Snow Chains
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 446
Likes: 80
From: California
Snow Chains
Looking to hit the mountains and want to get a set of chains 'just in case'. When chain is required (vehicle on all seasons tires - not planning on installing winter / snow tires since it's just a few days event), will I need chain up for all 4 corners? Or just 1 axle? If just 1 axle will it be the front / rear (I had a FWD vehicle years ago and needed to chain the front only)? And any recommended chain / brand?
thx much in advance
thx much in advance
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 2,878
Likes: 428
From: Idaho
Looking to hit the mountains and want to get a set of chains 'just in case'. When chain is required (vehicle on all seasons tires - not planning on installing winter / snow tires since it's just a few days event), will I need chain up for all 4 corners? Or just 1 axle? If just 1 axle will it be the front / rear (I had a FWD vehicle years ago and needed to chain the front only)? And any recommended chain / brand?
I use studded tires during winter, and this year we have a bunch of winter with no end in sight. Sounds like California's mountain roads have turned into parking lots. Stay safe.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 446
Likes: 80
From: California
Yes, California / NV snow this year was very slick and wet. I was up there stuck 6hrs on highway 50 (Caltrans did a great job cleaning the roads) and basically gave up and turned around...otherwise if we had continued our trip to South Tahoe (was going to Palisades but 80 was closed and no way we wanna drive 8+hrs via South Tahoe). We pulled over to a gas station where the road wasn't plowed much and the snow / water / ice mix was very slippery (even some cars w/ chain had trouble turning into the gas station). ANyways because we couldn't get to where we wanted to, we'll be heading back again in Jan...and this time I'll need chains just in case.
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 528
Likes: 101
From: NV
Yes, we had some snow this year here at Lake Tahoe. It would not be a big problem for us, locals. But unfortunately, during the Christmas holidays, so many people from Bay Area without winter tires, 4x4 and any snow driving experience tried to get here (and home from here).
LX 570 is a great SUV for such conditions. With its permanent 4-wheel drive and good winter tires like Blizzaks DM-V2 is almost unstoppable. I carry chains (because California requires carrying them) but never needed them here. Also, I never needed studded tires, it’s never been so bad here.
I understand that people do not want to buy winter tires just for one trip. In most cases, you should be O.K. with all season tires. Both California and Nevada consider all season tires with M+S label as winter tires (if they have at least 4/32” tread depth). You just need to carry chains where California R2 requirement is in place (Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels). With LX 570, there’s almost a zero chance that you would need to put them on. California has R3 requirement (chains for all cars including 4x4) but I’ve never seen it here at Lake Tahoe. If it’s R3, they close the road. I’ve never seen a chain control checking if you really carry snow chains. But they do look at your tires. If they have much less than 4/32” tread depth they won’t let you continue without putting chains on.
I am not happy that tourists from California do not use winter tires here. For us, who live here, it means that we have to follow cars driving very slowly with chains on snow covered roads where you could safely drive at least twice as fast with good winter tires… But I understand that our local businesses need you here. Just don’t come here when the situation is really bad (as a few days ago). The weather forecast is much better now, the snow conditions look great, Squaw Valley was able to dig out their chairs out of snow and open a new terrain today, so enjoy great skiing!
LX 570 is a great SUV for such conditions. With its permanent 4-wheel drive and good winter tires like Blizzaks DM-V2 is almost unstoppable. I carry chains (because California requires carrying them) but never needed them here. Also, I never needed studded tires, it’s never been so bad here.
I understand that people do not want to buy winter tires just for one trip. In most cases, you should be O.K. with all season tires. Both California and Nevada consider all season tires with M+S label as winter tires (if they have at least 4/32” tread depth). You just need to carry chains where California R2 requirement is in place (Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels). With LX 570, there’s almost a zero chance that you would need to put them on. California has R3 requirement (chains for all cars including 4x4) but I’ve never seen it here at Lake Tahoe. If it’s R3, they close the road. I’ve never seen a chain control checking if you really carry snow chains. But they do look at your tires. If they have much less than 4/32” tread depth they won’t let you continue without putting chains on.
I am not happy that tourists from California do not use winter tires here. For us, who live here, it means that we have to follow cars driving very slowly with chains on snow covered roads where you could safely drive at least twice as fast with good winter tires… But I understand that our local businesses need you here. Just don’t come here when the situation is really bad (as a few days ago). The weather forecast is much better now, the snow conditions look great, Squaw Valley was able to dig out their chairs out of snow and open a new terrain today, so enjoy great skiing!
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 2,878
Likes: 428
From: Idaho
I am not happy that tourists from California do not use winter tires here. For us, who live here, it means that we have to follow cars driving very slowly with chains on snow covered roads where you could safely drive at least twice as fast with good winter tires… But I understand that our local businesses need you here. Just don’t come here when the situation is really bad (as a few days ago). The weather forecast is much better now, the snow conditions look great, Squaw Valley was able to dig out their chairs out of snow and open a new terrain today, so enjoy great skiing!
Driver
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 78
Likes: 18
From: Fremont, CA
Yes, we had some snow this year here at Lake Tahoe. It would not be a big problem for us, locals. But unfortunately, during the Christmas holidays, so many people from Bay Area without winter tires, 4x4 and any snow driving experience tried to get here (and home from here).
LX 570 is a great SUV for such conditions. With its permanent 4-wheel drive and good winter tires like Blizzaks DM-V2 is almost unstoppable. I carry chains (because California requires carrying them) but never needed them here. Also, I never needed studded tires, it’s never been so bad here.
I understand that people do not want to buy winter tires just for one trip. In most cases, you should be O.K. with all season tires. Both California and Nevada consider all season tires with M+S label as winter tires (if they have at least 4/32” tread depth). You just need to carry chains where California R2 requirement is in place (Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels). With LX 570, there’s almost a zero chance that you would need to put them on. California has R3 requirement (chains for all cars including 4x4) but I’ve never seen it here at Lake Tahoe. If it’s R3, they close the road. I’ve never seen a chain control checking if you really carry snow chains. But they do look at your tires. If they have much less than 4/32” tread depth they won’t let you continue without putting chains on.
I am not happy that tourists from California do not use winter tires here. For us, who live here, it means that we have to follow cars driving very slowly with chains on snow covered roads where you could safely drive at least twice as fast with good winter tires… But I understand that our local businesses need you here. Just don’t come here when the situation is really bad (as a few days ago). The weather forecast is much better now, the snow conditions look great, Squaw Valley was able to dig out their chairs out of snow and open a new terrain today, so enjoy great skiing!
LX 570 is a great SUV for such conditions. With its permanent 4-wheel drive and good winter tires like Blizzaks DM-V2 is almost unstoppable. I carry chains (because California requires carrying them) but never needed them here. Also, I never needed studded tires, it’s never been so bad here.
I understand that people do not want to buy winter tires just for one trip. In most cases, you should be O.K. with all season tires. Both California and Nevada consider all season tires with M+S label as winter tires (if they have at least 4/32” tread depth). You just need to carry chains where California R2 requirement is in place (Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels). With LX 570, there’s almost a zero chance that you would need to put them on. California has R3 requirement (chains for all cars including 4x4) but I’ve never seen it here at Lake Tahoe. If it’s R3, they close the road. I’ve never seen a chain control checking if you really carry snow chains. But they do look at your tires. If they have much less than 4/32” tread depth they won’t let you continue without putting chains on.
I am not happy that tourists from California do not use winter tires here. For us, who live here, it means that we have to follow cars driving very slowly with chains on snow covered roads where you could safely drive at least twice as fast with good winter tires… But I understand that our local businesses need you here. Just don’t come here when the situation is really bad (as a few days ago). The weather forecast is much better now, the snow conditions look great, Squaw Valley was able to dig out their chairs out of snow and open a new terrain today, so enjoy great skiing!
I have driven in the snow for more than two decades to Reno/Tahoe mostly on my LX450 with the Michelin LTX M/S tires with absolutely great handling. Then in 2018 right after I purchased the brand new LX570, headed to Reno in almost zero visibility and blizzard condition. The LX570 handled with no issues with the OEM 21 Dunlop tires. Never had to carry chains. But the CHP do have check points during heavy/blizzard condition. Only thing you need to watch out are those idiotic drivers who doesn't know how to drive in the snow in their Prius's and electric sedans. The capabilities on the LX in winter driving is just amazing.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 31
Likes: 5
From: CA
Yes, we had some snow this year here at Lake Tahoe. It would not be a big problem for us, locals. But unfortunately, during the Christmas holidays, so many people from Bay Area without winter tires, 4x4 and any snow driving experience tried to get here (and home from here).
LX 570 is a great SUV for such conditions. With its permanent 4-wheel drive and good winter tires like Blizzaks DM-V2 is almost unstoppable. I carry chains (because California requires carrying them) but never needed them here. Also, I never needed studded tires, it’s never been so bad here.
I understand that people do not want to buy winter tires just for one trip. In most cases, you should be O.K. with all season tires. Both California and Nevada consider all season tires with M+S label as winter tires (if they have at least 4/32” tread depth). You just need to carry chains where California R2 requirement is in place (Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels). With LX 570, there’s almost a zero chance that you would need to put them on. California has R3 requirement (chains for all cars including 4x4) but I’ve never seen it here at Lake Tahoe. If it’s R3, they close the road. I’ve never seen a chain control checking if you really carry snow chains. But they do look at your tires. If they have much less than 4/32” tread depth they won’t let you continue without putting chains on.
I am not happy that tourists from California do not use winter tires here. For us, who live here, it means that we have to follow cars driving very slowly with chains on snow covered roads where you could safely drive at least twice as fast with good winter tires… But I understand that our local businesses need you here. Just don’t come here when the situation is really bad (as a few days ago). The weather forecast is much better now, the snow conditions look great, Squaw Valley was able to dig out their chairs out of snow and open a new terrain today, so enjoy great skiing!
LX 570 is a great SUV for such conditions. With its permanent 4-wheel drive and good winter tires like Blizzaks DM-V2 is almost unstoppable. I carry chains (because California requires carrying them) but never needed them here. Also, I never needed studded tires, it’s never been so bad here.
I understand that people do not want to buy winter tires just for one trip. In most cases, you should be O.K. with all season tires. Both California and Nevada consider all season tires with M+S label as winter tires (if they have at least 4/32” tread depth). You just need to carry chains where California R2 requirement is in place (Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels). With LX 570, there’s almost a zero chance that you would need to put them on. California has R3 requirement (chains for all cars including 4x4) but I’ve never seen it here at Lake Tahoe. If it’s R3, they close the road. I’ve never seen a chain control checking if you really carry snow chains. But they do look at your tires. If they have much less than 4/32” tread depth they won’t let you continue without putting chains on.
I am not happy that tourists from California do not use winter tires here. For us, who live here, it means that we have to follow cars driving very slowly with chains on snow covered roads where you could safely drive at least twice as fast with good winter tires… But I understand that our local businesses need you here. Just don’t come here when the situation is really bad (as a few days ago). The weather forecast is much better now, the snow conditions look great, Squaw Valley was able to dig out their chairs out of snow and open a new terrain today, so enjoy great skiing!
You racists!! PALISADES
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 528
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From: NV
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 2,878
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From: Idaho
Pit Crew
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 187
Likes: 186
From: CA
Yes, we had some snow this year here at Lake Tahoe. It would not be a big problem for us, locals. But unfortunately, during the Christmas holidays, so many people from Bay Area without winter tires, 4x4 and any snow driving experience tried to get here (and home from here).
LX 570 is a great SUV for such conditions. With its permanent 4-wheel drive and good winter tires like Blizzaks DM-V2 is almost unstoppable. I carry chains (because California requires carrying them) but never needed them here. Also, I never needed studded tires, it’s never been so bad here.
I understand that people do not want to buy winter tires just for one trip. In most cases, you should be O.K. with all season tires. Both California and Nevada consider all season tires with M+S label as winter tires (if they have at least 4/32” tread depth). You just need to carry chains where California R2 requirement is in place (Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels). With LX 570, there’s almost a zero chance that you would need to put them on. California has R3 requirement (chains for all cars including 4x4) but I’ve never seen it here at Lake Tahoe. If it’s R3, they close the road. I’ve never seen a chain control checking if you really carry snow chains. But they do look at your tires. If they have much less than 4/32” tread depth they won’t let you continue without putting chains on.
I am not happy that tourists from California do not use winter tires here. For us, who live here, it means that we have to follow cars driving very slowly with chains on snow covered roads where you could safely drive at least twice as fast with good winter tires… But I understand that our local businesses need you here. Just don’t come here when the situation is really bad (as a few days ago). The weather forecast is much better now, the snow conditions look great, Squaw Valley was able to dig out their chairs out of snow and open a new terrain today, so enjoy great skiing!
LX 570 is a great SUV for such conditions. With its permanent 4-wheel drive and good winter tires like Blizzaks DM-V2 is almost unstoppable. I carry chains (because California requires carrying them) but never needed them here. Also, I never needed studded tires, it’s never been so bad here.
I understand that people do not want to buy winter tires just for one trip. In most cases, you should be O.K. with all season tires. Both California and Nevada consider all season tires with M+S label as winter tires (if they have at least 4/32” tread depth). You just need to carry chains where California R2 requirement is in place (Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels). With LX 570, there’s almost a zero chance that you would need to put them on. California has R3 requirement (chains for all cars including 4x4) but I’ve never seen it here at Lake Tahoe. If it’s R3, they close the road. I’ve never seen a chain control checking if you really carry snow chains. But they do look at your tires. If they have much less than 4/32” tread depth they won’t let you continue without putting chains on.
I am not happy that tourists from California do not use winter tires here. For us, who live here, it means that we have to follow cars driving very slowly with chains on snow covered roads where you could safely drive at least twice as fast with good winter tires… But I understand that our local businesses need you here. Just don’t come here when the situation is really bad (as a few days ago). The weather forecast is much better now, the snow conditions look great, Squaw Valley was able to dig out their chairs out of snow and open a new terrain today, so enjoy great skiing!
They really should require people to have tires with the tri-peak severe snow rating symbol. M+S tires SUCK in winter conditions. If everyone had proper tires people could forego the chains and actually drive at reasonable speed.
That being said I greatly enjoyed passing everyone on I-70 in Colorado with 6-8" snow in the left lane over the holidays. Those suckers were going ~35mph honking at me and flashing their high-beams because they were in disbelief I was passing them @ speed limit. So many spin-outs and the road was not even close to what I would consider bad. The running gag in Canada is Americans have no clue how to drive in snow. From my first-hand experience so far they are accurate.
Driver
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 141
Likes: 18
From: CO
I live in the Bay Area and drive up there every other weekend. I take no offense to this message as I perfectly agree most drivers here have no clue how to drive in the snow. Actually most can't drive at all. My vehicle that goes up there is either a ride with Blizzak DM-V2 snow tires or one with studded Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs. That being said I lived in Canada most of my life and have years of cold + snow driving experience. Four-wheel drive will help in *some* situations but in practice matters very little. What you want is the ability to brake efficiently on ice/snow and prevent spinning out. What allows that is proper tires/traction devices.
They really should require people to have tires with the tri-peak severe snow rating symbol. M+S tires SUCK in winter conditions. If everyone had proper tires people could forego the chains and actually drive at reasonable speed.
That being said I greatly enjoyed passing everyone on I-70 in Colorado with 6-8" snow in the left lane over the holidays. Those suckers were going ~35mph honking at me and flashing their high-beams because they were in disbelief I was passing them @ speed limit. So many spin-outs and the road was not even close to what I would consider bad. The running gag in Canada is Americans have no clue how to drive in snow. From my first-hand experience so far they are accurate.
They really should require people to have tires with the tri-peak severe snow rating symbol. M+S tires SUCK in winter conditions. If everyone had proper tires people could forego the chains and actually drive at reasonable speed.
That being said I greatly enjoyed passing everyone on I-70 in Colorado with 6-8" snow in the left lane over the holidays. Those suckers were going ~35mph honking at me and flashing their high-beams because they were in disbelief I was passing them @ speed limit. So many spin-outs and the road was not even close to what I would consider bad. The running gag in Canada is Americans have no clue how to drive in snow. From my first-hand experience so far they are accurate.
Last edited by LX5280; Feb 25, 2022 at 01:40 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 769
Likes: 55
From: ma
Driver
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 71
Likes: 6
From: ZH
At my last 68`000 miles I did never used snow chains. An LX570 or LC 200 dont need it too at snow / ice conditions.
I live in switzerland and was too driving to skiing at winter - never was in trouble... But yes, MT Tyres arent made for real deep winter conditions...
The picture was made during a short outing at the first lockdown: https://www.4x4tripping.com/2020/05/...owns-part.html
Surfy
Last edited by Surfy; Mar 3, 2022 at 06:06 AM.