Need Snow Chains By Friday!

2815 Views 25 Replies 10 Participants Last post by mobiuslogic, Feb 27, 2004

mobiuslogic

Discussion Starter · Feb 23, 2004

Alrighty guys, as many of you probably read, I'm going to Tahoe this weekend, however I didn't learn that I'll be driving till Friday. Turns out I have a Calculus test that of course I need to take. Originally I was just gonna ditch class that day, but not with a test. So now I need to get some snow chains that hopefully won't eat up my tires too bad.

I definitely want all 4 considering this is my first time driving in the snow (first for everything and now's as good a time as any) and these are of course FWD and I don't want the back getting loose in a turn.

SO, can anyone ship me some chains that I can borrow for about a week. I'm in the 95051 zip code, and I'll of course wash them off and ship them back along with a check to pay for shipping them too me, plus a little extra for the trouble as a thank you. I don't want to buy them as I won't be going often enough to make it worth it, but there aren't any places that will rent chains.

Or if you know where I can get them cheap, like 30-40 bucks, let me know.

Oh yeah, this is for the stock tires of course P215-60R16.
PM me if you can help. Thanks guys

-mobiuslogic

1 - 20 of 26 Posts

diesel600

· #2 · Feb 23, 2004

What kind of tires are you running, and how good is the tread? Reason I'm asking is because unless you are going there in the middle of a snowstorm or unless it's a place that doesn't get plowed the chance that you will really need chains is slim. I live in a snow belt and have never needed chains before, let alone snow tires. Good all season radials do a better job in snow than many think.

mobiuslogic

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 23, 2004

2

Tires. Oh yeah

That's a good point.

Fronts:
2 "Dominator" Tour MR II tires
(alignment had worn fronts down to the wear bars, and needed 2 tires bad)
America's Tire - The "DOMINATORS!!" Specs
these have already been balanced/rotated to the back and back to the front again
Treadlife: 560
Traction: A
Temp: B

Rear Left:
"Road Rebel" Radial tire
(tire got slashed in college parking lot, needed a cheapie)
Can't remember where I got this one
Treadlife: 440 (I told you it was cheap)
Traction: A
Temp: B

Rear Right:
Continential ContiTrac
The only original tire left on the car
Treadlife: 520
Traction: A
Temp: B

As far as tread depth goes:
Front Left: .235"
Front Right: .240"
Rear Left: .220"
Rear Right: .155" (the original continental,

)
did it with the caliper in several locations on tire, keeping caliper perpendicular to tire

Looks like I'll at least get a new tire for the continental and have them all re-balanced and rotated.
I'm deathly affraid of sliding on black ice is the problem and I'd rather have chains than slide. Are there something like "thin" chains that just give some bite for ice, but not quite as thick as a full "chain?" Help me out guys, I gotta have these by thursday.

-mobiuslogic

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mobiuslogic

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 23, 2004

28 views by now and only 1 reply. Help me out you midwest people. You live in the snow, you know what to do.

I really don't want to slide my bull into oncoming traffic, or a curb, or a tree....you get the idea. Come on guys, help me here.

-mobiuslogic

greenstreak

· #5 · Feb 23, 2004

I drive through snow all the time, and I've really never had a problem. I honestly don't know if I've ever seen a car with chains before. I think you'll be fine without them.

You could always check the current and upcoming weather in Tahoe, to see if there is even a chance of snow. Sorry if I didn't help much, but I think you'll be fine. Just drive slowly and carefully if it does get slick.

diesel600

· #6 · Feb 23, 2004

Is this an area where you know people use chains on a regular basis? I think with your tires you should be ok. We have mean winters where I live and I have never seen anyone using chains. Plus I think with most chains you are limited to 25 miles per hour or something like that. Just take it slow on the snow, it's really not as big a deal as I think you are making it out to be.

Kenitz

· #7 · Feb 23, 2004

Yeah, it's really easy, I haven't been driving really long, but I've had RWD and FWD, and Taurus's are so heavy they're awesome in the snow.

mobiuslogic

Discussion Starter · #8 · Feb 23, 2004

I'm not so worried about the snow.

It's the ICE I'm affraid of sliding out on. What about ice?

-mobiuslogic

Kenitz

· #9 · Feb 23, 2004

Yeah, ice is worse, but as long as you keep your cool and just watch out for spots you shoul be good, I don't think there will be a LOT of ice if any though unless it's been snowing/sleeting up there..

mobiuslogic

Discussion Starter · #10 · Feb 23, 2004

Well, weather conditions say they'll be between 34*F-16*F at night. So yeah, Ice looks like it may be a consideration.

What do I need to watch out for though? I have no idea what to look for, other than the bridges freeze first due to increased wind chill factors over the bridge (thanks to whoever it was that posted that video

)

-mobiuslogic

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Tman

· #11 · Feb 23, 2004

don't drive like a** and you'll be ok that means stopping miles before a stop sign or a light...taking turns slowly...and don't hotdog on the snow or you'll end up hurting the car someone else's car or someone on the streets.....just be careful and get some decent all season or winter tires and you'll be ok but if your tires are bald i won't even drive in the snow at all

G

· #12 · Feb 23, 2004

2

They will probably salt and/or plow the roads so there shouldn't be much ice. We have 10* weather here all the time and the roads are perfect and dry because of the salt and plowing. But if you have at least decent tires and go slow you should be OK. I live in Ohio, part of the snowbelt and we get TONS of snow and I've never seen anyone with chains. You probably read not long ago that I had a problem due to sliding. This was during the worst weather of the season and I was out on the roads right after it rained and then froze and then snowed on top of it which is really rare. So just stop far in advance, leave yourself lots of room and take it easy and you should be just fine. Also, if you do try to stop quick and don't have ABS - DO NOT LOCK UP THE BRAKES!! pump them easily - do not put all your pressure on the brakes either. Just take it easy and you'll be fine.

OH - and HAVE FUN!

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kermitec

· #13 · Feb 23, 2004

Chains wont help with ice a lot, they are really for getting thru heavy snow. Only studded snows will help you a bit with ice. The main thing is to listen to what everyone is saying. However if the state dept of transportation says you need chains you will have to install a pair. You can usually find a # or a site that lets you know road conditions. If you need chains go buy them you can get them pretty cheap. I think I payed 40 bucks for mine. Drive nice and easy and do your hot dogging on the slopes! Have fun.

mobiuslogic

Discussion Starter · #14 · Feb 23, 2004

Yeah, I definitely have ABS. And I checked and made sure to boot.

I'm sure I'll get a pair of chains in case I need them. I'll also air my tires down a bit to give me a bigger contact patch.

Why don't chains help with the ice though? I would think they would be able to cut through the ice and grip the ice better right?

-mobiuslogic

EDIT: Where can I buy chains at? And what kind of chains should I get. The cable kind or the actual "chain" type?

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firespirit

· #15 · Feb 23, 2004

I wouldnt get chains... I mean.. most of my snow is gone (IN) ... but really, I dont think youd need chains....

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kermitec

· #16 · Feb 23, 2004

Originally posted by mobiuslogic@Feb 23 2004, 12:07 AM
Yeah, I definitely have ABS. And I checked and made sure to boot.

I'm sure I'll get a pair of chains in case I need them. I'll also air my tires down a bit to give me a bigger contact patch.

Why don't chains help with the ice though? I would think they would be able to cut through the ice and grip the ice better right?

-mobiuslogic

EDIT: Where can I buy chains at? And what kind of chains should I get. The cable kind or the actual "chain" type?

Well I didn't mean chains wont help with ice they do, but lots of snow is the reason chains are usually made mandatory. In Colorado they usually make chains mandatory when it is snowing so hard that road crews cant keep up. Thats makes for a lot of snow on the roads. Once the roads are clear enough they spray magnesium chloride to melt the ice. When there is just ice on the roads your chains really take a beating, I take them off if I can so they dont wear out or break. I'd get me a pair just in case at a store with a good return policy. If you don't use them, return them. If you do you don't have to cancel your trip because some troopers made you turn around and gave you a big ticket. You'll also be a lot safer for obvious reasons. Most auto places or tire stores sell chains. Get the kind that are easiest to put on if you have never done it before. Ask the tire guys to instruct you so your not trying to figure it out on the side of the road. I think the cable kind are easir to put on.

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kermitec

· #17 · Feb 23, 2004

Originally posted by Firespirit@Feb 23 2004, 12:27 AM
I wouldnt get chains... I mean.. most of my snow is gone (IN) ... but really, I dont think youd need chains....

Ashley, it works a little different at altitudes. In place like Tahoe its so high that its colder and snows like a son of a gun. In Colorado we sometimes keep the ski slopes open till June. A few years ago a couple only closed right after July 4th ! Rocky Mountain High Baby!!

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mobiuslogic

Discussion Starter · #18 · Feb 23, 2004

2

Originally posted by Kermitec@Feb 23 2004, 02:39 AM
Most auto places or tire stores sell chains.

Ay, it's too late in the night to be planning for Tahoe and I'm studying for my Art test. Yeah, I'll get them when I get the tires balanced and rotated. Do you guys think I should replace my right rear tire (the continental) or if it'll be ok for the trip?

Yeah, I wanted to take chains anyways, just in case. I'd be pretty pissed if I didn't get them, hoping I wouldn't need them, only to get there and need them and not have them. Donner's Pass is the worst place on I-80 and the most likely place to require the chains. Also, do I need 4 chains or just 2. I really don't want to lose the back end of course here also.

Thanks for all the help so far guys. I've never been driving in the snow before, and I really appreciate all the help so far. I'll be sure to post lots of pics when I get back.

-mobiuslogic

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firespirit

· #19 · Feb 23, 2004

2

Originally posted by Kermitec+Feb 23 2004, 02:47 AM-->QUOTE (Kermitec @ Feb 23 2004, 02:47 AM)

<!--QuoteBegin-Firespirit

Click to expand...

@Feb 23 2004, 12:27 AM
I wouldnt get chains... I mean.. most of my snow is gone (IN) ... but really, I dont think youd need chains....

Click to expand...

Ashley, it works a little different at altitudes. In place like Tahoe its so high that its colder and snows like a son of a gun. In Colorado we sometimes keep the ski slopes open till June. A few years ago a couple only closed right after July 4th ! Rocky Mountain High Baby!!

[/b]

... thats true.. I forgot about that! lol.. Thanks for remindin me kerm!

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mikehawk

· #20 · Feb 23, 2004

Wait a minute, Mobius. Don't you live in southern california? Why would auto parts stores stock snow chains in so cal? You might have to wait till you get closer to Tahoe before you can find a store that carries them, either that or try to order them online and have them express shipped over to you.

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