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RAILhead · Nov 9, 2008, 06:33 PM

My wife and her Mom are thinking about going to Chicago on a quick trip around December 13 or so. A couple of things on their to-do list would mean they'd have to rent a car and drive an hour or so to get to said thing -- but they're concerned about potentially driving in snow. Neither of them know jack about snow driving, so they're kind of concerned.

What do think? Any Chicagoans here that can give any insight to the weather that time of year? Is it worth taking the chance, going anyway, knowing you may have 2 big-plan items scratched?

TIA,
Maury

SSharon · Nov 9, 2008, 06:42 PM

I grew up on the north side of chicago and have found that the city (well my local municipality anyway) was very good with snow removal. Unless they are in the middle of a storm, major roads should be cleared very fast since the city has an appropriate budget and equipment already prepared.

Driving in the snow isn't too bad either as long as you go slowly and are attentive.

Captain Obvious · Nov 9, 2008, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by RAILhead

What do think? Any Chicagoans here that can give any insight to the weather that time of year? Is it worth taking the chance, going anyway, knowing you may have 2 big-plan items scratched?

There may be snow or there may not be. Its December.

The major streets in the city are clean within hours of the end of any major snowfall. Same for the expressways. If they aren't comfortable driving in snow the only time the streets are really bad is during a storm if the rate of accumulation is greater than speed with which the plows can clean.

There's no real answer to their concerns. They should just wait until they arrive, check the weather. and then decide if they want to drive

PS: Ikea isnt worth the drive

Ghoser777 · Nov 9, 2008, 06:50 PM

Just make sure you have some extra weight in your trunk and good tires and you should be fine. My little Protegé had a little trouble with the thick snow we had last year.

subego · Nov 9, 2008, 08:07 PM

There usually isn't that much snow that early, though there have been exceptions. Likewise, it's usually warm enough that road salt can do its job. Later in the year you're more likely to get black ice.

imitchellg5 · Nov 9, 2008, 08:12 PM

Snow shouldn't be a huge issue. Like others have said, the road crews are very quick. If they are like most American women, rent them a H2 and they'll feel invincible.

subego · Nov 9, 2008, 10:28 PM

Originally Posted by imitchellg5

the road crews are very quick.

Local lore: one of our ex-mayors failed to get rid of the snow, and compared what the disgruntled citizenry did to him with the crucifixion of Jesus.

RAILhead · Nov 9, 2008, 10:53 PM

I think they've decided to go ahead and go.

Laminar · Nov 9, 2008, 11:08 PM

Originally Posted by Ghoser777

Just make sure you have some extra weight in your trunk and good tires and you should be fine. My little Protegé had a little trouble with the thick snow we had last year.

Why would you shift the center of gravity away from the drive wheels?

subego · Nov 9, 2008, 11:17 PM

Do the wheels have to be powered to provide traction?

Laminar · Nov 9, 2008, 11:34 PM

Originally Posted by subego

Do the wheels have to be powered to provide traction?

To stop? No. To go? Yes.

subego · Nov 9, 2008, 11:47 PM

Well, if you had to pick one...

awaspaas · Nov 10, 2008, 01:02 AM

Accelerate OR turn.

Brake OR turn.

Never AND.

Laminar · Nov 10, 2008, 01:41 AM

Originally Posted by subego

Well, if you had to pick one...

You don't have to. Just get a set of snow tires and be great at both.