Cable chains?
 

What brand/model of cable chains do you like to throw in the trunk for that one time when you drive through a chain control zone and they are required?


Currently rolling on Michelin AS3+ and don't see enough snow to switch to snow tires.

The onerous manual says never to use cables or chains for any reason.
Bloody death will be visited on cute fuzzy kittens in that event.

I drive through snow for 3 months a year but if I ever had to go someplace that requires chains I ain't taking the FRS!

I refuse to be responsible for kitten deaths.

https://media1.giphy.com/media/11ChTixGfL1xHa/giphy.gif

Those crazy Stockton snow storms will get you everytime.

Well you've had your fun, but you don't expect me to believe that residents of Portland, Oregon (where it mostly rains) put on snow tires just to drive down I5 to California....

Also, the manual actually says a SAE Class S traction devices is allowed. Translation, cable chains for a low clearance application. Just figured someone might have experience with one that didn't abuse the fender liner too much.

no such thing as snow tires. They are called winter tires for a reason. Unless it stays above 50 degrees all winter long then you might as well get tires that handle the cold better.

Where on earth are you going where you think chains are necessary? Off roading?

There are sections of northern California that get crazy amounts of snow, and vehicles are not allowed to pass over the highways at times unless they have traction adding equipment with them. Not really the kind of place I'd bring my car regularly, but people do sometimes get stuck up there if there's a flash storm...


https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips

"Always carry chains."


A sample of snow in the California Sierras...it's legit snow country...

https://www.sacbee.com/news/weather-...228078559.html

Well, there is such a thing as ice/snow tires. It's just the general-purpose winter tire is likely more appropriate here.

Also, you seem to assume the OP is traveling on Earth. ;)

While the generic term " snow tire" was changed to " winter tire", snow tires still exist. They're just bound to a smaller certification of a tire itself. M&S for example is a certification that exists within an all-season tire line up.

Some of that seems like the kind of snow most people would just wait out. Or have a truck for. :iono:

True, but if I was using my car for DD (which I do) and traveled that area with any sort of regularity, I'd certainly keep a set of cables in the car to help me get OUT of there during a storm, if nothing else. Plus as I said, if you get caught up there during a storm event and don't have the required gear, you get turned away.

Alternatively, winter tires are pretty good if a storm pops up on you right there and you need to get out. I wouldn't think you would be turned around back into the storm.

If you traveled that area with regularity in the winter, and there were regularly storms which require chains, I might suggest you purchased the wrong car.

Idk, I survived snow storms in NY and New England for many years without chains or even winter tires. And Vermont doesn't really plow sometimes.

I think you're overlooking the fact that it's CalTrans that requires the chains. Not saying that a good set of studded winters wouldn't get you into or out of 95% of the places chains will..

I leave my summer tires on year round :bonk:

I am not overlooking it. Im just saying that if chains are legally required for some period of time, perhaps it would be best to alter your travel plans on that occasion. I've had to do that a few times without a law saying so. If this happens to you twice a week, then maybe chains are needed, but at that point perhaps you would be better off with a truck or something.

He asked about tire chains in the remote event he's caught somewhere that requires them by law. There's a whole list of reasons why my answer isn't going to be "buy a truck"...

based on 15+ years of experience going up to the Sierras for snowboarding/hiking in the winter, I can tell you that chains are needed in the car if you are going to areas that have the R1 restriction in place (i.e. towns like Mammoth Lakes) due to existing snow on the ground and lack of plowing. But this is a loose requirement, because most places in the Sierras don't have strict enforcement in place unless it's a major holiday weekend.

R2 restrictions are put in place if there's a large storm or blizzard, but they usually close the roads before R2 restrictions are in place.

In practice, most people just carry chains and have winter tires, even if its not 4WD. It's not an issue but if you spin out or wreck (and require the authorities to help you get free), you'll be cited for not having chains if the restrictions are in place. Otherwise, drive slow and safe and no one will care.

The best option for this car given the low clearance is an Autosock. They are CalTrans legal and work well.
For the stock 215/45R17 tires size you need size AS645
https://shopautosock.mcgeecompany.co...from=215-45r17
Outside of the People's Republic of California I would recommend real snow tires like the Michelin X-Ice or Bridgestone Blizzak as they are superior in cold weather grip and snow traction. Unfortunately California's misguided policies don't recognize snow tires so you are stuck with chain stations and the ensuing havoc.

So another stupid California law. It also states if they feel like your car can't deal with the weather they can force you to turn around. So I doubt they'd let our car anywhere near it.

Even in the mountains a good set of winter tires will be all you need. Those regulations should be updated at least once a century. I bet they haven't changed in 50 or 60 years.