mayer@rochester.UUCP (02/09/85)
From: Jim Mayer <mayer> We are currently having some unusually nasty weather here in Rochester New York, and I have noticed a peculiar problem with my car: the car handles well on back roads, but on the highway (590 for Western NY residents) the front seems to wave about at speeds as low as 30 (yes thirty) miles per hour. The roads were very bad by Rochester standards (15 degrees, -20 wind chill, blowing snow, winter storm warnings), but most other cars seemed to be doing OK. Interestingly, when I tried breaking the car slid for a few seconds then gripped the road -- I don't know if that means anything. Needless to say, I got off the interstate. My car is a 1972 Chevy Nova. It has a 305 V8, power steering, non power breaks, regular tires on the front, and snows on the back (all the tires are bias ply). I have about 50 pounds in the trunk. The tires are all less than two years old, and are in excellent condition. My questions are: 1. What is going on? 2. How much better off would I be with snow tires all around? 3. Can I do anything to help this (short of buying a new front wheel drive car... If I could I would). Thank you. -- Jim Mayer Computer Science Department (arpa) mayer@Rochester.ARPA University of Rochester (uucp) rochester!mayer Rochester, New York 14627