Posted: 12/9/2008 3:39:01 PM EDT
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I need some advice. I'm a poor graduate student, and while i suspect that my car will be fine on most driving conditions (this is pa), i like to go skiing, which involves being in mountinous places where they often don't plow well.
From what i've read, it seems like snow tires are a great option, because they are always there. HOwever, snow tires require purchase of tires and wheels. Any suggestions on where I could get snow tires/wheels for cheap? On the other hand, chains seem to be better than snow tires, but they have to be put on, and you are limited as to how fast you can go (not that i'm going to be "rallying" in my 2wd vibe). Any suggestions as to the type of chains? Are diamond chains a good choice? So what says the hive mind? |
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Forget the hassle of chains––-I grew up and spent 38 years in the mountains of PA.
Your front drive Vibe and some snow tires are all you'll need if you have any driving skill and common sense at all. Chains have there place but can be a hassle ––-modern front drivers go VERY well in the snow––-not to be confused with good 4 wheel drives but on poorly maintained hard roads, front wheel drive is plenty. Look for some used snow tires in your size––-shouldn't be hard to find. Check some local junk yards and get an extra set of rims/ tires––-there are a few options. |
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craigslist.org, know what rims can fit (other vehicles) and watch the cars area, and the car parts section.
Or I would buy some snow tires and put on your rims now. I went with A/T tires(from tirerack.com) for my rear wheels on my truck so then I don't need to worry about wearing them out as much between snows. We can have snow in Ohio all the way into early April. |
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Quoted:
I need some advice. I'm a poor graduate student, and while i suspect that my car will be fine on most driving conditions (this is pa), i like to go skiing, which involves being in mountinous places where they often don't plow well. From what i've read, it seems like snow tires are a great option, because they are always there. HOwever, snow tires require purchase of tires and wheels. Any suggestions on where I could get snow tires/wheels for cheap? On the other hand, chains seem to be better than snow tires, but they have to be put on, and you are limited as to how fast you can go (not that i'm going to be "rallying" in my 2wd vibe). Any suggestions as to the type of chains? Are diamond chains a good choice? So what says the hive mind? Where in PA are you? Most of the areas in the east your fine with snows, if your south of Blue Mountain, Studded Snows would be better (Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas) they get alot more sleet and ice than we do up here in Wyoming Valley. If your up in the northern tier or east in the moscow or tobyhanna areas than snows and a set of chains in the trunk for safe measure. Most of the year I do just fine with BFG allterrains on my 2wd pickup, More than 4 or 5 inches I use the Jeep with BFG mudterrains in pizza cutter size 
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I spent many years wearing out FJ40's, Scout's, CJ7's, Pathfinders while living in way back country. For serious snow driving, NOTHING compares with quality chains ! Yes they are a pain to put on, limit your speed (always use rubber or spring chain tighteners) and if not put on right can chew up your tires.
Again, in deep snow, anything over a foot, chains pull like a tractor. Even aggressive snow tires like my 315 x 75 x16 BFG MT's load up with snow and are useless compared to HD truck chains. Heavy duty truck chains still will bite. There is a major difference in truck chains and car chains though with 315x75x16 tires all you can get is truck chains. I always had to use chains on all wheels in snow 1 and 2 feet deep going through the back country. |