Tire chains

amtex · 12-05-2016, 12:24 PM

We are planning a trip to Colorado this winter and wouldn't want to pay for the whole new set of winter tires just for one trip. Did anybody use tire chains in ice/snow roads on the vehicles in the past? Are they all basically the same? Would appreciate any suggestions.

nyalpine90 · 12-05-2016, 12:32 PM

why not get used set of winters and store away for future trips?

All season do OK in snow conditions

GottWhat · 12-05-2016, 12:35 PM

Why not rent something with AWD for the trip? In addition to not having to buy chains or tires it will keep the miles off of your car and might save you an oil change. With that said, I agree with the above that a set of snow tires would be a good alternative.

Torgus · 12-05-2016, 12:51 PM

Life pro tip: Rent a vehicle for the trip. You can pick an awd or 4wd suv or truck or whatever you want. They are all usually 1-2 years old and have good tires, brakes, etc. If it breaks down or there is an issue they GIVE you a new car asap while the old one is towed away. Not waiting for the mechanics shop to open up on Monday when your bmw breaks down at 7pm on Saturday night finding our the part will not arrive till 3pm and you will not have the car back until mid Tuesday with a hefty repair bill and 3 days of your trip stolen from you. Rentals are small money and well worth it. You also get to drive a newer car which is nice.

GottWhat · 12-05-2016, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torgus

Life pro tip: Rent a vehicle for the trip. You can pick an awd or 4wd suv or truck or whatever you want. They are all usually 1-2 years old and have good tires, brakes, etc. If it breaks down or there is an issue they GIVE you a new car asap while the old one is towed away. Not waiting for the mechanics shop to open up on Monday when your bmw breaks down at 7pm on Saturday night finding our the part will not arrive till 3pm and you will not have the car back until mid Tuesday with a hefty repair bill and 3 days of your trip stolen from you. Rentals are small money and well worth it. You also get to drive a newer car which is nice.

A few years ago my brother and friend rented a car while in Florida and it was likely totaled while an attempted murder suspect was fleeing from the police. Imagine the stuff he would have had to go through if it was his own car?

nyalpine90 · 12-05-2016, 01:05 PM

the money spent on a rental, I rather buy myself new tires if need it or pick up winter set wheels for future use.

Naz24 · 12-05-2016, 01:17 PM

Heard good things about these,

http://www.spikes-spiders.com/

litxus · 12-05-2016, 01:34 PM

Maybe something like textile snow chains (tire socks). Although, I have no experience, as never used these.

nyalpine90 · 12-05-2016, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naz24

Heard good things about these,

http://www.spikes-spiders.com/

nice looking spikes but for that money, might as well get winter tires

Mr Tonka · 12-05-2016, 02:37 PM

I used to drive to Keystone every winter in a FL car with summer tires. No problems.

jaye944 · 12-06-2016, 07:35 AM

generally they don't. depends on the weather & temp
winters M+S are FAR superior and safer than all seasons

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyalpine90

All season do OK in snow conditions

jaye944 · 12-06-2016, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torgus

Life pro tip: Rent a vehicle for the trip. You can pick an awd or 4wd suv or truck or whatever you want. They are all usually 1-2 years old and have good tires, brakes, etc. If it breaks down or there is an issue they GIVE you a new car asap while the old one is towed away. Not waiting for the mechanics shop to open up on Monday when your bmw breaks down at 7pm on Saturday night finding our the part will not arrive till 3pm and you will not have the car back until mid Tuesday with a hefty repair bill and 3 days of your trip stolen from you. Rentals are small money and well worth it. You also get to drive a newer car which is nice.

^^^^^^^ tru dat

David70 · 12-06-2016, 07:46 AM

If I really thought the chains or snow tires were one time use only I would just rent. By the time you figure in all costs, including the chains/tires and running costs for both vehicles I can't see it being worth the money to bother.

If you get chains make sure they fit and you know how to put them on before you need them. Not something you want to figure out while sitting in a snow storm on the side of the road.

nyalpine90 · 12-06-2016, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaye944

generally they don't. depends on the weather & temp
winters M+S are FAR superior and safer than all seasons

thats a no brainer that dedicated winter tire will be better then all season.
if OP has summer/performance tires , its dangerous to drive in cold conditions even with awd.

in ny we get a decent amount of snow with cold temps and all season does the job. now if you have storage for summer/winter setup then go for it.

MightyMouseTech · 12-06-2016, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyalpine90

why not get used set of winters and store away for future trips?

All season do OK in snow conditions

No, they really don't, unless you are using an "all-weather" tire.

nyalpine90 · 12-06-2016, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

No, they really don't, unless you are using an "all-weather" tire.

i have DWS06 which is all season tire, does well in snow.

all weather is same as all season

edit...i learn something new!

Tirerack doesnt have all weather tires, i guess the logo with mountain with snowflake is key

MightyMouseTech · 12-06-2016, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyalpine90

i have DWS06 which is all season tire, does well in snow.

all weather is same as all season

edit...i learn something new!

Tirerack doesnt have all weather tires, i guess the logo with mountain with snowflake is key

Yes, all "all-weather" tire is an "all-season" with the snowflake rating. One of the best is the Nokian WR series. Toyo, Goodyear and Hankook all make them now. I like to use all-weather tires as my spring/fall tires. They are great at nothing, but can handle anything decently.

https://www.nokiantires.com/tires/pa...weather-tires/

nyalpine90 · 12-06-2016, 09:23 AM

good to know

nokian are hard to find here

MightyMouseTech · 12-06-2016, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyalpine90

good to know

nokian are hard to find here

Hard to find here too, but I make the effort, they are worth it. The Hakka R2 is the best winter tire available right now, unless you are in an area that allows studs, then I would use the Hakka 8's.

UncleWede · 12-06-2016, 10:49 AM

Not sure about the new models/differing tire sizes, but my e90 with stock 16s has so little room under the wheel well that I was too afeared to get chains and have them tear up the body if they came off. Plus the lo-pro ones that BMW sells are ridiculously priced.
Instead I picked up cables. Far easier to install, and would get me thru the stuff I might face on the way to the cabin. But truthfully, they have been in their bags for several years, only applied once (in my driveway) because when I pick up the cabin keys from dad, I also pick up the Highlander keys. . .

Maynard · 12-06-2016, 11:37 AM

I think you would be crazy to try this without dedicated winter tires, and having chains on top of that is a good idea. Colorado gets WINTER driving, like feet of snow, on mountain passes. All-seasons will be playing Russian roulette - you might not get a storm, and you could get away with them. But if you get hit with any weather, the snow tires may be what keeps you on the road. Used to be there were roads that they would not let you drive w/o studs or chains, now likely that is changed to true winter tires (my current Conti snows are better than the old studded snow tires). Really the best idea is the rental, if it comes with true winter tires - the fact that you are asking says to me that you probably haven't needed a second set of snows yet, and peace of mind can be a nice add-on for a vacation.

jpnh · 12-06-2016, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maynard

I think you would be crazy to try this without dedicated winter tires, and having chains on top of that is a good idea. Colorado gets WINTER driving, like feet of snow, on mountain passes. All-seasons will be playing Russian roulette - you might not get a storm, and you could get away with them. But if you get hit with any weather, the snow tires may be what keeps you on the road. Used to be there were roads that they would not let you drive w/o studs or chains, now likely that is changed to true winter tires (my current Conti snows are better than the old studded snow tires). Really the best idea is the rental, if it comes with true winter tires - the fact that you are asking says to me that you probably haven't needed a second set of snows yet, and peace of mind can be a nice add-on for a vacation.

Many of the western passes require snow chains at times

You would have to be a brain cell short of a synapse to NOT run actual snow tires in a region that actually gets a significant amount of snow

Not only is the tread different but the tire compounds are different allowing them to actually have some "grip" on ice not to mention ability to deal with snow and slush

12-05-2016, 12:24 PM	#1
amtex Private 20 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: States iTrader: (0)	Tire chains We are planning a trip to Colorado this winter and wouldn't want to pay for the whole new set of winter tires just for one trip. Did anybody use tire chains in ice/snow roads on the vehicles in the past? Are they all basically the same? Would appreciate any suggestions.
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12-05-2016, 12:32 PM	#2
nyalpine90 Lieutenant General 7431 Rep 11,843 Posts Drives: MY24 G01 AW Msport Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: L.I. NY iTrader: (4) Garage List 2016 BMW X4 [9.33]	why not get used set of winters and store away for future trips? All season do OK in snow conditions
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12-05-2016, 12:35 PM	#3
GottWhat Lieutenant 196 Rep 458 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335i MT Sport Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Shelby Township, MI iTrader: (0)	Why not rent something with AWD for the trip? In addition to not having to buy chains or tires it will keep the miles off of your car and might save you an oil change. With that said, I agree with the above that a set of snow tires would be a good alternative. __________________ 2008 BMW 335i 6-Speed w/Sport Package (Montego Blue)
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12-05-2016, 12:51 PM	#4
Torgus Slow. 3782 Rep 7,151 Posts Drives: Single Turbo N54 on Meth! Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 [10.00] 2007 BMW E90 [0.00] 2006 BMW E91 [0.00]	Life pro tip: Rent a vehicle for the trip. You can pick an awd or 4wd suv or truck or whatever you want. They are all usually 1-2 years old and have good tires, brakes, etc. If it breaks down or there is an issue they GIVE you a new car asap while the old one is towed away. Not waiting for the mechanics shop to open up on Monday when your bmw breaks down at 7pm on Saturday night finding our the part will not arrive till 3pm and you will not have the car back until mid Tuesday with a hefty repair bill and 3 days of your trip stolen from you. Rentals are small money and well worth it. You also get to drive a newer car which is nice. __________________ E92 ACF ST 6466 + Meth Motiv / E70 #1 fully deleted 2.8 race flash / E70 #2 JBD / E90 & E91 both retired Psalm 144
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12-05-2016, 01:05 PM	#6
nyalpine90 Lieutenant General 7431 Rep 11,843 Posts Drives: MY24 G01 AW Msport Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: L.I. NY iTrader: (4) Garage List 2016 BMW X4 [9.33]	the money spent on a rental, I rather buy myself new tires if need it or pick up winter set wheels for future use.
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12-05-2016, 01:17 PM	#7
Naz24 Lieutenant Colonel 1628 Rep 1,727 Posts Drives: W205 AMG C63 / E70 X5M Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: North/Central NJ iTrader: (1)	Heard good things about these, http://www.spikes-spiders.com/ __________________ 2017 C63 2012 X5M SOLD: 2015 M3; 2007 X3 M Sport; 2014 X3 M Sport 35i; 2004 X5 4.4i; 1994 325i
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12-05-2016, 01:34 PM	#8
litxus Lieutenant 58 Rep 494 Posts Drives: 09 E90 335i sedan Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Villa Park iTrader: (1)	Maybe something like textile snow chains (tire socks). Although, I have no experience, as never used these.
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12-05-2016, 02:37 PM	#10
Mr Tonka is probably out riding. 6058 Rep 2,294 Posts Drives: Something Italian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Sweatypeninsula iTrader: (0)	I used to drive to Keystone every winter in a FL car with summer tires. No problems. __________________ "There is no greater tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of the law and in the name of justice. -Charles de Secondat"
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12-06-2016, 07:46 AM	#13
David70 Colonel 1567 Rep 2,665 Posts Drives: 06 Z4M Coupe - 13 Cadillac ATS Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (1)	If I really thought the chains or snow tires were one time use only I would just rent. By the time you figure in all costs, including the chains/tires and running costs for both vehicles I can't see it being worth the money to bother. If you get chains make sure they fit and you know how to put them on before you need them. Not something you want to figure out while sitting in a snow storm on the side of the road. __________________ 2006 Z4M Coupe - Stromung exhaust, ZHP knob, stubby antenna, clutch delay delete
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12-06-2016, 09:23 AM	#18
nyalpine90 Lieutenant General 7431 Rep 11,843 Posts Drives: MY24 G01 AW Msport Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: L.I. NY iTrader: (4) Garage List 2016 BMW X4 [9.33]	good to know nokian are hard to find here
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12-06-2016, 10:49 AM	#20
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner 17977 Rep 9,377 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA iTrader: (0)	Not sure about the new models/differing tire sizes, but my e90 with stock 16s has so little room under the wheel well that I was too afeared to get chains and have them tear up the body if they came off. Plus the lo-pro ones that BMW sells are ridiculously priced. Instead I picked up cables. Far easier to install, and would get me thru the stuff I might face on the way to the cabin. But truthfully, they have been in their bags for several years, only applied once (in my driveway) because when I pick up the cabin keys from dad, I also pick up the Highlander keys. . .
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12-06-2016, 11:37 AM	#21
Maynard Colonel 3847 Rep 2,872 Posts Drives: 228iX & M2C Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Upstate NY iTrader: (1)	I think you would be crazy to try this without dedicated winter tires, and having chains on top of that is a good idea. Colorado gets WINTER driving, like feet of snow, on mountain passes. All-seasons will be playing Russian roulette - you might not get a storm, and you could get away with them. But if you get hit with any weather, the snow tires may be what keeps you on the road. Used to be there were roads that they would not let you drive w/o studs or chains, now likely that is changed to true winter tires (my current Conti snows are better than the old studded snow tires). Really the best idea is the rental, if it comes with true winter tires - the fact that you are asking says to me that you probably haven't needed a second set of snows yet, and peace of mind can be a nice add-on for a vacation.
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