Winter driving
 

I'm planning on going to the US this December with my family and going on a road trip to Yosemite and/or Lake Tahoe. Am I required to put on tire chains on an AWD SUV like X5? It's got traction control as well.

If you plan to drive extensively in snowy areas, I suggest you find a set of winter tires and even snow chains. The former is always a good idea because summer and all-seasons won't cut it at those elevations, and the latter may be required, although maybe the Californians can chime in whether they allow un-chained winter tyres.

Here are some useful URLS. You'd want the same for Nevada as well as you can easily go back and forth between the two states up in the sierras. I personally have not seen 4X4s putting on chain. They tend to be let through at controls but you might want to purchase a set and bring it so you can prove that you can use it if necessary. Check your X5 manual too.

California Road Conditions:
Road Conditions

Webcams of key areas -- very handy!
Caltrans :: Live Traffic Cameras

The stated regulation from the above page:
Chain Requirements:

• R1: Chains, traction devices or snow tires are required on the drive axle of all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles.
• R2: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels.
  (NOTE: Four wheel/all wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)
• R3: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.

Your going to need snow tires if you want good grip on snow. X5 handles nicely on snow roads with winter tires, don't know about deep snow though... Remember its not really an AWD car. Snow and Slum Mud can push the limit of traction on normal tyres on an X5, no matter how sophisticated DTC is.

The area in California and Nevada that the OP is asking about has specific laws concerning the use of snow tires and chains, he's not asking about whether he needs them for regular winter driving, he's asking what the laws are in the area.

Thanks guys. So the conclusion is I might be required to put on chains depending on the condition. I wonder if the rental car company has an optional winter tires.

Yes, it's XDRIVE and it's better than pure AWD :)

What exactly is x-drive?? A set of "studless" snow tires is highly recommended. They are the Shite! I have run them for years and regularly drive in snow all winter long out west!

Remember that AWD or 4WD only helps you accelerate. It does not help you stop or turn (when the gas pedal is released) It would be a good idea to have snow tires, chains or both. These things are a lot cheaper than a trip to the body shop.

You cannot lock the differentials on this AWD system. I think that is what the other poster meant when he said not true 4WD, like the guys in the Jeep CJ's get a chubby over...:rolleyes:

Back at the Sliding Off the Road Ranch, if the OP has not driven in snow/winter conditions, on curvy,
off camber, slick roads, I wish him good luck, regardless of what car/tire combo he rents.
GL,mD

He said it was not true AWD which confused me.... I've never owned a 4WD but lots of AWD. The rule to driving in snow is let the AWD and snow tires give you a safety cushion. This means taking it slow and easy. Lots of folks get all the advantages of this equipment and eliminate the added safety by driving too fast. Thinking the car / tires can go faster. I have heard it called "compensating behavior". It effectively eliminates all the extra margin you should otherwise have..... I call these people: morons!

I have seen 4wd trucks and AWD cars wiz past me on empty roads going way too fast. Running OEM all-seasons. I know they are not better equipped than me with 4 studdless snows, anti-lock brakes and AWD. Seen many of them off the side of the road a few miles on. MORONS!

Yes, I was at Lake Tahoe in a AWD SUV and I HAD to put on tire chains. What a nightmare that was! There were no "helpers" around when I needed to install them so I got out there in the snow and slush to do it myself. As far as I could tell, I installed them perfectly and tight --- but the noise that they made was unbelievable. :(

Especially on mountain roads.

Slum mud?

Ummm no. To all the previous replies. For 99% of the snow storms on the major highways to and from Lake Tahoe & Yosemite, having 4x4/All Wheel Drive, you will NOT need chains.

I've been up and down every year 4-5 times a year, in the worst storms. I have the 20" wheels, and have Toyo Proxies M&S. Of all the times up and down, the only time I EVER had any trouble, was with some ice on the way home. Was sooo slick, after coming to a stop, the X5 would just start sliding. So that is the ONLY time I've ever had the slightest of issues with big, fat, wide tires on the X5. And I've driven it in snow well past the bumper, say 18-24".

So, you should be just fine. Now, if you live in Lake Tahoe, or Yosemite, or Montana, Colorado whatever, then, yes, get some 18" wheels with some Bridgestone Blizzaks.

I'm personally going to pick up some 19's with Blizzaks just because I want to pull the big Ford's out of the snow :-).

^ good to know of the Proxes abilities. I'm actually getting ST IIs this week to replace the STs. All-seasons are good - good enough.

Folks here in Central Bumf*ck can't drive in the rain. Wheelspin at every stop sign :rolleyes:. If there were any more folks living here there'd be fender benders all the time.

Ummm no. To all the previous replies. For 99% of the snow storms on the major highways to and from Lake Tahoe & Yosemite, having 4x4/All Wheel Drive, you will NOT need chains.

glad that you have not run into the problem. I was forced to put on chains last year on the 80 going up the hill because DOT said I did not have dedicated snow tires only S/M all season. I did have the chains and put them on. I do not think that I needed them but could not proceed unless installed.

One thing to remember when putting them on is that they only go on the rear tires. Also need to turn the DSC off and go with DTC only ( pages 97 and 257 of 2009 Manual). did not have any issues with chains on in the recommended setup and the roads were covered with packed snow and some powder.