the color coded connectors that I had done something wrong. I came back inside and watched a Youtube video demonstrating the correct technique.
The first one was of a man who was just kind of winging it. Different people attach them in different ways. I found a demonstration given by the manufacturer, which was much clearer and simpler. I made some notes, brought up a towel to lay on the asphalt to pad my knees, and put on a pair of leather gloves. I had ripped a hole in the thumb of my knit pair.
This time, it was a snap! Making sure that there were no kinks in the chains, and having the logo facing forward made all of the difference. Everything fit together perfectly, like the pieces of a puzzle.
My neighbor who has a cabin up in Big Bear suggested that I get a four wheel drive for my next car. They have a fancy, impressive new truck. "It's so much easier," she added. I like driving my little red 2002 Beetle, though. Those trucks are very expensive, and this car reminds me of my mom. It used to be hers.
I would rather stay debt free and save that money. The chains are phenomenal. They really latch on to the ice. I plan to keep this car forever. Because I walk so much...the mileage is very low. Chains it is, for me.
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I commend you for staying debt free. There are almost always cheaper alternatives to doing things then reaching for your purse.
ReplyDeleteThat's true, Frugal. I prefer to keep what I have and maintain it. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWell done, Stephenie, getting the chains on! I don't know how to put chains on my car tires! I don't even have a set of chains! But, then, again, I don't intend to be out driving in the snow, so, I guess I don't need chains. Even so, it would be a good skill to have, I think! It's raining, here, right now. I'm very glad that I don't have to be out driving in that rain!
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Bless. It's comforting to be cozy and warm at home. You're right, it is helpful to be able to put a set of chains on your car, in case you are ever a snowy part of California, like Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, or Big Bear.
DeleteNo, but then the only skill I need is to get the sunshade up inside the car so I can actually touch the steering wheel if it has been parked in the shade! If you can do the snow chain thing and it works and you are safe and happy, good on you.
ReplyDeleteOh, the chains are fantastic in the snow and on icy roads, emw. I love them. We had several people with all wheel drive stuck on our street today. If they had chains, they could have easier driven home, but they didn't. It took them hours to get moving.
DeleteGood for you, debt free is definitely the way to go.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have enough snow to require chains (usually) but it sounds a very good idea indeed. Much safer.
xx
Yes, I love the set I have, Joy. I may take a drive early in the morning, when noone is out on the roads, just to practice. They grip the ice so well!
DeleteGood for you for getting the chains on your tires. I have never done that so I am impressed. We tend to keep our cars a very long time also. I bet you have a ton of snow at the cabin right now. Oh-can you repair your glove?
ReplyDeleteHi Anita, Yes. I have some sock yarn and a large darning needle.
DeleteIt can easily be repaired, thanks.
I'm with you about staying debt free and just looking after one's existing car - and other belongings. It is so empowering to do that.
ReplyDeleteI agree, ratnamurti. It's much less expensive, too.
DeleteGood for you for getting the chains by yourself, Stephenie. YouTube videos are very helpful, aren't they? I'v learned a lot from watching YouTube.
ReplyDeleteI always admire how frugal you are.
Yes, some of them are great, Nil. The chains just take practice. I find the Youtube tutorials helpful for knitting and crocheting techniques, as well.
DeleteI have never mounted snow chains but we had a set for our old car. They don't find the new car's tyres, which is a shame. When I grew up in Switzerland, we always changed tyres in October, to a set that has more grip on snow. We rarely needed chains. If available, maybe this is a more economical option than a brand new four wheel drive. I don't like those big trucks much actually, I much prefer our little orange car.
ReplyDeleteWe used to use snow tires in Reno, Nevada, too, Christina. There's a lot of powdery snow on the roads right now. I plan to stay home and shovel.
DeleteI am with you remaining debt free, we are the same. Thankfully we have no need for snow chains we rarely get enough snow to warrant them.
ReplyDeleteThat's great, mm. Being debt free makes life much easier and happier.
DeleteI enjoy looking at the pink hollyhocks every time I visit here. I noticed Big Bear got a fair amount of snow this morning. I grew up in Barstow. Never needed snow chains, counted on the snowplows in New Hampshire.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ruth. I appreciate you visiting and commenting. Snow plows make such a difference! I love the difference in our roads after they do their work.
ReplyDelete