Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires tire cables instead of chains

I recall reading that I'm not supposed to use snow chains on my SVT. What about cables? They stay on better and will probably clear everything. Anyone have any experience/insight?

I've never heard of anyone using cables or chains on any roads I drive on. Is there anything wrong with a set of dedicated snow tires?

Yes. What's wrong is that I'd only need them, on average, between 30-90 miles a YEAR. If at all. What's often happened is that CHP will still let everyone through without chains or snow tires, but would lead a procession with a patrol car (to keep speeds down). However, I see the "chains required" signs turned sideways, and know that one day I'll be going through, and will need them.

The mountains I drive through are East of San Diego, and the highest elevation is about 4100', so actually having snow on the road is very rare.

Right around 4000 ft is when you may need chains. You're smart to look into this now. I also a 4x4 and am looking at getting chains just in case (nesisity or by law). Please forgive my bad spelling.

ZAP, if your heading up to Lake Tahoe, then do not go without chains. Good luck getting a straight answer out of anybody on the subject of snow chains. I don't have the money to go out and buy another set of tires that I am not going to use very much! When I get my SVT back I will probably try putting cables on just for the hell of it.

I'm up in Tahoe right now, and there was a few "chain check zones" IE if you don't have chains, even if you have a 4x4 you won't be allowed to pass. That's right even if you have a straight from africa off-road spec land rover, you are still required to carry chains. And I don't blame them for that, it got rather scary up here!

James

Nononono, not Tahoe, San Diego. I just drove through the mountains (around 10:30pm, 12/14/01) and it had just started snowing.

Cable chains are the only way to go for front drives. But, they do not have a s good a grip as chains. I do not believe the CHp allows four snow tires instead of chains on any 2wd car or truck. Yes chain controls can allow only vehecles with carrying full chains but normally one axle set is enough for private cars or light trucks. I believe road controls go r-1 to r-3 with r3 being four wheel drive with all wheels using chains after that they shut down the roads.
Also remember that most of the people responding about snow tires are fine do not get deep snow or steep roads like California does.

I appreciate all the comments, but nobody has answered my basic question of: Is it okay to use "cables" on a Contour SVT when we are specifically not supposed to use "chains."