Looking for Advice - Long Road Trip

Chains are frequently required to cross over some of the mountain passes on I-70 and other highways in Colorado. They have check points to make sure you have them and won't let you continue without them. I'm sure other states with similar conditions are the same. Doesn't necessarily mean the snow is too deep. It might be too slick for the steep grade.

 

Change the oil before you go with 100% synthetic. This car takes 3.9 quarts with a new filter. Buy a 5 quart jug of Mobil 1 5-30 for $24.95 at Walmart.
Use 5-30 it will help with the extended high speed driving.
And check the engine oil every morning before you start the car. Top it off keep it at the full line always.

 

Nevada DOT snow chains?

Vehicles < 10,000 GVW are required to use snow tires or approved traction devices.

California DOT

Cars and light trucks < 6,000 GVW must have mud-snow (M-S) tires on driving wheels. Motorists are advised to carry chains.

Traction and Chains Requirement Descriptions | Nevada Department of Transportation

Colorado DOT

All two-wheel drive motor vehicles with a GCWR/GVWR less than 16,001 pounds traveling on any portion of I-70 between mile point 259 (Morrison) and mile point 133 (Dotsero) must have:

Tire chains for two or more drive tires; OR
An approved ATD for two or more drive tires; OR
Tires with a tread depth of at least 3/16-inch and which are rated foreither “All weather” or “Mud and Snow” (indicated by a “All Season”,M+S, M/S, etc. on sidewall) by the manufacturer.

All four-wheel drive motor vehicles with a GCWR/GVWR that is less than 16,001 pounds traveling on any portion of I-70 between mile point 259 (Morrison) and mile point 133 (Dotsero) must have tires with a tread depth of at least 3/16-inch and are adequate for winter driving conditions.

Chain Law Information | Colorado State Patrol - CSP

 

I don't care what California says...

A M/S tire (mud and snow )is NOT a winter tire and is not a suitable alternative to a real snow (winter) tire such as a Blizzak or an Ice-X or as an alternative to tire chains.

And, yes, For most of the Western mountain highways you have to carry chains or have REAL winter tires from November through March, regardless if the roads are clear and dry or not.

There's a reason I now have a Subaru Outback with Blizzaks -- I got tired of putting chains on day after day..
All-Season vs. Winter Tires: The Differences of a Cold Climate Tire | General Tire



Kris

 

California needs to start enforcing controls at a lower level than northern states because it has more drivers lacking both usable M+S tires and any sort of winter driving skills. It takes only a few of them to completely close the highway, as my state's primary mountain pass regularly demonstrates with "multiple spin-outs and collisions". California has several higher level restriction stages too.

My first California checkpoint experience was on Donner Pass during an unseasonably early snowstorm. Everyone I saw ahead of me was getting turned back, but my Subaru with WA plates was easily waved through without any sort of tire check.

By the time you need real winter tires for your Oregon conditions, California has probably already required chains even for AWDs with true winter tires, or closed the road entirely.

 

Western Mountains British Columbia Winter tires required Oct 1 - Apr 30

Designated Winter Tire &amp; Chain Routes - Province of British Columbia

Best winter tires, studded or studless, for your road trip.

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