Chains or snow tires

[cyril185]

Thanks for the answers guys, and sorry my point wasn't clear.

I'm not expecting ice/snow for the 2000mi.
Let's say I have 100mi over 2000

Is it worse to put 1900 extra miles on ice tires or 100mi on regular tires with chains?

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[cyril185]

Unless you understood that and meant a few mi with chains only

 

[Old 5 Oh]

Thanks for that.

Now what would be the downside of chains?

I'm going to a 2000mi road trip in December through Yosemite, death valley, but then las vegas, grand canyon, sedona, phoenix and LA...

Not sure what the best setup would be...

Major downside of chains is the Owner's Manual says to not use them. But in general, chains are a pain. You have to get out in the snow to put them on, because you only use them when the roads are terrible. Installing chains in falling snow is not joyous. Once you have them on, you are limited to about 25 mph unless you like tearing up your chains, your tires and maybe your fenders. Last, since chains only go on the drive wheels, your steering and most of your braking are still reliant on whatever non-snow tires you have on the front. Drive with extreme caution.

I lived in CA for my entire life, and it's the home of tire chains. They are often required by the Highway Patrol on snowy roads, so I know whereof I speak. Since you are going to Yosemite, you NEED to carry tire chains as they could become required at just about any time during a storm.

If you can choose winter tires instead, that's a much better way to go.

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