I have a non 4WD SR5-2005. Just wondering...never driven in snow before...so when do you need to put chains/cables on the tires? do i have to put them on whenever there's snow on the ground? Probably a really dumb question for all of you, but this is all new to me. Thanks a lot for the help~
snow question
- Thread starter snowdog
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Glock_19
New member
Not sure where you're from and how bad the snow there is so this answer may or may not help. In my area (D.C.) the deepest I've gotten my 4Runner into was 8" and it didn't spin a tire or struggle once. It was in 4HI the whole time and I just drove reasonably for the weather. Unless you're in Tahoe or something and hitting feet of snow I think you'll be alright without chains.
Hi and thanks! I'm here in Northern California. Will probably drive up to Tahoe (or in that vicinity) in the next couple of weeks. I'll buy the chains/cables but I was just wondering how bad the snow has to be for me to put those on. Would I be ok just driving around when there's just a couple of inches of snow on the ground? I don't have a 4WD so I'm assuming that makes a difference. Thanks again for the help!
klennop
New member
No question is a dumb question, so feel free to ask. I don't have any experience with chains so hopefully someone else will chime in to help you out.
However I have driven 2wd trucks in the snow, I would put some weight in the back whether it be sand bags or 5 gal buckets full of stuff, wheel weights, sand etc. That will help you out a bit by getting some weight over your drive wheels. You shouldn't need chains unless you are having a big problem in the snow or if you go some place where chains are recommended.
Also make sure you have good tires!
mysticz
Member
It's not the snow you need to watch out for, but more the icy roads.
The trip we did last year up to Tahoe, we were heading down what seemed like a snow free highway when I started to turn a bend and all I felt was my back sliding towards the edge of the road.
Long story short, a road that looks clear still can have a icy surface so drive careful.
As far as chains, use you own judgement if you feel you need them then go with your gut feeling. But also check road condition and see if there is chain requirements.
The trip we did last year up to Tahoe, we were heading down what seemed like a snow free highway when I started to turn a bend and all I felt was my back sliding towards the edge of the road.
Long story short, a road that looks clear still can have a icy surface so drive careful.
As far as chains, use you own judgement if you feel you need them then go with your gut feeling. But also check road condition and see if there is chain requirements.
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Ok thank you for the advice! Quick question...I have the Michelin tires on mine....are those good tires? I don't know exactly what style/type they are...but they are the same type that the car came with. Are there other tires that are better? Sorry...I don't know too much about this type of thing. Thanks again for the help~
Snow tires are far better in snow than any all season tire.
Casper421
New member
Check the side wall of your tire and see if you can spot M+S anywhere. If you do, your tires are rated for mud and snow and you should be fine.
Ive never dealt with chains before, always had 4x4's with studded tires, but i have seen plenty in my lifetime. Stick with cable chains, easier to put on/off and perform the same than links. If the rear is full of bags and stuff for a vacation, that would be plenty of weight for added traction. Make sure you always have atleast a half tank of gas while driving in the snow.
Most important thing about driving in the snow is: 4x4 and chains will get you moving but they cant stop you!! When driving on snow/ice; always slow down, take your time and think ahead.
Good luck, be safe and have fun in the mountains! :cheers:
Ive never dealt with chains before, always had 4x4's with studded tires, but i have seen plenty in my lifetime. Stick with cable chains, easier to put on/off and perform the same than links. If the rear is full of bags and stuff for a vacation, that would be plenty of weight for added traction. Make sure you always have atleast a half tank of gas while driving in the snow.
Most important thing about driving in the snow is: 4x4 and chains will get you moving but they cant stop you!! When driving on snow/ice; always slow down, take your time and think ahead.
Good luck, be safe and have fun in the mountains! :cheers:
Jerrydog
New member
When I lived in Ca the CHP would set up a check point when you needed to put chains on heading into the mountains. If they arent required just run in 2wd with some weight in the back, but have a set of chains if you head to the mountains or the Fuzz will turn you around, at least they used to.....
Casper421
New member
Yes, Cal-trans has chain control at certain spots on all major highways to make sure there are no 2wd vehicles without chains. They dont normally stop and ask if you have 4wd, they assume most suv's do and just wave them through.
anotherrunner83
New member
some roads don't allow the use of chains if i'm not mistaken. as for the question of when, when you start feeling unsafe and feel the truck start slipping. the stock michelins do a decent job in snow. i've been in a foot plus a few times and never had any problems, then again, i'm was in a v8 full time 4wd. the traction control system works really well on these vehicles as long as you are driving smart. just remember smooth, slow speed transitions whether you are accelerating or braking. keep a fair amount of distance ahead of you. i have had great luck with downshifting to slow the truck rather than braking on long down grades
