We got 9 phallus inches of snow last night (what the weather service more politely refers to as “4-6 inches”). And the plows didn’t get it off the roads. So I chained up and got myself to work. I didn’t see anyone else with chains, and I got me some odd looks. Anyone else get/give stares for snow chains? I wasn’t smashing into other cars, or sliding my 4x4 off the road (saw an H2 and at least 3 other SUVs nose first into ditches), or sliding through red lights–so why the curiosity? Seems I was the only dude being prudent today. Was I in breach of some clause of The Man Code by sissying up my car to make my commute a helluvalot easier?
No, but you do lose a few points by not stopping and laughing at the H2 driver.
They were probably just thinking “Why didn’t I think of that?”
Jealous, that’s what they were.
I think chains are outlawed in some states. But I know when I was driving in the mountains out west I remember big yellow signs with flashing lights saying, “Tire chains required ahead, turn around now.”. :eek:
Depends entirely on where you live. I’ve never seen them here in Kentucky, but they were absolutely essential when I lived in the mountains of CO and WY.
I agree completely with Dag Otto… you should have taken the H@ guy’s picture just to piss him off.
Chains are not commonly used on any road which gets plowed for the same reason that many jurisdictions prohibit the use of studded tires - it does damage to the road. Your local law may vary, but ordinarily, a good rule of thumb is that if the snow or ice is shallow enough that a tire chain would bite through and contact the road surface, don’t chain up. From your description, I can’t tell if you meant to say that the roads were not plowed, or that they were plowed but not effectively? In any case, use your own discretion, as you did. One thing to note - cable chains will do less damage to the road surface than other styles such as square-cross-section link chains, but won’t be as effective when you really need them. Just be aware that if the driving surface has no compliance (i.e. the chains are hitting the pavement), using chains may also cause undue wear on your tires.
Also, when chains are used, 4X4 vehicles should employ chains on all 4 points.
They were staring at the 9 phallus inches. Did anyone say anything like “what a prick”?
Although everyone knows it’s a breach of the Man Code to stare.
I keep my plow truck chained up on all 4 tires. However, I never take it more than a mile from my house. And when I do, I’m plowing.
9" is nothing for an SUV/4x4 with snow tires. I regularly get through a foot - 18" with out chains. Although I do keep a pair for my SUV. If you were in a two wheel drive, I could see how you would need chains. It really depends a lot on the consistancy of the snow.
As long as it’s legal in your area, go for it. But I would agree that that’s not much snow for chains, so that may account for the funny looks. Seems like overkill.
Can you even hear the 8-track player with those chains clanging?
Unless, of course, it’s a Hummer H2. Then it’s too much snow.