When to use snow chains

[Xtreme]

I have a 2010 Outback and live in San Diego and have only driven in snow once.

I have Super z6 chains. Just before ThanksGiving I was at Sequoia National park and was lucky enough to experience a few inches of snow. Signs read “Chains Required” but based on posts I read on this board, I didn’t put them on. The Outback ran fine in snow up to 4 to 6 inches. I tested braking on an icy road and found the pedal chattered or felt bumpy, I presume this was an anti-slide brake feature kicking in.

I’m going to Mammoth soon to learn to snowboard. I was wondering if I could get any advice on what to look for to indicate that I should put on the chains. The tires are the standard Continentals that come with the car.

Thanks,
Larry

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by Xtreme

I have a 2010 Outback and live in San Diego and have only driven in snow once.

I have Super z6 chains. Just before ThanksGiving I was at Sequoia National park and was lucky enough to experience a few inches of snow. Signs read “Chains Required” but based on posts I read on this board, I didn’t put them on. The Outback ran fine in snow up to 4 to 6 inches. I tested braking on an icy road and found the pedal chattered or felt bumpy, I presume this was an anti-slide brake feature kicking in.

I’m going to Mammoth soon to learn to snowboard. I was wondering if I could get any advice on what to look for to indicate that I should put on the chains. The tires are the standard Continentals that come with the car.

Thanks,
Larry

As a NorCal driver there should be a law that states any water like substance on the road surface all Socal drivers are required to stay home. LOL

On a serious note you will NEVER! Use chains on your subaru in CA! Except if you find your self up at Big Bear stuck in the driveway at the cabin with ice covering the climb up to the street. The chains might give you enough bite to climb up to the road but you will attempt without chains long before tossing the chains on.

Tire condition regardless of chains is a big factor bald tires are bald tires regardless of how you cut it and chains will not cure traction issues caused by bald tires.

As for when you put chains on the subaru - you do not put chains on the subaru. LOL When you drive over the pass and you see a chain control stop they wave you through some areas the chain monkeys actually have a Subaru specific wave sort of like a secret handshake. Welcome to the fantastic world of Subaru AWD - you will never use them or need them in CA.

If you ever as in EVER find you need them they only go on the Front tires and yes they can heavily damage your car if not used right. So #1 Rule NEVER use Chains on your subaru!

[bldmtnrider]

Typically "Chains Required" signs are for commercial trucks, not passenger cars, so they are not really required.

My personal opinion are that chains are a great thing to have stashed away in a compartment, but will probably rust before you use them. They might be usefull in a foot+ of snow, in which case you should probably stay home.

I have driven around in snow between an inch and 3 feet in vehicles ranging from front, rear and 4x4. The only people I see driving around with chains on a passenger car are tourists from Florida. The only time you might use your chains would be for a short emergency situation and you are going to attempt it without chains several times before you discover the joy of trying to put a set of chains on.

[mcbrew]

If you find yourself in snow more often, you might consider a set of snow tires on a spare set of rims. The difference between snow tires and all-seasons is night and day! I used to drive a RWD car that couldn't MOVE in an inch of snow, but would go up and down the road like a 4x4 with snow tires on it.

Most people think there is a subtle difference, or that all-seasons are a replacement for snow tires. Not so!

[frankspinz]

Greeting from the Great White North ! I'm guessing your Subaru is AWD. In that case, good winter/snow tires make chains unnecessary. However, if you prefer keeping your regular tires on, chains can only be used under 30 mph or so. Refer to (chain) documentation for exact specs. I'd be concerned about putting on 2 chains on an AWD vehicle. 4 chains seems the better choice. Your 2010 Suby owners manual might have a section on chains...

And advanced (snow) driving school is also a great learning experience - and quite a blast !

[grossgary]

chains are helpful if you've got bad tires. not all new tires are good in the snow. all seasons are a compromise and are low grade snow traction compared to a sweet set of Nokian Happ's or studded snows. night and day difference, i'll always have snow tires if i can as long as i live where i do now.

your current tires are good in the snow, that is not the case of every all-season tire.

if you want great snow traction, dedicated snow tires or studded snows are a huge upgrade over all-seasons. that also allows you to get some dedicated rims for the winter which saves your other wheels from the elements that degrade alloy wheels....unless that only happens in the rust belt out here! LOL

[subiesailor]

Socal driver with dedicated snow tires is a laughing stock you guys. The stock All seasons are fine and even in the worst storms he will not be putting chains on IF the road is open to start with.

Just drive smart know that regardless of AWD or fancy tires your braking distance is very different on slick snow stuff - slow it down - and open up some space between you and the guy infront of you! Have fun!

[Euchre]

Maybe in Cali the 'chains required' doesn't get imposed on passenger vehicles much, but in Oregon they'll tell you to put them on or turn around if they have posted as such. The law doesn't really stipulate that, but have fun arguing with a cold cop on that duty assignment. Luckily, those impositions are actually pretty rare. If its any less than truly ugly, good tires in place and AWD will probably get you the wave by - but you are STILL required to be in possession of chains in case they decide you MUST have them on anyway.

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by Euchre

Maybe in Cali the 'chains required' doesn't get imposed on passenger vehicles much, but in Oregon they'll tell you to put them on or turn around if they have posted as such. The law doesn't really stipulate that, but have fun arguing with a cold cop on that duty assignment. Luckily, those impositions are actually pretty rare. If its any less than truly ugly, good tires in place and AWD will probably get you the wave by - but you are STILL required to be in possession of chains in case they decide you MUST have them on anyway.

Same in CA - yes chain controls apply to all vehicles however vehicles with proper AWD and acceptable tires will get waved through 99.9% of the time. The only thing I've seen that has resulted in a AWD vehicle get stopped and have chains put on are summer tires or bald tires. And yes the guys watching do look at tire tread.

Like I said you will NEVER EVER use chains on your subaru in CA period. If you do it will be such a rare and special case that it doesn't involve driving on open public roads.

[1 Lucky Texan]

you need Trax - not chains;

KEN BLOCK'S TRAX STI CAR - YouTube

KEN BLOCK'S TRAX STI CAR - YouTube