First road-trip with snow

[Belowjobs]

I have a 19 inch continental procontact rx. I’m planning to drive from Bay Area to LA and realized that highway 5 have snow route. Is the tire good enough to drive through or I will need a tire chain ?
TYIA!

 

[E30-4ME]

I think that's an all-season tire, correct? If so you should be alright if the snow isn't super deep or slippery. Having some chains or snow socks isn't a bad idea though, just in case.

 

[frankvb]

Not really sure about I5, but in places in CA where you could get chain restrictions you have to carry chains with you if there is any chain requirement level, even though with R1/R2 restrictions you don't have to mount them with AWD and A/S (technically marked M+S) tires.

Chain Controls / Chain Installation | Caltrans

State of California

dot.ca.gov

Note that the regulation refers to 'snow tires' but the definition of those is M+S, not the 'snowflake' symbol as required in some other states.

 

[leaftoy]

Has there ever been chain controls on the Grapevine? I think they are more likely to close the road than put chain controls.

 

[iamnid]

Has there ever been chain controls on the Grapevine? I think they are more likely to close the road than put chain controls.

Agreed -- if it's bad, they just close the Grapevine, I've never seen/heard of them requiring chains. If it isn't closed, it will be plowed and you don't want to use chains on a plowed road anyway.

 

[augkuo]

They will just close I5 if there's too much snow/ice -

UPDATE: I-5 over Grapevine closed again due to snow, ice

 

[acarney]

Not sure about your route, but those tires kinda suck in snow from what I've seen on YouTube. Last winter there were a bunch of videos showing people getting stuck in parking lots with just a very tiny grade and like four inches of snow. Either these are horrible youtube reviewers trying to dis on Tesla (they seem to love the car, but these videos didn't go well) or those tires really don't do well below freezing temps and with snowy roads.

 

[Belowjobs]

Yes, my route will be i5 to grapevine. Will order tire chain just in case till I get a better all season tire.

Thanks all!

 

[acatwith12]

When does the grapevine pass have snow? I went bay area to LA in Jan a couple years and didn't plan for this but prob will go again next year. How will I know before my trip and/or what chains should I order?

 

[Belowjobs]

When does the grapevine pass have snow? I went bay area to LA in Jan a couple years and didn't plan for this but prob will go again next year. How will I know before my trip and/or what chains should I order?

I plan on going during Thanksgiving holiday. I will ordering the one that Tesla recommends.

 

[acatwith12]

I plan on going during Thanksgiving holiday. I will ordering the one that Tesla recommends.

Hmm based on current and historical forecasts it doesn't seem like it's even remotely in snowing temps in late November?

 

[Belowjobs]

Hmm based on current and historical forecasts it doesn't seem like it's even remotely in snowing temps in late November?

I thought I saw it somewhere in the news, few years back that it snowed.

 

[iamnid]

It snowed a few years back - yes. I wouldn't bother changing your tires. When it snows, they're initially so unprepared that they just close it entirely until they can get a plow in there. Once it's plowed, you'll be fine with those tires. Worst case scenario, if it's closed, you can detour around Tehachpi pass... Different tires and/or chains aren't going to help when they've simply closed the road.