Snow tires vs. chains

Murpheeee

Diamond Member
Apr 30, 2000
3,326
0
76
Have not used either before.....Trying to decide between snow tires and chains for my car this winter.

Snow tires have the benefit that you put them on once for the season, but the are more expensive.

Whereas snow chains are cheaper I hate the thought of crawling around in a blizzard trying to put the things on.

Any thoughts???


PS. We are talking upstate NY here - 100"+ of snow
 

jagec

Lifer
Apr 30, 2004
24,442
6
81
I'd go for the tires. Snow tires are DESIGNED for driving in the stuff...chains are just the ghetto way of using your summer tires in the winter, plus you have to put them on.
 

Adul

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
32,999
44
91
danny.tangtam.com
Originally posted by: jagec
I'd go for the tires. Snow tires are DESIGNED for driving in the stuff...chains are just the ghetto way of using your summer tires in the winter, plus you have to put them on.

I thought chains when meant for when it really gets bad
 

Rallispec

Lifer
Jul 26, 2001
12,375
10
81
and you cant drive around with chains when its not snowing. At least, not around here. SO you constantly have to take them off then put them back on.

get the tires.
 

bunker

Lifer
Apr 23, 2001
10,572
0
71
Most state/county/city ordinances prohibit driving with chains on. Supposed to be used to get you unstuck then immediately removed. Much less of a hassle to get the tires.
 

kami333

Diamond Member
Dec 12, 2001
5,110
2
76
I had snow tires on my Subaru and carried cable chains, came in handy a few times (most sane people would not be out driving in that sort of weather...)
 

Demon-Xanth

Lifer
Feb 15, 2000
20,551
2
81
Chains are good once you get past a certain point. Until then, they can't be used. Snow tires won't do anything towards digging you through deep snow. Chains won't help with unexpected ice. To me, the decision for snow chains and snow tires is independant and not either/or.
 

Mo0o

Lifer
Jul 31, 2001
24,227
3
76
I would get the tires and have chains as backup if the snow gets really bad.
 
Jan 31, 2002
40,819
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I live in Canada, and I've gotten along just fine with a good set of winter shoes. Invest in that + winter driving school and you = good to go.

- M4H
 

sciencewhiz

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2000
5,885
8
81
Nobody that I know in upstate NY uses studded tires (if that's what you mean by snow tires) let alone chains.
 
Sep 29, 2004
18,656
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Originally posted by: sciencewhiz
Nobody that I know in upstate NY uses studded tires (if that's what you mean by snow tires) let alone chains.

HAHahhahaa. Mud tires won't do sh!t in snow.