Going up to tahoe with summer tires
#31
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I wouldn't recommend it on Summer OR Bald all-seasons. I went up with some bald RE-92s and the uphill and flats were fine. But I literally spun out 3 times going downhill. The first time I hit a snow embankment and some snow was just packed into my fender. The second time I spun out on a large curve into the OPPOSING lane! Luckily again it was like 5AM. The third time I wasn't as lucky and hit the guardrail, denting in my fender and cracking my corner light.
#32
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It's unnerving to see posts telling the OP that this is OK. We know it's not safe to do, everyone who's tried it has spun out, and even tire manufacturers are telling us not to do this. I know it's cool to be macho and pull the whole "I'm a bad *** cuz I did stuff others think is dangerous," but this is not the place for that, and like many of you, I kind of enjoy my car and living and breathing in general. We all love Tahoe so why take the risk? Let's be safe out there everyone....
#33
#34
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It's unnerving to see posts telling the OP that this is OK. We know it's not safe to do, everyone who's tried it has spun out, and even tire manufacturers are telling us not to do this. I know it's cool to be macho and pull the whole "I'm a bad *** cuz I did stuff others think is dangerous," but this is not the place for that, and like many of you, I kind of enjoy my car and living and breathing in general. We all love Tahoe so why take the risk? Let's be safe out there everyone....
#35
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no, i know. no one is "recommending" it per se, but the implications, if reading quickly, might possibly sway any naysayers of snow tires (don't know why there would be) to one direction:
"You can get it there."
"But honestly, because of your situtation, if it's not snowing this weekend and the roads are plowed and 'dry', just drive slow and stay alert and you should be fine."
"You can (should be able to) get there."
"I have driven from the bay to wyoming and back in the middle of january running some falken summer performance, and without fail @ -40 F. Lowering your psi in the tires to 25 or so will greatly improve your footprint and provide more traction. Your tires might jacked up as far as performing again on dry conditions, but I never really noticed."
I did not quote them directly as I'm not trying to single/call anyone out or blame anyone for suggesting the idea, and most of these posters quoted have qualified their statements with "but you shouldn't try it," so I understand where they are coming from. I'm just afraid that some first-time snow drivers reading this thread for actual knowledge won't be able to contextualize these statements and just take them as another instance of being able to get through snow without proper tires. Plus, this year is an El Nino year, so the snow fall is especially fierce and frequent.
I apologize if i come off being too forward.
I'm just being paranoid and want everyone to be safe
"You can get it there."
"But honestly, because of your situtation, if it's not snowing this weekend and the roads are plowed and 'dry', just drive slow and stay alert and you should be fine."
"You can (should be able to) get there."
"I have driven from the bay to wyoming and back in the middle of january running some falken summer performance, and without fail @ -40 F. Lowering your psi in the tires to 25 or so will greatly improve your footprint and provide more traction. Your tires might jacked up as far as performing again on dry conditions, but I never really noticed."
I did not quote them directly as I'm not trying to single/call anyone out or blame anyone for suggesting the idea, and most of these posters quoted have qualified their statements with "but you shouldn't try it," so I understand where they are coming from. I'm just afraid that some first-time snow drivers reading this thread for actual knowledge won't be able to contextualize these statements and just take them as another instance of being able to get through snow without proper tires. Plus, this year is an El Nino year, so the snow fall is especially fierce and frequent.
I apologize if i come off being too forward.
I'm just being paranoid and want everyone to be safe
#37
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Yeah but the bottom line is the biggest safety factor is the driver. You could have crazy good snow tires on and spin and wreck because you think your invincible. I mean how many times have you seen wrecks blamed on RE92s.
I would never recommend someone drive up in to the snow without snow tires but it has been done and can be done. I think that's all people are saying. He asked if it could be done and people say sure... but why.
I mean go to any other state outside of california that has snow and local will wonder what the big fuss is.
Hell if it was up to me and I had the dough I'd get a BURLY set of snow tires just so I could get through more crap and have more fun. haaaaa.
good point though.
I would never recommend someone drive up in to the snow without snow tires but it has been done and can be done. I think that's all people are saying. He asked if it could be done and people say sure... but why.
I mean go to any other state outside of california that has snow and local will wonder what the big fuss is.
Hell if it was up to me and I had the dough I'd get a BURLY set of snow tires just so I could get through more crap and have more fun. haaaaa.
good point though.
#38
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word
So my only point is that it's safer to have something and not need it, than not have something and suddenly need it. In this case -- proper tires. and like someone else said, there are other cars around that are carrying people too. And given that us bay area pansies never drive in snow, proper equipment can save lives in this case.
#40
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Yeah but the bottom line is the biggest safety factor is the driver. You could have crazy good snow tires on and spin and wreck because you think your invincible. I mean how many times have you seen wrecks blamed on RE92s.
I would never recommend someone drive up in to the snow without snow tires but it has been done and can be done. I think that's all people are saying. He asked if it could be done and people say sure... but why.
I mean go to any other state outside of california that has snow and local will wonder what the big fuss is.
Hell if it was up to me and I had the dough I'd get a BURLY set of snow tires just so I could get through more crap and have more fun. haaaaa.
good point though.
I would never recommend someone drive up in to the snow without snow tires but it has been done and can be done. I think that's all people are saying. He asked if it could be done and people say sure... but why.
I mean go to any other state outside of california that has snow and local will wonder what the big fuss is.
Hell if it was up to me and I had the dough I'd get a BURLY set of snow tires just so I could get through more crap and have more fun. haaaaa.
good point though.
For the rest, I agree with Yin.
#41
#42
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For us who dont have the extra cash to spend on all season/snow tires and wheels....I figured cables are the only alternative. For those who use cables, can you provide me with some pros and cons for having them vs. winter tires. Also, what brand of cables are you using and where did you buy them.
Thanks for any input.
Thanks for any input.
Last edited by dkohn1337; 12-15-2009 at 01:50 PM.
#43
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Picked these up for the coming years. I've got a set of wheels I can mount these on and store them when I'm not going to the snow.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....inter+Sport+M3
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....inter+Sport+M3
#44
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As soon as my all seasons die on my beater wheels, I am going to buy actual snow tires. I HATE getting out of the car to put on cables. I hardly ever have to do it, but once every 5 years is enough to mentally scar me.
#45
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I've been on M&S rated tires for years. I picked up some R-S2s for fun and I realized what I've been missing. Of course this is virtual suicide in the snow so it's two sets for me from now on.