[JoeTrojan]

I'm looking to take my f32 up to the local mountains here in LA, big bear. Snow isn't that terrible, but I do want to chain up. Given that I have all seasons, what are your recommendations for good chains? I have a good budget, nothing huge, but don't want to cheap stuff either since this is for long term.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by JoeTrojan

I'm looking to take my f32 up to the local mountains here in LA, big bear. Snow isn't that terrible, but I do want to chain up. Given that I have all seasons, what are your recommendations for good chains? I have a good budget, nothing huge, but don't want to cheap stuff either since this is for long term.

Wow. Was just about to post this...

Shit got real hairy on the way to Kirkwood last Saturday morning!

18" powder coated wheels that CANT get fucked up... is there such a chain?

[bimmer456]

Get snow tires.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Get snow tires.

Na.

Continental DWS 06 did me just fine!

This is my second season in Tahoe with them.

I may consider chains because I kept having to go in the opposite lane to pass people who don't know how to drive on snow.

[sspade]

And for the record:

Im in Tahoe every weekend skiing. This isnt a once in a lifetime, you got lucky situation.

If anyone ever wants to meet up for a drink and a few runs let me know!

[sspade]

Anyone have any snow chains recommendations?

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by sspade

And for the record:

Im in Tahoe every weekend skiing. This isnt a once in a lifetime, you got lucky situation.

Might be worth investing in snow tires if you are going every weekend

[sspade]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Might be worth investing in snow tires if you are going every weekend

Im not saying its a bad idea... in fact it's probably the "right" idea lol

I could have made two cheap sets happen for the $2500 I have into my wheel and tire set up but opted for the best year round set up I could afford and they genuinely perform really well in all seasons.

I honestly will rarely use the chains but want to have them in my trunk if needed.

Some day, I hope these wheels do become dedicated winters (with winter rubber) and then I can get another sweet set for the summer with premium summer rubber. Wont be at least until I wear these tires out which is another 35-40k miles.

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by sspade

Na.

Continental DWS 06 did me just fine!

This is my second season in Tahoe with them.
.

While the DWS is attractive and lots of people like them, they are *NOT* rated as a snow tire and should not be substituted for them. You can "get by" with them in mild conditions only.

As far as chains, you actually want cables. Z-cable chains is a good brand and work well, go on ok. There are many brands, tirerack, discount (tires.com), firestone, Costco, O'Reilly's all carry things that will work. Buy the right size and for god's sake check the fit on them before you go up - figure out the installation.

Remember, they always fit a bit loose. If you have sport/msport/oversize rear tires, you're probably going to be bashing bodywork.

[jh_f30]

What do you do when CalTrans issues a chain requirement? Driving up a snow-covered incline with rwd and all-seasons is sketch. Chains or X-drive + winter tires. Don't want to get stuck paying $100 or whatever it is they charge on the side of the road for chains when they have a checkpoint. Driving straight through when I had my WRX was pretty sweet. I miss that car.

My car is lowered with spacers, no way I'd put chains on. :

[sspade]

Originally Posted by jh_f30

What do you do when CalTrans issues a chain requirement? Driving up a snow-covered incline with rwd and all-seasons is sketch. Chains or X-drive + winter tires. Don't want to get stuck paying $100 or whatever it is they charge on the side of the road for chains when they have a checkpoint. Driving straight through when I had my WRX was pretty sweet. I miss that car.

My car is lowered with spacers, no way I'd put chains on. :

Im not debating or discounting what your saying.

They had snow patrol at Kirkwood last Saturday morning... I rolled up (right after I took a massive rip off my pen).... the young guy said "this thing is awd, right" - I said yep... he then said "and you have snow chains in the trunk right" - and I said yep... and then he said "use them if you need them, have a great day."

SWEAR TO GOD.

Not saying thats my plan every weekend... thats why Im on here looking for snow chains right?!?

Im definitely buying a set for the trunk. I doubt they will be used more than a couple times all season tho.

[sspade]

Anyone have any recommendations for snow chains that will fit 18" factory wheels without scratching?

[WallySlash]

Try snobootz or flex-trax.

Colleagues in Denver and Salt Lake recommended as an option.

No idea if they scratch wheels or not.

[floydarogers]

One other option - I wouldn't buy them but ... - is a product called Snow Sock (IIRC).

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by sspade

Wow. Was just about to post this...

Shit got real hairy on the way to Kirkwood last Saturday morning!

18" powder coated wheels that CANT get fucked up... is there such a chain?

You should consider getting snow/winter tires.

[JoeTrojan]

Originally Posted by jh_f30

What do you do when CalTrans issues a chain requirement? Driving up a snow-covered incline with rwd and all-seasons is sketch. Chains or X-drive + winter tires. Don't want to get stuck paying $100 or whatever it is they charge on the side of the road for chains when they have a checkpoint. Driving straight through when I had my WRX was pretty sweet. I miss that car.

My car is lowered with spacers, no way I'd put chains on. :

Well for us RWD and no winter tire folks, we are limited. I'd put on chains, take my time going to big bear since it's dumping. I'd like to see options.

that or I rent a truck and buy chains for that. bleh.

[sspade]

Bump.

Has anyone worn tire chains on their F30?

What about snow socks or similar?

Please share experiences and part numbers for the group.

[cwinches]

I'm interested in this as well. For those that don't know, CA has a lot of mountain roads with chain controls, even if you have 4WD and snow tires. If the checkpoints are active they can turn you back for not carrying chains, and you'll get a hefty fine if you get stuck without them.

Out of curiosity, do you run your DWS06s during the summer months?

[sspade]

Originally Posted by cwinches

I'm interested in this as well. For those that don't know, CA has a lot of mountain roads with chain controls, even if you have 4WD and snow tires. If the checkpoints are active they can turn you back for not carrying chains, and you'll get a hefty fine if you get stuck without them.

Out of curiosity, do you run your DWS06s during the summer months?

Yep. They are considered an Ultra High Performance All Season tire.

[sspade]

Cant believe no one will share what chains they have tried (and results) with the group?

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by sspade

Cant believe no one will share what chains they have tried (and results) with the group?

I did, so you didn't read very closely.

Frankly, the manufacturer doesn't matter too much.

[rlmesq]

What about Autosocks?

I've been thinking about getting a set after a trip to Humboldt County across Highway 36 from Interstate 5 turned into a butt-puckering terror trip because I was on summer tires and an unexpected snow storm left the road as slick as an ice rink with sheer drops on the edges.

https://autosock.com/