OneManArmy

iTrader: (7)

Bear Valley is an overlooked treasure.

imPreZzdis*sti*

iTrader: (2)

So I drove out to Kirkwood last Saturday morning and they had a chain control stop about 30mi from the resort. It was sunny and no sign of a storm, but it had just dumped during the wee hours of the morning. When I got to the front of the line, Caltrans employee (don't get me wrong, I respect Caltrans for the work they do) inspected my car and looked at my tire ratings (M+S rated) and asked if I was carrying chains. I was honest and told him no and he responded with "well you should be, it is illegal and you can be fined if chp pulls you over.

Should I invest in some chains before my next trip? How many of my fellow i-clubbers carry chains with them for their suby when heading up to the mountain?

I honestly want to know from you guys and gals because there are a lot more of you that have far more experience than me in driving in inclement weather conditions.

JRsWRX

iTrader: (9)

If you didnt have M+S rated tires and 4wd chains were required.

ipozestu

iTrader: (18)

Chains could save your life. There's no shame in strapping on some chains to get yourself out of a pinch.

ryball

iTrader: (6)

I had chains on this weekend. Had to put them on to get in and out of the driveway and was too lazy to take them off. Glad I had them on because on the way home, I saw another wrx putting on chains and an Evo smashed into a snow bank with it's bumper hanging off.

imPreZzdis*sti*

iTrader: (2)

Great advice once again from the community. I will be investing in chains before my next trip.

BlueBlurr

Speaking of wich...any good advice on chains / cables and where to buy them?

Rescuer

iTrader: (9)

I read about the snow on mt. hamilton
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22883998/
slideshow of pics http://www.nbc11.com/slideshow/news/...89/detail.html

are there any spots that I can drive my car onto the snow and snap a few pictures?

or any other local spots?

ipozestu

iTrader: (18)

They are all the same, more or less. Try to get the tensioners. They keep things snug. I liked the cables better. Just roll up on 'em, wrap 'em around, and your off.

subie OCD

iTrader: (11)

CHAINS???

Why bother getting an AWD vehicle if you're planning on buying chains

All you need are a set of all season tires. They will close the roads before they make an AWD car with snow capable tires put on chains.

subie OCD

iTrader: (11)

This is where having two sets of wheels and tires for summer and winter come in handy.

WRX guys can get used stock wheels and AS tires for DIRT cheap, and those with STi's can get cheap ROTA's with all seasons(I got mine brand new for less than $1K, they can be had much cheaper going used).

BlueBlurr

Because 4 tires are a LOT more expensive than a pair of chains? (about 40 bucks)
AWD doesn't help **** when you have to brake on ice..unless you have snow / ice tires, and I don't.
T=CALTrans stopped 2 HUMMER 2s last time 80 was closed, they had HUGE snow tires.

subie OCD

iTrader: (11)

Damn, Ive been up about 25-30 times during the past 3 years (as many of my friends with WRX and LGT's) and they always wave us on through, never even looking at our tires.

As for ice, you just have to be careful, I always give the car ahead of me multiple car lengths to compensate for braking.

OneManArmy

iTrader: (7)

that's bad info.

you buy an AWD vehicle so you don't have to put chains on but you are still REQUIRED by law to carry them and they can force you to put them on.

equirement One (R1): Chains, traction devices or snow tires are required on the drive axle of all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles.

Requirement Two (R2): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels.
(NOTE: Four wheel/all wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)

Requirement Three (R3): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.




this year more than any other they are ASKING all the time. They even asked my brother and I in a 4x4 truck with serious tires on it.

subie OCD

iTrader: (11)

More nanny laws..... *sigh*


While we're on the topic of law, its illegal to run modified exhaust, I'm sure everyone here follows that to a T.

/devils advocate