Snow Go, It's that time of year Options

[RocketScott]

I just got back from a cannonball run to Canada. I didn't check the weather this morning other than walking out the door and deciding it looked good. Two hours into the drive I realized I made a mistake. What should have taken 3 hours took 6. I'm lucky I didn't end up in a ditch like lots of other people (usually an idiot with a 4x4 that doesn't know how to drive it).

I was really surprised how well the Celica did in the slushy snow. It felt smooth and balanced even with four mismatched tires. I bought a set of chains at a Canadian Tire while I was up there but didn't really feel like I needed them for the trip home.

So down to the questions. I've never used chains before. Is there some sort of rule for when to put them on? I also have a set of snow tires I need to get mounted. They don't have studs but I'm considering getting studs. Anyone else drive in snow on a regular basis?

[creis]

chains are really for heavy snow, you cant just toss em on when it starts to snow I think they slide worse if there is bairly any snow on he ground appose to a thick layer, also put them on the wheels with power only . there suppose to break up the snow and ice underneath your tires giving you traction. studs are better for lighter snow and can use used much more (they sound kinda cool on the freeway too, kinda the card in the spokes sound.) in WA I say just get a good set of all weather tires with a smooh clutch foot, and a set of chains in the trunk if your really feeling it.

(just my opinion/interpertation of how to use em.)

This post has been edited by creis: Nov 27, 2006 - 8:29 AM

[6gcSTVT]

Well me being a Vermonter I can honestly tell you I have never needed studded winter tires nor chains. How you fair in the winter depends on how you drive in it. I even ran all seasons one year and was fine but my current setup is agressive snow tires, no chains nor studs and I've had no problems in snow storms for the past 3 years. Studs imo are a waste bc they wear down flat if you don't constantly run on ice or snow so why pay more for them. Good luck and drive safe

[Valo666]

only time ive ever seen chains being used on a car or studs was when i would go up skiing in central ontario after like a foot of snow fell and people needed to get into the ski lodge. Studded tires are for like if your gonna be running on like icey roads, and chains are for stupidly deep snow or packed down snow. I just run with a set of sticky Perrelli tires and a 70lbs bag of sand/salt in my trunk. Ive found that if you drive on a windy windy day and theres some snow/drifting snow or ice, the back end gets a bit squirley.

[Silver94CelicaOw...]

Over the past couple years my car has seen some seriously messy snowstorms, all of which it handled VERY well. Alot of them were about 4 inches of icy slushy snow for about 35 miles from school to my home, no problems. Taking it slow is absolutely key no matter what you drive.

Last year I drove in about 6 inches of fresh snow in the middle of the night which was scary, and the car felt really really stable and safe the whole time. I can definately attest to the Celica being good in the snow....I was really happy with how safe it felt even in the worst of conditions. With all four headlamps cutting through the dark and snow, nice new all-season tires, and some patient and smooth driving inputs I had no problems at all getting home safe.