Need advice on snow driving

[m3fil]

Originally Posted by rh71

20s were summer tires or all-seasons?

summer tire

[Max Blast]

Best advice I can give is: Go slower and maintain more distance to traffic.

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by m3fil

thanks for all the advice. i just ordered snow tire and wheel package from tire rack, cost me 1400 including shipping.

Take a look at this video, which compares SUVs with summer tires, winter tires, and all-seasons trying to go up the "driveway from hell." Not unlike my driveway! YouTube - Ultimate Driveway Tire Test

[jpl]

summer tire in snow

I sugest you wait for the snow to melt
here up north, its not even an option

[rayxi]

Originally Posted by jpl

here up north, its not even an option

It's the law - at least in Quebec. They talked about making it the law here in Alberta but there's too many idiots saying it they can't afford winter tires. Like they can afford the cost of an accident.

[Roadster]

I was told that 20's and snow chains are not compatible

anyway, winter tires are the only smart decision in these circumstances...

[Redridge]

This is a great video of summer, all season and winter tires.

YouTube - Tire Rack Tire Test - Winter/Snow vs. All-Season vs. Summer Tires on Ice

[ALPHA]

Your best option by far is the winter tires. But you can put snow chains on 20's for sure because I have a set... I have driven my car on snow and ice and its scary!! I was lucky i had no down hill because i would have crashed for sure... even if you drive carefully at some point you will have to turn and brake... When i used the chains... (always on the front) the grip was excellent but I was driving like an idiot up to 50km.... I used spike spider chains... google them...

[ICX5]

I believe the OP decided to purchase a winter tire package, would be interesting which size and winter tire selected.

However, since chains are mentioned again, I'll add this from the 2009 X5 owners manual (Not sure which year/model you have Alpha):

"BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains, classifies them as road-safe and recommends them. Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center can provide you with this information.

BMW X5: use is only permitted in pairs on the rear wheels with tires of the size

255/55 R 18
255/50 R 19

Observe the manufacturer's instructions when mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph/50 km/hr with the chains mounted."

Alpha's comments above are telling, that even with chains on 20" tires; "... its scary!! I was lucky i had no down hill because i would have crashed for sure..."

m3fil, would you share which tire/wheel package you went with (wheel size/tire brand, model, width). Hope your trip goes well, let us know.

[m3fil]

Originally Posted by ICX5

I believe the OP decided to purchase a winter tire package, would be interesting which size and winter tire selected.

However, since chains are mentioned again, I'll add this from the 2009 X5 owners manual (Not sure which year/model you have Alpha):

"BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains, classifies them as road-safe and recommends them. Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center can provide you with this information.

BMW X5: use is only permitted in pairs on the rear wheels with tires of the size

255/55 R 18
255/50 R 19

Observe the manufacturer's instructions when mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph/50 km/hr with the chains mounted."

Alpha's comments above are telling, that even with chains on 20" tires; "... its scary!! I was lucky i had no down hill because i would have crashed for sure..."

m3fil, would you share which tire/wheel package you went with (wheel size/tire brand, model, width). Hope your trip goes well, let us know.

i bought a combo tire and wheel from tire rack blizzak RFT for 1400. the are on sale right now