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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask for advice about how to get down my snowy drive

36 replies

shinny · 12/12/2022 19:56

Can anyone give me some guidance please?
Steep drive - from bottom to top is about 4ft high - not sure what that is in gradient - car parked wrong way so I need to reverse it within drive to exit onto main road.
Snow is about 2-3 inches thick although I did start clearing today and then stopped as seemed pointless.
I don't have rocksalt but have water softener salt in pastilles (would have to smash it to spread it) or could pour boiling water on ground.

School was not an option today given conditions so we stayed put. Would like to attempt tomorrow as roads look ok but drive frightens me.
Does anyone knowledgeable have any pointers? Would be most grateful.

OP posts:
Wherediditallgo · 12/12/2022 20:22

Is your car front or rear wheel drive?
The drive wheels should lead. If it means reversing out of your drive have someone at the top to guide you out. Don’t over rev it, you need enough to get the wheels turning slowly.

Original poster
shinny · 12/12/2022 20:23

House is at top of slope which is where car is pointed backwards. I’m lazy to reverse it ready to exit as it takes about a 5 point turn. Hindsight is a wonderful thing….

OP posts:
Original poster
shinny · 12/12/2022 20:25

It’s an auto and pretty sturdy so maybe I’m flapping for no reason.

will follow the good advice on here and it’s a good reminder not to be afraid - thanks all

OP posts:
bizzywiththefizzy · 12/12/2022 20:26

Do you have an old piece of carpet or a rug . I have heard it is useful for getting moving.

Onnabugeisha · 12/12/2022 20:26

Cat litter also works as grit. I usually keep a bag in my boot when it’s snowy and it is fab for throwing under spinning tyres if you slide off the road and are trying to get back on it.

CrocodilesCry · 12/12/2022 20:31

GreenManalishi · 12/12/2022 20:10

Shovel the snow out of the way, see if there's a grit bin on a road nearby you can walk to with a bucket, and spread this on the cleared drive.

Do not throw water on the ground when it's likely to freeze or you'll be on your arse before you can get in the car!

It's a couple of inches of snow, don't be frightened, if the drive is cleared and the road is clear you'll be fine. Go slow, high gear, no sudden braking.

Grit bins are for use on roads and pavements - not on your own driveway. Please use some common sense, the council doesn't provide grit bins for this.

JamMakingWannaBe · 12/12/2022 20:34

bizzywiththefizzy · 12/12/2022 20:26

Do you have an old piece of carpet or a rug . I have heard it is useful for getting moving.

This. Or an old hessian shopping bag.

CrocodilesCry · 12/12/2022 20:35

If you're desperate you can use your car mats to provide some traction to get back on the drive.

VeniVidiWeeWee · 12/12/2022 20:54

The trick is to stay in low gear,

No, the trick is to use as high a gear as you can. The wheels turn slower in a high gear so less likely to spin.

paintitallover · 12/12/2022 23:07

I think I'd just stay in!

weirdstuffhappenig · 12/12/2022 23:13

VeniVidiWeeWee · 12/12/2022 20:54

The trick is to stay in low gear,

No, the trick is to use as high a gear as you can. The wheels turn slower in a high gear so less likely to spin.

It's an auto I think!

But will depend it'll it's s proper 4x4 with low box? I'm guessing not if you're after advice that's this isn't a 4x4.

I think you've had great advice! Good luck

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