I just hafta ask Charlie.......

[GRRRR8Sister]

As you are well aware, I am making a long distance trek across the US from California to New York next month. There are no such thing as snow tires in California. In fact, the tire shops looked at me as if I were crazy (although I am use to that).

Since the chain laws only require you to have the set of chains on the drive axle, I only need to purchase one pair.

My problem is not knowing what or which is type to purchase: cable, chain or those really cool Spike Spiders which are easier to put on but cost a freakin' arm and a leg for a pair.

Tire size: 175/70R14.....also need to make sure they are low clearance if you actually recommend chains over cables. I prefer cables over chains if I cannot afford the Spiders because if they break, they won't tear up the inside of my fender too bad.

Let me know what you think Bro!!!! :watch:

[GRRRR8]

You might not need anything on that car as far as chains. Is it FWD or AWD? If its AWD I wouldnt even be concerned.

[GRRRR8Sister]

That was what I thought too until I went to the DOT site and googled a couple of sites on chain laws. Unfortunately, one state I will be going through and I think it is Colorado or Nebraska require chains at all times. California DOT has different levels of requirements but with my car, I would require them at the very first level. And it isn't no joke passing over those mountains through Tahoe. With the route I am taking (I-80) there is no way I want to be without some sort of traction with all of the 18-wheelers, especially on those one-laners. I would like to live through this trip Bro!!!!

Yes, my tires are all-season, with a 12/32 tread depth, but it is only a front wheel drive and I believe the freakin' car weighs less than I do. Just Kiddin.....but really, I will have precious cargo on board......especially my chihuahua....oh and Christopher too :-) and I prefer to drive and not "skate" across the US. My car is not a winter Olympics model.

Whatever you recommend would be great!!!

Thanks DUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE!!!

[GRRRR8Sister]

Oh, with 4,669 posts, do you even work on cars anymore? :-)

[GRRRR8]

I would think the minimum would be fine. It has low clearance so if it gets bad its not like you are going to be driving anyways. Time the trip out with a 7 day forecast if possible so you are driving into good weather even if its bad weather when you leave Cali.

[GRRRR8Sister]

Thanks Bud!! I am going to go for the cables over the chains because they work better with cars that have low clearance between the tire and fender. Oh, and that's what I meant by low clearance.

Okay, so how much do I owe you? :-)

[GRRRR8]

thanks bud!! I am going to go for the cables over the chains because they work better with cars that have low clearance between the tire and fender. Oh, and that's what i meant by low clearance.

Okay, so how much do i owe you? :-)

Millions!

[GRRRR8Sister]

The check is in the mail!!

[GRRRR8]

Oh, with 4,669 posts, do you even work on cars anymore? :-)

Yep. Not to mention over 5000 PMs and thats just on this site! :woohoo:

[Chewy]

If you're running all seasons I wouldn't worry about it one bit. Just be careful on the highways. Look for black ice.

Very few run traction adders here.

[r33pwrd]

If you're running all seasons I wouldn't worry about it one bit. Just be careful on the highways. Look for black ice.

Very few run traction adders here.

But like she said some states require that you have chains in the car.

[Chewy]

Here's the info I found on chain laws... Seems to be mostly for trucks but Cali has some for cars as well.

If you stick to the main interstate are you sure you NEED to have them?

http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/213348/travel_and_leisure/chain_law.html

[GRRRR8Sister]

Unfortunately, yes, I will have to have them. Here is the site that Cali DOT referred me to check which states require them at all times. The only one that will apply to me is Colorado. Tahoe area has 3 different levels of requirements and since I do not have an AWD or 4x4, I will fall under requirement #1 and #3 if there is a "no exceptions" sign posted.

Here is where Cali DOT referred me to:

http://www.tirechainsrequired.com/laws.html

Thanks to everyone for their feedback, I really appreciate it......ALOT!!!!

[GRRRR8Sister]

No need to worry really, if worse comes to worse, I can always check in at a nice hotel with a hot tub, a few beers, or a bottle of bubbly depending on my mood.....and not really give a shit about the snow until the next morning. :-)

[GRRRR8]

And that would be my sister! lol The not giving a shit is a family thing.

[GRRRR8Sister]

It definitely is a "family thing" and I think my son got that chromosome as well. Appears he doesn't give a shit about cleaning his room, etc. But for some reason he does make sure that his hair is perfect in the morning and has sprayed enough AXE to kill all plant life once he walks outdoors. The kid is totally "metro"......good thing I have two bathrooms!! :-) Oh and he is only 11, so I am pretty sure it only gets worse!!

[GRRRR8]

It definitely is a "family thing" and I think my son got that chromosome as well. Appears he doesn't give a shit about cleaning his room, etc. But for some reason he does make sure that his hair is perfect in the morning and has sprayed enough AXE to kill all plant life once he walks outdoors. The kid is totally "metro"......good thing I have two bathrooms!! :-) Oh and he is only 11, so I am pretty sure it only gets worse!!

Pimpin aint easy! :)