Apart from checking the water levels and tyre pressures and probably greasing the front end, is there anything else I should be aware of if I'm crazy enough to take my bug up to Hotham? I've seen plenty of old-skool pics were ppl have taken old bugs up to the snow, but would it be wise to take my bug up there with cross-plys on the front? I've currently got 225/60/15's on the rear, but may need to fit 165's to ba able to fit the chains...

thanks ppl!

PS: snow is fun!:bounce

uh oh uh oh uhoooooohhhhhooookkkk............. considering the geographic location of germany, and the climatic considerations taken into account when designing the bug,, it really is now just a case of how many brazillian replacent parts you actually have in ur car !....*boom boom* (sorry thats a blond response i know):thumb

You may need to consider the grade/type of oil you're using. Lighter is better for cold conditions, but then modern multigrade oils can cope with a range of conditions anyway.

I'm no expert, but its something to think about....

$2.63 - I think the majority of the car is still very german, (even my engine case!) though they are a bit old... However, the body is tight so I dont think it was driven that much by its previous owners... should be ok then huh? (fingers crossed)

Kruizin - I was considering using the thinner GTX oil, 10W-40 I think (in the red coantainer) but when you consider that you'll driving for about 400km just to get to the mountain itself, it may be better to leave in the 'normal' 20W-50 for protection. Then again, haviing the thinner oil will give better fuel economy on the way there.,... depends which fleece you switch i suppose...

So, has anyone driven in/on snow in a bug? How trecherous is it?

Hearsay says that as all the weight is over the rear wheels, VWs are supposed to have good grip in all sorts of conditions. Just ask Wes and Brad and the other off road buggy boys. However, I think you'll still need chains to drive on snow (It's a legal requirment for all non-4WD to at least carry them)

Yeh, all that weight over the rear wheels is god traction for straigh line stuff, but when you start braking around corners........! I driving a CRV last week in the snow on the way down from Hotham, and I still put on chains coz of the blizzard conditions! Some AWD's should still use chains as thier road tyres dont really do much good one snow and ice...

sorry bout the poor quality post b4.lol. I really should stick to the correct forum when dribbling! The only memories of driving in the snow were when very young and my mother putting chains on the sigma and then riding in a big snow truck thingy.lol. Mind you she did look a little paler than usual, and we kids were told to shutup in that 'militant mum scared of driving' tone! *$2 shuffles herself back into general chitchat* leave the tekkie q's to the xperts!

Dont worry abou tthe oils grade if its just a trip. It will arrive with hot oil. When you leave let it warm up a bit and you are a way. If you plan on living / working there and daily use then consider the oil grade.
Mitchell

kewl

..and dont forget the RainX?