winter driving, fwd, chains? also, cargo netting for back storage area?

[kyvibelady]

HEllo, I am a new 2003 vibe GT owner and I need some help with 2 questions. 1st. I will need to do winter driving and have 2 intense hills on my driveway....can I use chains on a front wheel drive car for extra traction?2nd, I need to know if there are cargo nets or other ideas for preventing my dog from jumping from the hatchback area, over the seats and into the car....I was driving a volvo stationwagon and could put a crate in the back to contain her, but the crate will not fit, so I am looking for other solutions. Thank you

[Houston]

I picked up a piece of that clear plexiglass from the hardware store and cut it to size to stop the dogs from getting to the front. It's held in place by one of the little bungie cords or whatever they're called, connected from one head-rest post, around the back of the plexiglass, and then to the post on the other side. Works like a charm and can be seen through.

[joatmon]

you can use tire chains, and you would put them on the front wheels. The owners manual for the 2003 Vibe discusses tire chain precautions on page 6-60. If you did not get a copy of the owners manual with your used vibe, you can download a copy as a PDF file from the links in http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=1010in http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=7302, VibeDogs only two posts ever were about how he made a pet barrier. Houston's idea is good too. I use a child to sit in the back seat and keep the dog all the way in the rear, or if no passenger, then fold the rear seats flat to keep the dog off the fabric. I do not know of a ready made retail accessory that will do what you want though.Welcomee to genvibe. There is a "list your pets" thread at http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=2767 if you want to share a picture of your dog

[geezer]

You can get one from a Toyota dealer. Pontiac may have them as well.Here'e a lint to the Matrix Accessories page, the pet screen is about 2/3 of the way down on the right. It uses the cargo tracks for mounting. http://www.toyota.com/matrix/a...ORIESTire chains:http://www.tirechain.com/

[macman]

why not put on high quality snow tires? taking on/off chains is a real pain in the (removed)...if you have more than 1-2 storms/winter. just a thought.....

[kyvibelady]

Thanks so much for your reply to my questions... this is great. I have never been to a chat room before, but this is helpful. thanks for the wonderful tip!

[kyvibelady]

thank you so much for all your good advice and quick response. I have checked out both sites and it is awesome... thanks again.