ScionLife.com

**Dkfung88** · 12-18-2008, 01:09 AM

i couldnt find anything on the laws if i'm able to use only two studded snow tires or will i have to use all 4... wondered if anyone on here knows?

Iceman04503 · 12-18-2008, 01:13 AM

You get better traction if you use 4 but it would cost more.

dodaddy · 12-18-2008, 01:14 AM

im currently using 4 but i dont see how it could be illegal to only use two, but im not sure, wish i could help you out there

AvonLadyJenn · 12-18-2008, 01:14 AM

I don't *think* you have to use 4.....I think you can use 2...on the front for front wheel drive? Like chains are only on the front?

Iceman04503 · 12-18-2008, 01:17 AM

Where can i find some cheap ones? Looked on craigslist but there is none. I was thinking about going with the 205 55 16 on steelies

Tomas · 12-18-2008, 01:22 AM

For front wheel drive vehicles it is essential to have at least as much traction on the rear as on the front unless you want to back into the pucker-brush rapidly without warning. Seriously!

Please see this decent article about traction...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=52

Here's another...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...jsp?techid=123

With studs on the front in icy conditions putting the brakes on is a problem. The front's grab, the rears don't, and the car swaps ends - quickly.

dibbz · 12-18-2008, 01:22 AM

dude your 20 go all 4 !!!!

Tomas · 12-18-2008, 01:26 AM

Jenn, never put chains on just the front - same reasons. Front drive cars are different than rear drive in the way differing traction front/rear affects them.

Good traction front, poor traction rear has damaged a whole lot of Scions that suddenly swung their tails out on a curve and crashed...

Bunches of stories about 'em doing that here on ScionLife with lines like "I just put two new tires on the front, and I lost it on a corner and I wasn't even speeding! *whimper* "

Lots of warnings about this, but no one listens.

jct · 12-18-2008, 01:30 AM

if i could get studded tires here it would be fantastic for me and my safety and the safety of my passengers

bbszero · 12-18-2008, 01:34 AM

i have 4 on steelies, and threw just 2 on the front the other day (trying to save a little time), took it for a spin, and came home and put the other 2 on the rear. Definately want them all the way around. In my opinion, it's worth spending a couple hundred bucks to increase your odds of keeping your car out of a ditch, off a curb, or resting up against another car! those "Oh Schitts" cost much more than the price of studded tires.

chapascion · 12-18-2008, 01:35 AM

i am using the nonstudded snow tires and i luv them (knock on wood).

**Dkfung88** · 12-18-2008, 01:38 AM

they're for my mom's civic.. not mine lol.. i dont think i wanna risk my car in any way... hmm 4 tires it is

Redbeard46 · 12-18-2008, 01:39 AM

I don't know for sure or not if it's true. But the last time I was buying them at a Les Schwab, they told me it was Illegal for them to sell only 2 to front wheel drive cars.

Iceman04503 · 12-18-2008, 01:41 AM

The safest way is to leave your car at home. I'm driving my SUV with 4 studded tires when it snows.

Tomas · 12-18-2008, 01:43 AM

It may not truly be illegal, Red, but it IS against Les Schwab company policy.

IF they put two on the front and you crash, they have some potential liability for improperly equipping your vehicle...

Tomas · 12-18-2008, 01:49 AM

ASIDE: I have a rather nasty driveway that switchbacks a third of a mile up the side of the hill I live on to my apartment. Last two days, even with sanding and salting the drive we've had a few folks piled into the concrete abutments near the bottom, or off into the trees on the hairpins.

Happens every year.

(Amazing how many times it's plates from someplace like Arizona or Florida or Texas, etc... Lot's of military transplants living here. Flatlanders from non-snow areas just do NOT understand the physics of stopping or changing direction on a steep downhill at speed in the snow...)

davedavetC · 12-18-2008, 01:55 AM

i have "studded" winter tires, will i benifit from actually putting the metal studs in them? lol i dont get a lot of snow but wen we do its a lot... if that makes sense.

plus are the studs loud as hell.

Tomas · 12-18-2008, 02:08 AM

Studs do nothing in snow - they are only effective on ice and very, very hard packed snow.

On dry or wet pavement they slightly reduce traction...

davedavetC · 12-18-2008, 02:11 AM

ok yea ill leave them out haha

AvonLadyJenn · 12-18-2008, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomas

Jenn, never put chains on just the front - same reasons. Front drive cars are different than rear drive in the way differing traction front/rear affects them.

Good traction front, poor traction rear has damaged a whole lot of Scions that suddenly swung their tails out on a curve and crashed...

Bunches of stories about 'em doing that here on ScionLife with lines like "I just put two new tires on the front, and I lost it on a corner and I wasn't even speeding! *whimper* "

Lots of warnings about this, but no one listens.

The funny part is they will sell you one set of chains, but not 2 studs? <sigh> Honestly I don't want to drive in the yuck....we get the chains on and boom...now it's raining and everything is melted. Now I gotta talk T into taking them OFF....he isn't gonna like that...but why have them on if they are not needed?

We are picking up our order within the hour and they think the next system comes in around 10pm.....so really I just want the order and then could deal with being home without driving. Got the chains just as a precaution.....in case I HAVE to go somewhere..... I am hoping that things clear up for Sat so I don't have to worry about it. although my baby did ok on the roads today....of course *I* am extra cautious....not so much for other drivers <sigh>