Traction devices (updated discussion)

[imanedrn]

I read some older discussions about this but wanted some updated feedback.

Our manual says not to use "tire chains" but

when tire chains cannot be used, use of another type of traction device (such as spring chains) may be acceptable if use on your vehicle is recommended by the device manufacturer, taking into account tire size and road conditions.

This sounds like legal speak to me, so can anyone offer direct feedback?

In the middle of December, I'm driving from Boston MA through the middle of the country (NY, DC, OH, IL, NE, CO) to Las Vegas NV. I expect there will be snow and ice, but I don't plan on driving in snow/ice again any time soon, so the purchase of snow tires seems unreasonable -- if other traction devices are sufficient. I know the application of some of these is difficult, so I'd like to take that into account also.

Additionally, I'll be driving from NV through CA & OR to WA -- and will be staying in WA for some time. I'd consider the purchase of some other tire, if it will benefit me long-term, living in WA -- though I didn't have any serious trouble driving in frequent/heavy rains in the past on our stock tires.

Many thanks!

[Leonardo]

Wow! That's a big road trip! I have run Hankook iPike studded tires. The car high centers easy in snow. I'm in Oregon with wet snow.

I think that if you are not lowered, and don't mind scratching your wheels, you should be able to find chains that will work. But, I have not tried this...

Hopefully someone else has real experience with chains. Sounds like a great trip!

[imanedrn]

I'm in Boston for a temporary work assignment (where I drive almost never). I'm driving back home to Las Vegas before driving to the Seattle area for a new permanent job. I'm going to miss driving all over the country. Despite what some others have said, this car has been great for long drives upwards of 12 hours with stops only every 4 hours or so.

I wish I could just get chains and be done, but I've read a lot of mixed experiences with chains in threads from the past years, which is why I'm hoping for some updated feedback.

[Mr.ac]

The whole tire chain thing was really not about traction controls. They want you to use new round type tire chains not the old school chains. Reason: old ones brake and do more damage to cars and roads.

In fact most auto parts stores are phasing out actual tire chains and only caring the round version. So if you need tire chains get the round type not the old school ones.

[churchx]

Imho given ground clearance of these cars there is no need for snow chains. Simply because in road situation where there might be benefit for chains you'll be snow plowing with front bumper and/or lying car bottomed out on compressed ice/snow with wheels freely spinning out in air anyway. Imho need for chains for toyobarus is something .. like putting on offroading winch or high placed intake snorkel to tackle deep water .
Just get normal good winter tires (BIG difference vs summer tires, noticeable vs all seasons) for most situations where car can go for increased grip and safety to get through most cases where car CAN go through, and be a bit more careful how far/where should you drive given car's specifics. After all, "the better offroader car is, the further to walk for assistance to tow it out"
P.S.
At most i'd think of something like those cloth covers/tire "snow socks" instead of chains to lug around. Similar "usability" as with chains, as car is too low for deep snow, but at least not that heavy to bring around in winter something probably never used. Some shovel may see more use then chains or those covers.

[stugray]

DO NOT drive this car in snow on the stock Primacy's EVER (there is no debating this).


I also bought Hankook iPikes (no studs). They worked beautifully in my first winter.
I drive my BRZ year round in CO ass long as I change to winter tires (in fact I am due now, we are expecting our first snow this week).

[Justin.b]

Mid December... just take your chances on the stock tires. Your biggest problem is likely to be temperatures more than snow. Summer tire rubber compounds are hard in the cold weather, and offer very little traction. If you're driving them when it's below 40 degrees out, you should be very cautious for the first couple of miles until they warm up a bit, and then remain cautious because they're not going to give you theior full grip on cold roads.

Don't bother with chains or cable chains on your stock (or other summer) tires. If the snow is that bad, pull over somewhere and wait it out. There's no real point in getting the car moving if you can't turn or stop. Don't worry, if there's any kind of snow in mid December the snow plows are going to be all over the place so you won't have to wait long.

I commuted all winter one year (~50 miles each way Salem to Framingham) on Yokohama A509s (maybe 20 years ago when summer compounds were really bad in the cold) that were horrible in the cold. It was very stupid, but I survived and the car did too.

I also took my Miata on Star Specs from Boston to Miami in January and ended up in some crazy snow through the state of Virginia. Again, both myself and my car survived despite putting myself stupidly in that situation.

I guess my point is that you can do it, but if something goes wrong along the way everyone's going to call you a f-ing idiot for doing it. They'll all be right.

-Justin

[JozhGoober]

You never know what the weather's going to be like that time of year. The best thing on a budget is just browse Craigslist for winter wheels and tires, sometimes you can get great deals on used stuff that's still perfectly serviceable, then just sell them off when you're done. I see stuff local to me ranging from $250-500 for a full set.

[stugray]

Originally Posted by Justin.b

Mid December... just take your chances on the stock tires.

WORST ADVICE EVER!

DO NOT drive the stock tires in ANY situation where you might find yourself on snow - PERIOD.

I nearly totaled my car in a situation that seemed perfectly OK at first.
The car spun into oncoming traffic at 50 MPH.

AND I have > 30 years driving almost every type of car in snow.
Born in Aspen and Raised my entire life in CO.

I have lived my entire life in cars with all season tires and used to laugh at people that changed to winter tires.
UNTIL the incident with my BRZ and the Primacy's.

The Primacys are a SUMMER TIRE. I will NEVER make that mistake again.

[Justin.b]

Originally Posted by stugray

WORST ADVICE EVER!

DO NOT drive the stock tires in ANY situation where you might find yourself on snow - PERIOD.

I nearly totaled my car in a situation that seemed perfectly OK at first.
The car spun into oncoming traffic at 50 MPH.

AND I have > 30 years driving almost every type of car in snow.
Born in Aspen and Raised my entire life in CO.

I have lived my entire life in cars with all season tires and used to laugh at people that changed to winter tires.
UNTIL the incident with my BRZ and the Primacy's.

The Primacys are a SUMMER TIRE. I will NEVER make that mistake again.

How many years of experience do you have reading a full post before responding?


-Justin

[Toyarzee]

This is interesting, and a funny read at the same time.

Posing a new twist: if you are on very little snow, < 2-3", cal Trans and CHP will still stop you in Nazifornia and force you to put chains on or get towed. It's on the damn manual for the chains even to not use on dry or simply wet pavement without a snowpack covering the ground being driven. However checkpoints pop up for chains under such conditions all the time, because we never see that much snow to begin with but maybe once every few YEARS...

So wtf gives, and what kind of damage would that potentially cause such a low clearance vehicle? This has kept me from driving my car during winter periods in any mountain area...

[stugray]

Originally Posted by Justin.b

How many years of experience do you have reading a full post before responding?


-Justin

I did not have to read past:

Originally Posted by Justin.b

Mid December... just take your chances on the stock tires. ....
-Justin

Everything after that is justification for stupidity (just my opinion of course)

[Justin.b]

Originally Posted by stugray

I did not have to read

Well, that explains your response. Thanks.

-Justin

[superleggera]

Can you just find a used set that will last for your trip? Last year, MA had literally the worst winter in the past 100 years. If I didnt have snow tires I would probably be dead.