Pulling car out of snowbank

[JDgreen227]

As the government mandated CAFE fuel mileage standards have risen, manufacturers have shed all unnecessary weight.

In last 30 years, there has been a progression toward lighter under body components. We now have few places on most cars you can even raise them up, without doing some sort of damage. Let alone attach a line, and put a load like the entire weight of the vehicle, as you pull it out of a ditch.

Most of the under structure now is tempered sheet metal, accented with suspension components made from either more sheet metal, thin walled steel tube, or light weight aluminum castings.

All cars have something built into the under structure to allow for tying them down for shipping purposes. Few have any sort of solid place to attach a chain or strap, designed for the purpose of pulling the vehicle out of a ditch. Nor do they seem to have many suitable places the manufacturers could have easily allowed for this.

With the new CAFE standards coming, it's surely going to get worse.

Something that really baffles me about the automakers who are trying to shed weight...WHY do they install huge, oversized 20 inch rims and tires that weigh much more than the 16 inch size that was formerly standard? And I don't quite understand the reluctance to install a solid hook on point, there will always be vehicles stuck and without a suitable attachment point, how do they expect a vehicle to be pulled free?

 

[farmer2009]

Something that really baffles me about the automakers who are trying to shed weight...WHY do they install huge, oversized 20 inch rims and tires that weigh much more than the 16 inch size that was formerly standard? And I don't quite understand the reluctance to install a solid hook on point, there will always be vehicles stuck and without a suitable attachment point, how do they expect a vehicle to be pulled free?

They no longer expect them to be pulled free without damage. This keeps their parts department in business and makes a disposable point for the cars. Getting the sheep to buy another throwaway for 30k.

 

[JDgreen227]

They no longer expect them to be pulled free without damage. This keeps their parts department in business and makes a disposable point for the cars. Getting the sheep to buy another throwaway for 30k.

I am going to ask my AAA agent something: If I am careless enough to run off the road with my flimsy crackerbox and bury it in snow, and getting it unstuck with an AAA-sponsored tow company bends parts, who is responsible for paying for the damage?

 

[dodge man]

I had to pull my son out about a month ago. A 2004 Pontiac GTO. There may be points to put a T hook or something like that, but when you are pulling someone out, the strap is usually angle up, which ends up hitting somewhere on the body work. The T hooks work good if you are up on a trailer and tying it down, then the strap or chain is angled down. BTW, we ripped part of the front end off his GTO when we pulled it out, but it reattached and you really can't see any damage.

 

[ray66v]

Something that really baffles me about the automakers who are trying to shed weight...WHY do they install huge, oversized 20 inch rims and tires that weigh much more than the 16 inch size that was formerly standard? And I don't quite understand the reluctance to install a solid hook on point, there will always be vehicles stuck and without a suitable attachment point, how do they expect a vehicle to be pulled free?

I don't agree that 20" wheels and tires are heavier than the 16" wheels and tires. The aluminum is much lighter than the tire. And as the wheel gets bigger, the tire gets smaller. Even if it's an even trade, the boys in the hood apparently want them, and that matters.

They could add lots of things to cars to make them better. it all adds weight, and all adds cost. They have a budget, and there has to be limits.

They don't have cigarette lighters, ash trays, or spare tires anymore because of that.

 

[Loadstar]

What kind/model of tractor is best for pulling cars out of ditches???

My vote would be an unlimited class pulling tractor. They will fly right out of the ditch.

 

[downslope]

It's been said that suto makers are trying to shed weight, but still the cars seem to be overall heavier than a vehicle with the same exterior/interior diemensions was 20-25 years ago. I generally buy compact or mid-size 4-door cars every 3 years and a few full-size pickups every 5-10 years. I have never had a new one weigh less that the one being replaced; you notice this when the state bases registration fees on weights.

Are cars really getting lighter or they just being lightened in some areas to make up for weight added in others due to adding popular options and safety features? I mean, we've gone from cast iron heads and blocks to aluminum and still the cars weigh the same or more than earlier models.

 

[IbNoelS]

I don't agree that 20" wheels and tires are heavier than the 16" wheels and tires. The aluminum is much lighter than the tire. And as the wheel gets bigger, the tire gets smaller. Even if it's an even trade, the boys in the hood apparently want them, and that matters.

They could add lots of things to cars to make them better. it all adds weight, and all adds cost. They have a budget, and there has to be limits.

They don't have cigarette lighters, ash trays, or spare tires anymore because of that.

it has been told to me that the larger wheels give the car a smoother ride with having less invested in the suspension it's self. As the cars have gone larger in tire sizes try pricing some 14" or 15" tires as they are now in the minority size wise up has gone the price.

 

[aczlan]

Are cars really getting lighter or they just being lightened in some areas to make up for weight added in others due to adding popular options and safety features? I mean, we've gone from cast iron heads and blocks to aluminum and still the cars weigh the same or more than earlier models.

I think that is what is happening, adding ABS, traction control, 30 airbags, side crash bars, 15 way power seats, soundproofing, etc adds a fair amount of weight.

Aaron Z

 

[guyrj33]

I'm glad my neighbors are helpful and friendly.