Snow Tires in April - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

**jediknight36** · 11-28-2008, 01:08 PM

Hey, as some of you know my wife and I wll be taking our smart (when it gets here) to your wonderful state for our honeymoon. We will be going up Pikes peek the first day we get in Colorado and want to spend all the time we can in the mountains. I have been in contact with the smart chapter there and you guys have agreed to take us on a smart drive through the mountains.

Anyway, should we be worried about snow tires or chains?

LorbeerTLC · 11-28-2008, 08:37 PM

To be on the safe side, I would carry a set of chains. You may not need them... but having them gives you peace of mind in case you might need them. And believe me, there's nothing worse than being stranded in snow in the middle of no-where.
I purchased a set for my 2008 smart cabrio as insurance... just in case.

Best Regards,

-Tom L.

bigcritter · 11-29-2008, 08:11 AM

I grew up on the southern tip of Lake Michigan..... Gary, Indiana. I remember one year as a kid hunting Easter eggs in a foot of snow! That's just lake effect....not mountains. When you're talking mountain ranges, you just NEVER know, and because of their elevation, it can change in a hurry, so I agree with LorbeerTLC, it's ALWAYS a good idea to have chains when traveling in the mountains..........just in case! Otherwise, enjoy your trip! I've only passed through Colorado before, but it's beautiful country! :>)

smark · 11-29-2008, 08:28 AM

Play it safe. Fly out. Rent a Jeep. Save the miles. That way you won't get a big rock chip on your new windshield. I mean rock chips the size, of Topeka. I got 2 in one week out there. Came out of no where. If it snows, you'll be fine. If you want to go off road, you can! In Colorado the weather changes at a drop of hat. Beautiful State. Nothing like it. We always go there in July camping and hiking.

bking · 12-04-2008, 08:54 PM

Ski areas are still open in May. Depending on the weather, Pikes Peak may not be open when you're here. Snow tires at the minimum. The snow months in Colorado are March & April. Temperature's are starting to warm up around then so the snow doesn't stick around on the roads. If your going with a group, I think chains would be over-kill.

---Bob

**jediknight36** · 12-08-2008, 09:48 AM

But buying tires for this one trip is what Im worried about. It dosnt snow enough here to warrant tires. And when we visit the in laws in Kansas, we usually take the larger car so we can fit all their stuff they give us in it.

**jwight** · 12-08-2008, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jediknight36

But buying tires for this one trip is what Im worried about. It dosnt snow enough here to warrant tires. And when we visit the in laws in Kansas, we usually take the larger car so we can fit all their stuff they give us in it.

My guess is you won't see snow until you hit the mountains (freak blizzards aside) and making the whole trip on snows when 99% of the driving is on clear roads doesn't make any sense to me. Couple of posts on chains for the smarts - cost less than snows and you probably won't use them anyway. Just my .02.

Wdhitch · 12-08-2008, 10:31 AM

Jedi... I used to live just north of The Springs... If it's bad enough that you need chains for a personal vehicle they will have shut the roads down... CO is very good about keeping the roads clear... watch out for the rocks though... You may want to lay one or two tube sands across the boot area though... you can get those at any Home Depot though. As for going up Pikes Peak the same situation applies... If the road isn't clear they won't let you go up there.
I used to drive a rear wheel drive Isuzu Rodeo and the wife had a new Beetle while we lived out there... no problems with the roads and we didn't have snow tires. You should be fine.

Have fun and while your there check out Garden of the Gods... it's amazing!!!!

LorbeerTLC · 12-08-2008, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jediknight36

But buying tires for this one trip is what Im worried about. It dosnt snow enough here to warrant tires. And when we visit the in laws in Kansas, we usually take the larger car so we can fit all their stuff they give us in it.

jediknight36,

I agree. Chains would be the best of both worlds. You don't have to spend the money on winter/snow tires. Nothing beats getting the best overall traction like a good set of chains. I've even purchased them for my fortwo.

-Tom L.

**jediknight36** · 12-08-2008, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LorbeerTLC

jediknight36,

I agree. Chains would be the best of both worlds. You don't have to spend the money on winter/snow tires. Nothing beats getting the best overall traction like a good set of chains. I've even purchased them for my fortwo.

-Tom L.

I have no experience with chains. When do I put them on, take them off? How many should I get?