Advice needed on choosing the right snow chains

[DaveInDenver]

FWIW, the only place that the highway could become "so bad" that chains are required is over few passes in Colorado. When highways in WY, NE, IA, etc get that bad, they simply close them. At that point, even with chains, you're not actually making enough forward progress to make it worth your time. Grab a hotel and get some sleep. It'll be clear in the morning.

Whether you actually need them or not is dependent on the car (AWD or 4WD), tires (type and tread depth), driver and conditions but our traffic codes states that the highway patrol can require you to have them under a Code 16 chain law, which impacts all vehicles.

Far-and-away more common is the regular Code 15 traction law where having AWD/4WD and M+S tires with 3/16" depth is all that's required and chains are only required if you don't meet the minimum vehicle requirements. But it's also not likely a cop is going be checking. It's something that will be fined after the fact if you get stuck and block traffic.

However, I have been allowed to proceed around a closed gate simply for the fact I had chains. The highway patrol trooper wanted help getting someone unstuck, so it may have been simply a matter of him seeing an obviously capable truck (mud tires, winch, bumpers) and being the right place and time when he asked "Do you have chains, sir?" After fitting them I had my own escort up to the spun off car, which was blocking a lane so it couldn't be plowed. That was kind of eerie and cool, being the only two vehicles on the highway in a winter wonderland.

In general you're absolutely spot on, though. If either the chain or traction law are in effect for passenger cars it's because it's a mess. Especially the more restrictive chain law, normally the highway is probably going to be closed instead of trying to administer that. It's better to anticipate and reserve a room instead of gamble with gates. There's a good a chance you'll be parked on the Interstate for a couple of hours waiting even with your chains and MaxTrax safely stowed.

 

[tacobronco]

Whether you actually need them or not is dependent on the car (AWD or 4WD), tires (type and tread depth), driver and conditions but our traffic codes states that the highway patrol can require you to have them under a Code 16 chain law, which impacts all vehicles.

Far-and-away more common is the regular Code 15 traction law where having AWD/4WD and M+S tires with 3/16" depth is all that's required and chains are only required if you don't meet the minimum vehicle requirements. But it's also not likely a cop is going be checking. It's something that will be fined after the fact if you get stuck and block traffic.

However, I have been allowed to proceed around a closed gate simply for the fact I had chains. The highway patrol trooper wanted help getting someone unstuck, so it may have been simply a matter of him seeing an obviously capable truck (mud tires, winch, bumpers) and being the right place and time when he asked "Do you have chains, sir?" After fitting them I had my own escort up to the spun off car, which was blocking a lane so it couldn't be plowed. That was kind of eerie and cool, being the only two vehicles on the highway in a winter wonderland.

In general you're absolutely spot on, though. If either the chain or traction law are in effect for passenger cars it's because it's a mess. Especially the more restrictive chain law, normally the highway is probably going to be closed instead of trying to administer that. It's better to anticipate and reserve a room instead of gamble with gates. There's a good a chance you'll be parked on the Interstate for a couple of hours waiting even with your chains and MaxTrax safely stowed.

I agree. Based on the OP's route description, chains are not necessary. A good set of all season tires that test well in the snow would probably be fine for that route, and if you wanted to be cautious, a set of studless winter tires (3 peak rated) would actually be safer, more convenient, and more comfortable than screwing around with chains. True winter tires are shockingly capable, and that capability is always there, protecting you if you run across a short patch of ice on an otherwise dry road, which is the more likely scenario with that route. After two sets of Blizzaks on my Tacoma over the past 15 winters here in CO, I've never wished I had chains. If the conditions are such that you can't drive it with proper winter tires, you probably shouldn't be driving at all.

 

[ser3nitynow11]

I agree. Based on the OP's route description, chains are not necessary. A good set of all season tires that test well in the snow would probably be fine for that route, and if you wanted to be cautious, a set of studless winter tires (3 peak rated) would actually be safer, more convenient, and more comfortable than screwing around with chains. True winter tires are shockingly capable, and that capability is always there, protecting you if you run across a short patch of ice on an otherwise dry road, which is the more likely scenario with that route. After two sets of Blizzaks on my Tacoma over the past 15 winters here in CO, I've never wished I had chains. If the conditions are such that you can't drive it with proper winter tires, you probably shouldn't be driving at all.

I 100% agree with you... Unfortunately, buying different tires isn't an option for me since I live in LA now and this winter cross-country trip is not a common occurrence. If I were still in Chicago, I would definitely already have good winter tires tho! Lol. I'm no stranger to snowy driving and travelling through blizzards, so I know that I will most likely never have to use them, but my arrival deadline is very important bc it's of a family medical nature, so not risking Covid plus having to bring my dog makes driving my only option. I'm simply covering all the "what if" situations by having multiple route/sleeping options planned if the camping areas I picked don't work out, as well as packing everything I might possibly need within my means to ensure that I get there safely and on time. I've been to Burning Man too many times, and have learned the "if you think you might need it, bring it" lesson the hard way on a few occasions, so I tend to err on the side of caution now. Hahaha

 

[sargeek]

If you are wanting a bit of extra traction for a cross-country trip - I would get a set of - auto sock. Lightweight get you through the worst of it. Great in case of an emergency - great self-recovery tool. If you want to do "work" with your vehicle and actually begin to tow and recover other vehicles then get a set of true chains: v-bar truck chains seem to be the best, but you need to have the vehicle clearance to run them.

I have a Jeep TJ that I can chain both axles, my work truck and I can also chain both axles, both sets are v-bar ladder chains. However, they hardly ever get used. They provide some nice ballast in both vehicles improving winter performance by weight alone. I keep them because I am usually the one who gets called getting other vehicles unstuck. If you are pulling a trailer or trying to pull other vehicles they become a necessity.

I would make the trip you are describing in a family car with an all-season tire without hesitation. For most of the country, they do know how to plow roads. Know when to stop and get off the road - It's not worth sitting in traffic for hours due to the vehicles with bald tires.

I am also OK driving Colorado winters using an A/T tire with the mountain peak snow rating. I live in the front range of Colorado and it is just not worth the expense of a dedicated winter tire for potentially 12 days of snow-covered roads a year.

If I lived in the mountains or someplace where the roads were snow packed for three or 4 months - dedicated snow tires are the best. Really helpful in trying to perform an emergency stop.

 

[sturgillk]

Sounds like you got yourself an appropriate set of chains! For your slightly off the beaten path camp sites, make sure you take a shovel. I've been in situations where an overnight snowstorm left us with just a little bit too much snow to drive through. A stout shovel makes all the difference. Oh, and throw some road flares in your kit! Great way to signal for help if you need it and they turn wet firewood into a campfire in no time!

You mention being comfortable driving in winter conditions, but for others reading this that might not be...... If you aren't familiar with driving on ice, in the snow, through freezing fog, etc, and you want to make a trip through the northern climes, chains aren't the end all answer. Going over a pass on a sheet of ice with your chains on can be a daunting experience, but what gets people more often is an otherwise clear road with an icy patch in the shadows, usually on a corner, at the bottom of a hill or as you're going over a bridge (wind chill freezes them up before anything else). Far and above the most important thing is how you drive, that is what will keep you out of the ditch.

 

[ser3nitynow11]

Sounds like you got yourself an appropriate set of chains! For your slightly off the beaten path camp sites, make sure you take a shovel. I've been in situations where an overnight snowstorm left us with just a little bit too much snow to drive through. A stout shovel makes all the difference. Oh, and throw some road flares in your kit! Great way to signal for help if you need it and they turn wet firewood into a campfire in no time!

You mention being comfortable driving in winter conditions, but for others reading this that might not be...... If you aren't familiar with driving on ice, in the snow, through freezing fog, etc, and you want to make a trip through the northern climes, chains aren't the end all answer. Going over a pass on a sheet of ice with your chains on can be a daunting experience, but what gets people more often is an otherwise clear road with an icy patch in the shadows, usually on a corner, at the bottom of a hill or as you're going over a bridge (wind chill freezes them up before anything else). Far and above the most important thing is how you drive, that is what will keep you out of the ditch.

I've never had to use tire chains before, but there's been 2 separate situations where I really wished that I had them. Both involved lousy rental cars, white-out blizzards, and nighttime occurrence... one in Wyoming, and the other in Colorado. I hope I can avoid needing them, but I definitely feel good about bringing a pair with me.

And how can I forget the dreaded black ice... I do not miss our winters together in Chicago one bit!!!! That stuff is not to be taken lightly, and can sneak up on the best of us if you aren't careful. It's really important to be on high alert when the temperature and/or wind-chill is near or below freezing, and especially when there currently is or was precipitation... I don't like to rely on my car's built-in temp gauge for various reasons, so I have a weather app on my phone that will alert me to hazards and displays current weather conditions on my notification bar that I can see at all times. And like you said, shaded areas, bridges and underpasses, as well as dips in the road or hill bottoms where water can collect are prime spots for black ice. I find that it is also helpful to have my headlights on when conditions are ripe for black ice because they can sometimes help illuminate those dark glossy patches on the road, even during the day. I also agree that the #1 rule to follow is safe driving practices. Take it easy... There's no need to act out a leading role in The Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift! Lol

For those of you who have never experienced, or aren't familiar with oversteer and understeer, I highly recommend doing some research before taking a drive through winter wonderland so that you have some knowledge on what these vehicle dynamics are and how to correct them to avoid crashing, spinning out, or driving off the road... It can be pretty scary finding yourself in a situation where your rear end starts skidding out to one side or fishtailing. Suddenly sliding straight towards a ditch while driving around a bend or trying to make a turn is also not fun!

PS: Good suggestion on the road flares. I ended up going super cheap so far and bought a couple pairs of these traction boards, plus this portable shovel too. They are by no means the best products out there, but it's something. And if they break after a couple uses, no big deal!

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