I am traveling to Tennessee on January. I'm driving from Miami Florida to Gatlinburg TN. I am also renting a car. If buy chains for the tires, I have to buy them for all 4 of them or just the front tires? Also, what kind of chains I need (or better but cheap) and where? I will appreciate your answers! Thank You!
2007-12-06 06:14:11 · 7 answers · asked by :) 3 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Other - United States
ups! sorry for the misspelling!!
2007-12-06 06:15:42 · update #1
the only problem is that the rental car place will not guarantee that on the date I want to rent, they will have a 4wd car... :(
2007-12-06 06:57:23 · update #2
I believe chains are only needed when driving through deep snow, like more than a few inches. You might not want to drive on bare pavement with chains, especially long distances. I wouldn't put them on unless you are driving on roads that are never maintained (plowed, salted, etc.) I would probably buy the chains but not put them on until it's necessary or else put the extra money into renting a 4WD vehicle. You most likely would be better off with the 4WD, like a Jeep than with a 2WD car with chains. If the snow is too deep and begins to hit the bottom of the chassis of a car, the chains will be useless anyway. A 4WD vehicle has more ground clearance, which is especially useful when driving in deeper snow. I live in Northern Pennsylvania and my only experience is that I owned a Camaro once. I sold that after 1 winter and owned 4 Jeeps since. Good luck.
2007-12-06 06:42:41 · answer #1 · answered by TJ M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Based on you travel itinerary, why are you worried about chains in the first place?
But to answer your question:
Chains are only necessary when mandated by the highway patrol during severe weather conditions. You should use cable chains, as they are easier to install, and a bit cheaper.
When the weather hits hard enough for you to need chains, my proffesional advice is to pull into a truck stop or restaraunt, and wait out the weather.
My concern is that you don't seem to have any winter driving experience, and that can lead to bigger problems than how many tires you need to chain up.
Just pull up a cup of coffee and wait it out. If for some reason you can't wait it out, get behind a plow truck and follow it as far as you can.
Most quality auto parts, or tire shops can help you out.
Read the last paragraph of the attached link from NOAA.
Good Luck.
Long time winter road warrior from Alaska!
2007-12-06 11:53:15 · answer #2 · answered by Klondike John 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You just need chains for the drive wheels. Obviously if it's a RWD car they go on the rear wheels and vice versa. In my opinion, if you need chains to navigate a given road then it's best to leave the driving to someone who knows what they are doing or give it a pass until the weather improves. Chaining up is not as easy as it looks.
2007-12-06 06:26:47 · answer #3 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You do not have to put chains on all four wheels. It will provide some extra stability but it is not necessary, just recommended. You just have to put chains on your drive wheels, which on most cars are the front wheels.
2007-12-06 06:32:05 · answer #4 · answered by Sav 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you need to put chains on all the tires not just one, two, or three of them but all four. Try Big O tires.
2007-12-06 06:18:36 · answer #5 · answered by Princess T 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depending on the car you only put them on the back two tires.
2007-12-06 06:21:27 · answer #6 · answered by B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you need all four of them, otherwise you'll have an uneven car! best to get it checkd over by a mehanic before you go too... dont want to get lost in the snow!
2007-12-06 06:22:09 · answer #7 · answered by pinkjellybabies 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋