GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hey all,It looks like I might have to take a trip up to Denver Colorado in a couple weeks. I am trying to figure out if I will need to get snow chains prior to leaving and if so...where can I find some?I have looked at some local automotive shops and found a pair for $70 but I would like to try and find a set a little cheaper if possible. I also looked at the CDOT website regarding chain laws but it seems that its all based on commercial trucks. I live in sunny Phoenix AZ so I have never had to worry about buying any chains before.Also I am now driving a 2006 Toyota Highlander FWD and from what I can tell on the tire walls my tires are rated for (M&S) mud & snow. I also have a nifty little button that I have yet to use labeled "ETC Snow" or something like that which gives me better traction control in the snow...Again Sunny weather here so it's never been tested.Any help would be greatly appreciated.Thanks!!!

How long are you going down for? Just to the city, or are you going to be touring around? I'd say you'd be okay without chains unless you plan on driving up through the mountains on secondary roads. Just remember that with your all season tires (that's the M&S designation) your stopping distance is going to be a lot greater, so leave room between vehicles and increase your following distance. I've been driving in the Rockies since I got my license, and have yet to use snow chains. If you do decide to get some, just remember that they're not for full time driving, but to get up hills and in emergencies. If you're worried about getting stuck you can always keep a bag of kitty litter in the trunk. Or you could get a set of chains and return them if you don't use them. $70 sounds about fair. They're around $100 a pair for the easy-on style here.

Snow Chains were mainly for RWD systems. With a good set of Snow tires or All Seasons you should have no need for chains. Also When dirving in snowy conditions its always wise to keep some kittly litter as was suggested as well as a shovel to digg your self out should the need arrise. Another good thing to have on hand is a tow strap so that you could be yanked out if you need.

Fittting chains on the stock RS-A'sIt's much easier to do this first on dry pavement so you know how to install them properly instead of fighting with them in a snowdrift, not knowing what the hell you're doing!Lay them out, clasp end against the front wheels, nubs way out front.

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Drive over them (or lay them out under the car and back over them).

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Pull the chains over the tires.Having done this before in the Sunfire over the Rogers pass in -20C, I can tell you that this entire procedure is cold, aggrivating, and cold. It's nice having the luxury of a clear parking lot.

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Start with the inside of the tire and attach the first clasp, then do the outside.

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Adjust the chains on the surface of the tire and the wire on the sidewall and tighten up the chains as much as possibe BY HAND! Always tighten from the inside to the outside. It's much easier to fight with the outer clasp when your fingers are frozen then lying in the snow, hugging the tire trying to pull a peice of wire rope with nubs through an unwilling clasp.

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And yes, I'm getting winter tires. But when the ministry of highways is out and only letting chained vehicles through, they're nice to have.These chains are new BTW, the ones I had for the Sunfire were sold with it.

If Michigan allowed snow-chains I would do it...

these look pretty interesting http://www.sportsimportsltd.com/sncltrsy.html

Double the price though. But still, something to throw in the back for that trek to grandmas christmas eve!

I don't know what the laws are in Iowa, and I know we don't get snow like further north or up in the mountains, but we do get a lot of snow. I have only ever seen snow chains on ambulances. I've driven through plenty of bad conditions here and have never felt the need for snow chains. Again though, I don't have to drive in mountainous terrain. It's been my experience that an easy foot and generous space between vehicles will suffice here.

i have studded snow tires i didn't know you could put chains on your tires. hows that work on the highway? would seem kinda dangerous at high speeds whens there's no snow and wet tarmac.

Max speed rating is 50km/h (30mph). I've only ever had to use chains on extremly steep slopes with heavy snow and ice. Ever try going up or down a 14%+ grade with a fwd car on ice??And you NEVER run chains on dry pavement!

u should jsut get studs you can run them on tarmac fine 80mp/h

Gettin' a set of these in a couple days!

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I*Pikes, Studs, and Chains?

Yup! (Chains are already in the car)

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »If Michigan allowed snow-chains I would do it... That's just silly when we have the weather to just use snow tires... That is WHY snow tires where designed... Chains are DANGEROUS... They might be good to get you out of a spot, but are a last resort.. If you are in weather that is worse than a snow tire can get you through, you really shouldn't be out... lol... And i've been in some horrible, horrible winter weather (BLizzard of 2000, Buffalo Ny, 25" in 5hrs, closed Buffalo for 2 WEEKS)

Quote » They might be good to get you out of a spot, but are a last resort. I've been in that spot before!