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Jesus

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Anyone ever run tire chains? I have zero experience with them and I'm debating getting a set for this winter. I'll be in my S90 this winter, and I drive a lot in the snow (you know, for practice). I've had limited experience with RWD in the snow, but I'm worried about hill traction. I'll have non-studded snows all around, but will the lack of engine weight be a significant hindrance? The biggest problem I'm seeing with them is the speed limitation, 30mph tops? Is it accurate to say they're only useful if you can't get up the hill, but otherwise you'll wish they weren't on?

My perception with RWD in the snow is that the negative opinion is mostly a carry-over from the older generation driving heavy cars, with torquey motors and shitty tires. Am I wrong?

Instead of chains, maybe consider those cables like some police depts. use for their cruisers. I think you can run faster with those than chains. (But I don't know for sure) The other key is weight. Load her up in the back so you can get some traction. If she's not sagging, you haven't put enough ballast in. Chains will rattle your teeth out except in the fluffiest conditions.

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Anyone ever run tire chains? I have zero experience with them and I'm debating getting a set for this winter. I'll be in my S90 this winter, and I drive a lot in the snow (you know, for practice). I've had limited experience with RWD in the snow, but I'm worried about hill traction. I'll have non-studded snows all around, but will the lack of engine weight be a significant hindrance? The biggest problem I'm seeing with them is the speed limitation, 30mph tops? Is it accurate to say they're only useful if you can't get up the hill, but otherwise you'll wish they weren't on?

My perception with RWD in the snow is that the negative opinion is mostly a carry-over from the older generation driving heavy cars, with torquey motors and shitty tires. Am I wrong?

I have also never had chains. My experience in snow is a 89/93 Ford Mustang and a few silverados

I had a bag of cat litter in the back of the mustang in winter. Seemed to be fine. My truck I didn't do anything but my mom puts sand bags in her truck and it does make a difference.

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I have also never had chains. My experience in snow is a 89/93 Ford Mustang and a few silverados

I had a bag of cat litter in the back of the mustang in winter. Seemed to be fine. My truck I didn't do anything but my mom puts sand bags in her truck and it does make a difference.

I love it when people put bags of salt in their trunk or in the bed of their pickup. Good thinking... :blink:

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Alden, you need to check Mass State laws on chains and studded tires.

It appears they are allowed but honestly, you're not going to want to use them or need them unless you're doing extremely steep inclines in snow and ice (i.e. mountain roads) or you're driving serious back roads and unplowed areas. In "snow country" - i.e. ski areas in the back country - there may be areas where they are required, I know we had them in Utah and California but it doesn't sound like you're planning on doing that kind of driving. Are you?

A good set of snow tires should take care of most of your problems as long as you add some weight to the trunk.

Here's tirerack's thoughts on chains and current tire technology: http://www.tirerack.com/winter/tech/techpage.jsp?techid=128

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but honestly, you're not going to want to use them or need them unless you're doing extremely steep inclines in snow and ice (i.e. mountain roads) or you're driving serious back roads and unplowed areas. In "snow country" - i.e. ski areas in the back country - there may be areas where they are required, I know we had them in Utah and California but it doesn't sound like you're planning on doing that kind of driving. Are you?

I'll drive unplowed roads during snow storms, probably max of 6-8 inches but I've never got out and measured. My immediate area isn't very hilly, but the area I grew up in and still spend a fair amount of time in has a handful of medium climbs and most have room for a running start. Nothing crazy. I also will be making a few trips in to the mountains in VT/ME and probably NH this winter. I don't think anything as steep as the UT/CA stuff. My S70 with snows handled everything with stride, but it's just the inexperience this first year that's got me nervous. Sounds like the plan is take it for a test run on the steepest road I can find next snow storm and decide from there, but likely pass on the chains.

tell that to my old 1988 IROC-Z28 Camaro

With snows tires on it? Or were you running all seasons and trying to weight the rear to make up for it?
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Well, I think VIDA/DICE is downloaded and works. I was able to log into my account on the website and all the icons appear to be there per the pictures from the seller. Have the little status thing in the bottom corner of the screen saying it's working.

Won't know 100% until tomorrow when I try plugging it into the car I suppose.

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I'll drive unplowed roads during snow storms, probably max of 6-8 inches but I've never got out and measured. My immediate area isn't very hilly, but the area I grew up in and still spend a fair amount of time in has a handful of medium climbs and most have room for a running start. Nothing crazy. I also will be making a few trips in to the mountains in VT/ME and probably NH this winter. I don't think anything as steep as the UT/CA stuff. My S70 with snows handled everything with stride, but it's just the inexperience this first year that's got me nervous. Sounds like the plan is take it for a test run on the steepest road I can find next snow storm and decide from there, but likely pass on the chains.

With snows tires on it? Or were you running all seasons and trying to weight the rear to make up for it?

studded snow tires w/ 150lbs of sand bags in the back made no difference :lol:

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