[MinniePassenger]

We’ll be receiving an X7 soon, and eventually plan on a cross-country trip from the west coast to Illinois this winter. We’ll have all-season tires. Do I need to consider chains?

[Orient330iNYC]

Originally Posted by MinniePassenger

We’ll be receiving an X7 soon, and eventually plan on a cross-country trip from the west coast to Illinois this winter. We’ll have all-season tires. Do I need to consider chains?

if you want to run chains, the only tire size bmw approves is 255/55/20.

unless you are going into any chain control areas you should be fine. if the stock runflats and they are not good enough, you can do an allweather like vredestein quadtrac pro (assuming you optioned the factory spare) the quadtrac is a severe snow service rated all weather.

[streborx]

The OM states your maximum speed with chains installed is 30 mph. Have you ever broken a crosslink? If you need chains, you should seriously consider not driving that day.

[RichY]

Most states do not allow chains on their roads. Illinois is one of them, so check before you use them.

[MinniePassenger]

Thanks. That’s really the plan - we have an open schedule (we are retirees), and can delay a day or two or three in a hotel if needed. I’m just the “be prepared” guy - want to be ready in case mountain weather turns quickly and we can’t make it to safe harbor quickly. Many thanks!

[MinniePassenger]

Thanks!

[streborx]

Like you, I like to be prepared, and like you, I'm retired also. When road conditions become so bad that accessory traction devices become necessary, installing them becomes an unpleasant task under unpleasant weather conditions. Watching a trucker chain-up before crossing a Colorado mountain pass will convince anyone it's not a fun time. Worse yet is we're the 2 guys out of a hundred with the be prepared attitude. The other 98 will try to beat the odds and will ruin your day. Sitting it out is always my decision. If road conditions are so bad that snow tires are insufficient, just don't risk it. I-70 is scary enough even on a sunny summer day.

[rjabend]

Since I live in FL, I am certainly no expert, but there appear to be different chain sets that may be road damage free:
https://www.amazon.com/CARALL-Approv...1zcF9idGY&th=1

There is a very large selecction on Amazon and you can enter your vehicle model for compatible items.

[Orient330iNYC]

Originally Posted by rjabend

Since I live in FL, I am certainly no expert, but there appear to be different chain sets that may be road damage free:
https://www.amazon.com/CARALL-Approv...1zcF9idGY&th=1

There is a very large selecction on Amazon and you can enter your vehicle model for compatible items.

autosock (the original version of that) is not compliant for R3 chain control conditions in california and likely elsewhere.
that being said, if the conditions are bad enough to warrant an R3 condition, you more than likely should avoid driving in the first place.

[rjabend]

Originally Posted by Orient330iNYC

autosock (the original version of that) is not compliant for R3 chain control conditions in california and likely elsewhere.
that being said, if the conditions are bad enough to warrant an R3 condition, you more than likely should avoid driving in the first place.

Note in my reply: "There is a very large selecction on Amazon and you can enter your vehicle model for compatible items." so I wasn't recommending socks, although I found them interesting since they appear to claim very short installation time. Note also that Amazon offers a search by manufacturer and model which can be handy in making a selection. While I concur that one should avoid driving in hazardous conditions, being ready for unpredictable weather in some areas can be prudent. That said, I don't have to worry about snow in my area, just hurricanes

[Orient330iNYC]

Originally Posted by rjabend

Note in my reply: "There is a very large selecction on Amazon and you can enter your vehicle model for compatible items." so I wasn't recommending socks, although I found them interesting since they appear to claim very short installation time. Note also that Amazon offers a search by manufacturer and model which can be handy in making a selection. While I concur that one should avoid driving in hazardous conditions, being ready for unpredictable weather in some areas can be prudent. That said, I don't have to worry about snow in my area, just hurricanes

pontoons?

yup, agree with being prepared. jump pack, tire plug kit,sealant kit emergency food bars, heat blankets, fire extinguisher, etc etc etc

[AvGeek]

Originally Posted by Orient330iNYC

autosock (the original version of that) is not compliant for R3 chain control conditions in california and likely elsewhere.
that being said, if the conditions are bad enough to warrant an R3 condition, you more than likely should avoid driving in the first place.

Good to go in WA! Unfortunately, even if you have 3PMSF ("traction") tires, you are still required to carry them in the car so the AutoSock is what I'm going with.

https://www.wsp.wa.gov/wp-content/up...l-1024x626.png

https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/m...tiresandchains

[streborx]

Colorado passed a traction law a couple years ago, but its requirements for 2WD and 4WD/AWD vehicles is laughable.

[crackerjack15]

Bridgestone blizzacks. Go anywhere you want. You don't need chains. Unless you live in the middle of Alaska.

[streborx]

Originally Posted by crackerjack15

Bridgestone blizzacks. Go anywhere you want. You don't need chains. Unless you live in the middle of Alaska.

Blizzaks are amazing -- I run them on my Jeep Wrangler in the winter to push a 7 ft. Meyer snowplow. I've never had to chain-up since mounting them.

[Orient330iNYC]

Originally Posted by streborx

Colorado passed a traction law a couple years ago, but its requirements for 2WD and 4WD/AWD vehicles is laughable.

3/16th tread??? for a snow emergency? hell, in NYC if they declare a snow emergency, snow tires or chains are required (not that ive ever seen it enforced)

[rpatel18]

I got a set of winter tires to use during the winter. Got the pirelli scorpions as I got a good deal on them. I live in CA and we go to Tahoe often and they work well getting up to Tahoe

[MR_M2]

Originally Posted by rpatel18

I got a set of winter tires to use during the winter. Got the pirelli scorpions as I got a good deal on them. I live in CA and we go to Tahoe often and they work well getting up to Tahoe

What wheel/tire size are you running? Did you get chains as well?

[sharp]

Take my opinion with a grain of salt, but major highways are typically plowed very well, so as long as you don't take any country roads, your new all season tires should handle the trip just fine. Just keep an eye on the weather as you travel and be prepared to stop in a random hotel in case of a sudden severe snow storm.

Of course, winter tires would be ideal, but as someone who just got them I do understand that it is a big financial expense and isn't for everyone.

Good luck!

[streborx]

Let me repeat myself -- if your winter driving experience is limited and/or road conditions are so bad that tire chains are necessary, do yourself and everyone else a favor and don't drive. Snow tires and AWD provide sufficient traction and control. When they don't, you made a big mistake.