Driving in snow.

[Xist]

These are the highest-rated Z-chains for my Accord, $66.43 and rated 3.9/5: Security Chain Company SZ129 Super Z6

[jamesqf]

Dirt roads are actually better than pavement in the snow, IMHO, as long as the snow's not deep enough that you're playing snowplow - in which case you have problems on either dirt or pavement. That's because of the rough dirt underneath.

WRT 4WD, where it really matters is going up hills, and especially starting on hills. On the level it's perhaps a little help in deep snow. Downhill it just leads to overconfidence...

IMHO again, the thing to really worry about is not snow, but black ice. With snow you may have problems*, but you KNOW there's a problem. Black ice will take you by surprise.


*Carry a good sleeping bag & some energy bars or trail mix if you're going anywhere off well-travelled roads.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Xist

These are the highest-rated Z-chains for my Accord, $66.43 and rated 3.9/5: Security Chain Company SZ129 Super Z6

Negative reviews are probably from people that don't know how to install the chains, use them improperly, or had unrealistic expectations of what they were for.

I've put various types of chains on and off probably a hundred times. The only style I've had problems with are the auto-tensioning type that pull the excess cable into a reel. They're also the easiest to put on and perform very well when they are working, so I expect they are rated very highly.

[Xist]

Someone complained his rusted after the first use, but he did not say that he rinsed it off and sprayed it with oil.

Steel + water + salt = rust?!

I'm shocked! Shocked!

Well, not that shocked.

Some people complained that they could not properly tighten it, although I do not know if they faulted the design. The one that I remembered said "Avoid this if you are old and weak."

Well, now I need to prove to myself that I can put it on properly!

In unrelated news, I am going to make sure that I have my bike pump in the car!

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Xist

Some people complained that they could not properly tighten it, although I do not know if they faulted the design. The one that I remembered said "Avoid this if you are old and weak."

Well, now I need to prove to myself that I can put it on properly!

I've seen your photo. Rubber bands won't pose a problem to you.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Xist

Some people complained that they could not properly tighten it, although I do not know if they faulted the design. The one that I remembered said "Avoid this if you are old and weak."

Well, now I need to prove to myself that I can put it on properly!

I've seen your photo. Rubber bands won't pose a problem to you.

Old and weak people should have dedicated winter tires, installed by someone else.

[Xist]

I do not need winter tires as long as I can use chains? If the blacktop is paved, but the dirt roads aren't, should I don my chainmail when I leave the main road, and doff it before returning to the asphalt?

[redpoint5]

Use the chains when you need the traction, and keep 'em off when you don't. I don't have snow tires for the Prius because I carry Z chains in the winter. No sense buying snow tires when there are very few snowy/icy days here in the valley.

[me and my metro]

You do not want to run your chains on bare pavement very far. It is easier to install your chains before the snow gets deep. Make sure you are in a safe spot when you stop to chain up.

[ksa8907]

I realize topography is different, but nobody uses chains here and very very few have studded tires. You're over thinking it, drive reasonably and you'll be fine.

Snow isn't really a problem, hard packed snow and ice is what makes it difficult.