Originally posted by red99sesport:
Your SVT may have standard abs, but for everyone else without an svt, it was an option. From what I've heard most contour and mystique owners don't have it. So, best tip: drive slow, leave long following distances, and don't slam on your brakes unless you plan to pump them.



Yup , my bad ... . Should have said "something that MAY have come standard on your Contour/Mystique" . All 4 Contiques that have been in our family ('95 SE , '95 SE , 98 'Stique GS & '00 SVT) have been ABS-equipped , so I guess we're lucky .

I believe that ABS might lengthen stopping distances ... a tad , but it will be a controlled stop , whether turning or straight . If your car is not ABS-equipped , learn to pump the brakes . I still stand by my convictions (after nearly 20 years of driving experience) of not downshifting a FWD car in the snow/slop/ice unless at very low rpms . If the front end slips (and it will , whenever you're not ready for it ) , it's usually already too late to avoid the problem because you've wasted time downshifting , pushing/releasing the clutch & so-on . IMHO - if you're in a "situation" , push in the clutch & pump the brakes . Once you're in the clear , slide it into gear & continue on .
I've owned many RWD cars & they're not always bad driving in the snow , I've owned some old Volvos that have been GREAT in the snow (a '70 142E and a '68 122S , for example) , as well as my old Dodge Dart (that was virtually unstoppable too) . They just need to be equipped correctly . Weight in the back & snow tires help a LOT . Whether Blizzaks , Nokians (great tires too) ... it doesn't matter , just having a dedicated "snow tire" (i.e. - not an all season ) on all 4 corners makes all the difference . The new silicate-based tread tires (snow/ice) might feel a bit "squishey" on dry pavement , but it's a small price to pay to have much better control of your car in the slop . The difference is immeasureable , you really have to experience it to believe it .
The biggest piece of advice I , personally , can give to anyone is ... PATIENCE ! Leave early , take your time , leave room in front , LOOK AHEAD and be patient ! If you're running late for something (like work) , BIG DEAL ... you're late . At least you're not DEAD !! Arrive alive .

I didn't mean for this to be contradictory or preachy , I just feel it's important for any newbie drivers or drivers that aren't used to driving in snow & ice to hear all aspects .

Originally posted by RGSOUNDF:
If your car skids - NEVER try to turn the wheel in the opposite direction as your immediate reaction tells you to do - it will only increase the spin, try to wheel in the same direction and maneuvre




Not sure I agree at all with that statement ...

~~~~~~~ Phil Black & Tan 2000 SVT Contour #2137 of 2150 35,000 miles & counting !