| bzboy |
| Winter is here and will be definitely be boarding up in the mountains this winter. My question is that has anybody needed to use snow chains on their mdx while going up through the passes on the way to vail or keystone??? if so what chains should i get. Also did anybody get stopped and checked to have snow chains at least in their car before the patrol let them go on the roads??? thanks |
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| komondor |
4wd or AWD with snow tires takes the place of chains
http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/cdps/chainlaw.htm
The Colorado Chain Law is the popular term for the requirement for use of tire chains or adequate snow tires on mountain highways during heavy snow conditions. The term is somewhat of a misnomer because chains are not always required. There are two levels of the law that may be invoked as follows.
Chains or adequate snow tires required
This level requires the use of snow tires or traction devices such as chains, cable chains, etc. All-season radials do not necessarily qualify as snow tires. The tire must have the mud-and-snow designation on the sidewall (M+S).
Chains only
When this level is in effect, chains are required. The statute defines tire chains as either conventional, steel-link tire chains or traction devices of alternate materials and/or design provided that they are "capable of providing traction equal to or exceeding that of such metal chains under similar conditions" (42-4-106(5)(a)(I), CRS). Four-wheel drive vehicles are permitted to operate without tire chains provided that they have adequate tires. |
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| Dick at Incline |
| If you decide to get chains, to help you out if you get stuck, I would recommend Cables, because they are easy to put on, and certainly meet any requirements. I keep a small bag with the Cables under the lid behind the rear seat. Just remember to put them on the Front Wheels, as the MDX is basically Front Wheel Drive. |
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| alphaforcex |
| I too plan to go to the mountain but I live in Texas so I don't want to get snow tires. Do the goodyears have M+S? Are they sufficient? Otherwise, I'll need to get chains. |
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| komondor |
| The goodyears count as snow tires. |
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| BaldEagle |
Most snow areas require you to carry chains but rarely make you chain up with a 4WD/AWD vehicle with M & S or all season rated tires. In over 40 years of winter driving in California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Nevada, and Idaho only in California have I been required to put the chains on. Think they must be paranoid about all the flatlanders with limited snow driving experience on the roads.
The MDX does very well in the snow. The chains I carry in the back are new and still in the box. |
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| bzboy |
| i dont want to spend a lot of money just to get snow tires. do the michellin cross terrains count as snow tires??? what is the name of the "cables" that can be put on the tires and where can i buy them?? |
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| Dick at Incline |
Yes, Michelin Cross Terrains are snow tires. If you look on the tire just after the Size you will find M + S, indicating Mud and Snow. You can get cables (or Chains) at most Kragen, Checker or AutoZone stores.
Even though Chains (or Cables) are not required for the MDX, some people have found them handy if they get stuck on Secondary roads that have not been plowed well. So it may be good insurance to carry a set. If you opt to buy Chains instead of Cables, then Costco carries excellent chains that are also quite easy to put on. |
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| bad news |
| If I remember correctly the manual states that you should use cables and not chains. I believe it has something to do with strut clearance. |
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| Dick at Incline |
quote:
Originally posted by bad news
If I remember correctly the manual states that you should use cables and not chains. I believe it has something to do with strut clearance.
You're right. Manual says, Cables only, and tighten them with Rubber cords. There's very little room between the suspension and the Front Wheels. |
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| Mr. Mom |
Wilmar stated this a while back:
New Improved Cable Chains from SCC That Replace the - Z-Chain LT
I thought that I would repost this for anyone thinking of purchasing cahins for the MDX.. Original post on 12/20/03
SCC has just introduced improved cable chains for the MDX (and others) that replace the Z-Chain LT with the solid steel hoop. As we know that chain did not fold up into a nice compact package. The new model (which also does not require chain tighteners) is called the Z-571 and has a flexible hoop which folds neatly into a small rugged flexible (nylon type) zippered bag. This is a nice bag, black in color, although it does have some silk screening on it.
The good news is that it fits in the rear storage area in a space that is a little larger than what the headrest takes up when stored.
Now the bad news. This is a brand new product and is in limited supply and not yet on the SCC web site (http://www.scc-chain.com/NewFiles/S...s/seasonal.html). Since I live in Oregon and this is the home of SCC, I called them (Security Chain Co. 503.656.5400) and they suggested that I order them through my local NAPA dealer, which I did. Make sure that you tell the dealer that it is a new product and it will not show up on there normal order screen. It is a special order at this time for NAPA. That should change in the near future though.
I believe the retail price is $149 for the set, however, if you have a friend at NAPA, they should be able to give you a jobber price (the price they sell to service stations). This will save you big $$.
Back to the really good news again. I am a skier and I visit the mountains quite frequently throughout the Winter. The MDX handles so well in the snow that I will probably never have to use chains unless the police are stopping traffic and will only let vehicles through with chains on. That has not happened to me in over 45 years of skiing all over the west, but it could and now I am ready with my new .Z-571's.
And no, I don't have any affiliation with SCC.
I have a pair of these and they are the best out there. |
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| bad news |
Mr. Mom
If in 45 years you've never been forced to use chains, how do you know they're so good?
Nevertheless, they sound great and seeing I too live in Oregon, I guess I'm just going to have to get me a pair of them. |
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| Mr. Mom |
I was quoting Wilmar, but come to think of it, it's been awhile for me too. When you need them though, you really need them.
:) |
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