Tire chains on '95 Corolla...

[Sukhoi]

I'm going to Tahoe for the first time on Friday so I probably should pick up some chains. Car has all-season tires on it with a lot of tread depth. I have decent snow driving experience, but nothing in real mountains.

I think I'm either going to get a set of the good diamond-type pattern chains for the front only, or just get a 4-set of the plain old radial chains for all 4 tires. Which is the better idea? Seems to be about the same in price. I can't imagine I really need a 4-set of the diamond-type chains. Thanks.

 

[giantpinkbunnyhead]

Hmm. I've never had to use chains myself, but from what I've seen living in Alaska... I've only ever seen them applied to drive wheels only. I can't recall ever seeing any vehicle with chains on all four corners. I'd say go with good chains for the fronts. The back end will take care of itself as long as you aren't driving like a retard in the snow.

 

[jagec]

I've used 'em, but I didn't really have to...stupid CHP. I drove in MUCH worse stuff without chains in other states..but I digress.

If you have a FWD car, just put 'em on the drive wheels. The rear should tag along nicely at the slow speeds which snow chains require.

If you have a RWD car, you might want to consider getting all 4, since there's the possibility of the front end just "pushing out" around snowy curves if they aren't banked properly, even if your drive wheels have traction. Mind you, this is conjecture. I've never driven RWD with chains, only without, or in 4WD mode.

 

[Sukhoi]

Sounds good, I'll pick up some nice diamond pattern for the fronts.

Now to figure out if my wheel clearance is class S...

So complicated. 😛