Do I Need Snow Tires

SKI.ING

SKI.ING

Active member
I'm going to be living to Tahoe for the season instead of commuting like usual and wanted to know if snow tires are necessary. I have a RAV4 with 4WD and it has all season mud/rain tires. Thing is I'll probably only be up there for a season before going to school elsewhere so I don't want to spend a ton of money on snow tires. I've never had trouble getting up the highways and stuff, but I know its different actually living there.

So is it like people say where it's mostly just driving smart rather than relying on snow tires?
 
those will probably be fine most days, but you definitely will want snow tires at times. they will just handle the roads so much better and if it starts dumping you wont be screwed. i would recommend picking up some
 
I switched from my M+S summer tires to my snow tires a little late last season (Jan) on my 98 outback. I had a fair amount of snow driving on the summer ones, and while they were fine most days, when it was really dumping they were sketchy. When I switched to my snow tires, even the days I felt fine on the summers, the winters felt like I was velcroed to the ground. So much better. And when it puked, I never lost grip. So, I would definitely recommend them. The difference between the two is incredible. It felt good knowing the amount of grip I had, instead of just hoping I wouldn't lose it.
 
Thanks guys. Does it matter that I'll be living right off the main thoroughfare that runs through Tahoe so it will most likely be plowed and well traveled? I won't be living out in the isolated areas.
 
Pretty sure California enforces chains on vehicles without snow tires during certain periods. Do you really want to fuck with that?
 
When it dumps in Tahoe, it fucking DUMPS. I've driven on main streets that "should" have been in OK condition, but sometimes it's snowing so hard you can't keep up.
 
I'll look into them guys, thanks. And no, not that strict. Depends on the car, 4wd, tires, etc. I've never had them force me to put on chains and I've been caught in some pretty bad white outs or storms on I-80 where most cars are pulled over. They always wave me through checkpoints with 4WD and All Season tires for the past 4 years in Tahoe. Still I'll look into snow tires more in depth now.
 
nah if you have all seasons youll be fine, pick up some chains for cheap though and youll be chillin. ofcourse snow tires and studded make it better and more convenient but its not necessary. if it dumps a shit ton you won't be able to drive anyways, lets pray for that
 
all seasons compromise each season to be used year round. for the $140 a tire for a good snow tire, its worth it. You get great lateral stability and traction to stop faster and grip when starting out up a hill, etc..
 
I believed driving restrictions such as chains are trucks and commercial vehicles only . Civilian enforcement is 4x4 when enforced.. But please research to confirm . I don't want to cause your ticket !
 
Winter tires aren't just about being able to drive through snow and ice but also retaining grip in cold temperatures. The type of rubber compound used to make all season tires hardens in the cold and therefore the tires lose their grip. Winter tires are made of a softer rubber compound which means their grip on the road is optimised at lower temps (which is also why they wear so quickly if you keep them on for summer). If you drive in temps below 7C/45F then you'll get better performance from winter tires even if the roads are completely snow/ice free.
 
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