Driving in snow HELP
 

Have 2005 4.4i w/ four brand new Michelin M\S tires. Going to NC mountains Sunday, weather calls for 20F temp and snow. Do I need chains? Not going off road, but some gravel roads

Your comment is unintentionally funny to me (living in Wisconsin and you in Miami).

You should be fine.....just take it easy.

Do you have your staggered 19's or regular 18's on? Many people ride all seasons in snow if they have 18's or 17's. I have Blizzaks on 17's up here for winter.

I actually think the gravel will help you out.

Probably should also engage your down hill assist if you're coming down the mountain.

"NC mountains" is a vague area...I live there, (used to in winter, now just 7 months a year). If you are climbing very steep, shaded roads, above 4500/5,000 feet in far western NC or 'north west NC', it will be an experience. If you are rolling around Asheville or the Piedmont, not so much problem.

I would skip the chains, but go easy, use hill descent on steep declines and, I hope you have more than just Miami Driving experience. ;)

Those tires are just ok for basic flatland winter driving, but only dedicated snow tires work on the common very steep inclines/declines found in Waynesville, Blowing Rock, Boone, etc. I would stick to main roads...
GL, mD

20degF is a big plus. too cold for ice, generally, and the snow will have good grip. The worst conditions are right around freezing - 30-32deg when you can get ice and slush and then ice in pockets of shade. Temps in the low 20's helps a lot. You will be just fine. Just remember to brake early and gently - takes longer to stop in the snow. Also going down hills it is better to shift into a lower gear manually so you use less brakes.

chain info request
 

I live in Asheville on a mountain. While my x5 with Michelins has performed better than the 4whd pickup that I traded for this, I still need help getting off this mountain.

any recommendations for chains?

I plan to put them on to get off this unpaved private mountain road and then take them off once I get out. This is for these types of unusual snow events.

Dipstick
2003 3.0 X5

While chains would help, putting them on and off more than a few times would get old very quickly.

Have you considered performance ice radials instead of your Michelins (which sound like they might be MXV4 all seasons)?

mine are the tires you say.

Do I have to buy separate wheels and use them all winter? Then change back? These snows are so sporadic.

I only need to get off this mountain with chains maybe twice a year at best on average, yet this year has been 2 snows already where I need them. I fortunately do not have a job where I have to go somewhere, and my wife's job is somewhat flexible on this.

Rich

The best option is to get a used set of 17" wheels, with mounted winter tires. Swap them twice a year. Second choice is to just buy four winter tires, and use one set of rims. 17" aren't as difficult to swap as the lower profile tires.

It isn't just the snow that matters, icy roads aren't so good on MXV4s either. They are a good all season, but not a good winter tire.

If you do want to get chains, any narrow chain (cable chains, or similar) will work. Rear wheels only, which means that they won't help much for steering or braking, but they will help you go.

dipstick, I hear you...we did 5 winters on Eagles Nest Mtn in Waynesville, at 5,000 ft. There are shaded sections where it doesn't melt until late April.
Surprisingly, there are several posters on a 'Western NC' Forum that use chains. I had dedicated snow tires on small rims, and there were days we did not attempt the 4 mile trek down our mtn. But, your plan is solid if you can find chains that fit. Good luck, and be careful! Here are a couple of links that may help :
GL, mD

Car Tire Chains and Snow Chains

Tire Chains by TireChains.com

And, fabric 'booties', as shown by a vendor on this XOutpost site:
YouTube - ECS Tuning: ISSE Wheel Textile Snow Chains

i bought a set of 17's with the stock michelin tires for $400 on ebay 4 yrs ago. it's all i need for new england winters, but i cut my teeth on rear wheeled cars with snows back in the day.
a miami driver may need dedicated snow tires, chains, and tow truck following. or maybe just a chauffeur.either way id not drive on the 19's. they are way too wide a foot print