Tire chains on an AWD explorer

[engera]

Does anyone know whether it would be better to run tire chain's on the front or rear with an AWD Explorer? I have run them on the rear with with my '94 4WD and they worked good on this really icy hill I used to go up. I'm guessing the rear on the AWD would be good too.

 

[RiverRat]

If it were me I'd put them on the rear too. That way, your rear end won't swing around.

Am i right?

 

[MrShorty]

Are you talking a case where you only have two chains? Best would be to have chains on all four. Is there some reason for only two?

 

[Alec]

This may be a stupid question:

Do you really need them with decent tires and AWD?

 

[IAmTodd]

Best place is to use them on the front. They're what steer. If you're on ice, you gotta steer. The gas company runs chains on their trucks, and my dad drive a 3/4 ton ram and runs the chains on the front. Thats the way they all there.

 

[MrShorty]

Originally posted by Alec
This may be a stupid question:

Do you really need them with decent tires and AWD?

If you make it to your destination fine without them, then no you probably didn't need them. After you've slid off the road into the ditch/telephone pole/snowbank/other car/guardrail/etc., though, is too late to put them on. 4WD/AWD is by no means invincible. Chains increase traction, and when I'm out on the highway between here and there, I like to have all the traction I can reasonably get.

 

[Alec]

I understand. I've just seen many worry about tire chains when they absolutely don't need them. Also, if a substantial portion of your trip is on dry roads....

 

[section525]

Originally posted by Alec
I understand. I've just seen many worry about tire chains when they absolutely don't need them. Also, if a substantial portion of your trip is on dry roads....

Alec, you should have seen Highway 50 (to/from Tahoe) on New Years Day. It was a chain convention! The best thing was this lifted Dodge Ram with a sticker "Outlaw Offroad" who was chained up on Main Street in Tahoe! WTF? We were in 2WD. People put chains on so they don't have to learn to drive in the snow.

But yes, if you must chain up your AWD I'd say throw them in the rear since thats where most your power is going.

 

[jimbo74]

with most cases, an AWD or 4x4 is not going to need chains if it has m+s tires as if they needed them, the chance that the road would be closed long before they would need them....

 

[Con Seann3ry]

you want them on the front because that is what steers, front wheel drive cars do better in the snow than rear wheel cars. For those with 2wd though you want them on the tires with power.

 

[Alec]

Originally posted by jimabena74
with most cases, an AWD or 4x4 is not going to need chains if it has m+s tires as if they needed them, the chance that the road would be closed long before they would need them....

Exactly. And IMO putting chains on instead of getting decent tires is irresponsible and negligent.

 

[engera]

I hardly ever use them but I have run into the situation where the road is shear ice and there are a lot of cars all over the road stuck. I was worried that if I slid too much I would run into someone and add to the mess. I remember one year there was a bad snow storm and the road got totally iced over. A totally jacked up truck with huge mudders blew past me and as if those tires would work good on ice. A 1/4 mile later he was stuck on ice up against a guard rail with a slight hill with about 10 other cars. I patiently stopped and chained up the rear tires while watching all of these people fumbling around with shovels, tire irons, and cell phones. I proceeded to go past all of these people slow and controlled and I got the dirtiest looks. I think everyone thought I was going to tow them out or something. It wasn't like I was leaving them in the midle of know where. We were in a residential area. I thought about going back and making a few bucks but with my luck something would have happened to me so I opted to stay home.

I have heard people say put them on the front and/or the rear for various reasons and they all have good points. The steering issue for the front and the power issue for the rear along with keeping the rear from coming around. Probably the safest is on the front and rear so I should probably pick up another set just in case.

BTW: For my normal driving, both of my X's go great in the snow and ice so I only use the chains in rare circumstances.

 

[RiverRat]

So a tire stamped with "M+S" is considered a snow tire and no changes required right?

I've seen the sign "Chains or snow tires OK"

 

[Alec]

Yes, M+S means "mud and snow". However, often when you see a sign that says chains are allowed they also mean that studs are allowed.

 

[jetmaker]

Mud and Snow tires are no substitute for chains or studs in icy conditions. If you are driving on frozen lakes and places where clear/black ice is present, studs are the best way to go. If you are driving on compacted snow, then chains or M+S tires are fine.

Also, driving responsibly for the conditions is another good approach.

jetmaker

 

[dreamr]

Originally posted by section525
[ People put chains on so they don't have to learn to drive in the snow.

my comments exactly. It took people here in the "city that never snows", two days after it melted to get over it and take their chains off. The roads are........... well I guess i shouldn't use that word. People need to simply learn to drive gently with a bit of finessese Rather than cramming the gas to get up the hill their slippin on.Or actually look for an alternate route around the steep hills. Then again I guess I grew up in the mountains of Idaho. If you can't drive on snow or ice your life stops in october, and won't start again till at least may. Screw the chains they are destructive to driving surfaces, your vehicle, and to a point your tires. There benefits really aren't ever necessary if you live near others. IE: in a town or city. Last comment: Go buy some tires with a severe weather rating. BFG AT KO are the bomb.
BTW we had 2 to 4 inches in Seattle. Snow really isn't very slick when fresh, yet I counted over two dozen accidents in my area alone. I drove all over the city in the x and never slipped a tire, well once or twice I suppose the Control Track kicked in so I must have a little slippage.

 

[dreamr]

Originally posted by jetmaker
[ If you are driving on frozen lakes and places where clear/black ice is present, studs are the best way to go.

This is a perfect of examplke of when neccessary.