Question about Driving in the Snow

Hey guys. I'm taking my tacoma out to the snow (Lake Tahoe area) for the first time and it looks like the roads are pretty nasty right now.

Currently, they are requiring 4x4 with snow tires or chains. I currently have Duratrac tires but they are reaching the end of their life. Do you think that chains would be excessive or provide any additional value?

Any tips you have for navigating nasty roads, I'd love to hear them. Thanks!

 

You don't state if you have previous 4 wheeling experience or not; so the basics. Chains are great in deep snow when you need then, on paved roads they are noisy. It is recommended to keep the speed to about 30 MPH.

 

First, read this thread (at least @jberry813 's first post):
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/10-tips-for-driving-in-the-snow.256975/

assuming you're heading up via 80 or 50, caltrans plows the roads and if its real bad, they'll close the highway like they did this morning.

As far as chains, legally you're required to carry them when you enter a chain control section of the highway. I always carry a set (both in my tacoma and previously in my wrx) but i've never been stopped / asked to put them on. I carry them just in case they decide to ask me to show them the chains.

only tip I really have is take it slow and modulate the gas pedal.

 

If you're asking this question I am going to guess you have minimal experience driving in the snow. So I'll add another basic: slow down. 4wd makes practically no difference when it comes to stopping or turning. While we're talking about stopping or turning - in the snow, realize you will likely not be able to do both at the same time. Pick one.

In terms of do you need chains? Probably not, I've only found them necessary when going up the steep portions of some of the passes in my old 98 fwd VW Jetta. With 4wd to get you through the steep spots I think you should be fine as long as your tires aren't legally bald. Throw some weight in the bed if you want to improve your chances.

 

Driving in the snow/ice is like The Matrix... "you can't be told about it, you have to see it for yourself"
You have to drive in it and learn by doing.

 

Which way are you coming from? Looks like the 80 is shut down at stateline

 

I'm taking the 50.

 

OP, dont be that goon causing a big traffic pile up.

1. Like stated in california you are LEGALLY REQUIRED TO HAVE CHAINS in chain control areas even if they are not required. Get a set, rather have them and not need them than need them and no have em. Also you can and will be turned around if you are stopped at a chain control stopped and asked to show them.

2. SLOW and steady wins the race as others said, snow and ice driving is very different and often times people dont realize how much extra distance it takes to stop. I always take a new snow driver / people who dont believe me out to an empty section of road and show them how long it takes, every single time they go, that took 3x longer than i would of guessed.

3. 4x4 dont to shit for stopping or turning, in our trucks it will actually hinder both rather than help... only thing it helps is getting you moving. Dont fall under the standard Californian mentality of OH i have 4x4 im invincible in the snow, the fact that you have come to ask your snow driving questions already means you are 10 steps ahead of 90% of the other drivers on those snowy roads.

 

Best advice I've ever received is "everyone has all wheel brakes".

4wd or no, go slow.

Also remember that your front and rear wheels are locked so if you are making a slow tight turn, if you have too much traction, your can break your 4wd. Taking it out of 4wd on the fly can help tight turns.

Lastly, in 4wd, expect to under steer so turn early and don't over react if your not turning imediately. Your front tires will eventually catch. A little gas (a locked rear diff helps) can give you a quick oversteer but only recommended if you're experienced enough and/or have enough room to make a mistake and lose your ass a little. Until then take turns early and slow.

 

Where chains help is ice. In conditions where snow has partially melted and refrozen, or on glare ice 4X4 is much less helpful. Chains bite into the ice and make a huge difference, especially stopping. In areas where the roads are regularly plowed and treated 4X4 is probably enough. In more remote areas where you're literally on your own, I like having chains.

 

Right.... I frequent mammoth mtn area, have driven in snow quite a bit and while driving on snow and ice can be a little worrisome its the other cooks and gapers on the road with no idea what they are doing that freak me out!

I will often do my best to drive the least when im in town and take public transit / rides from others so my truck stays safe haha.

 

I'm not interested in driving like an idiot or like its summer. I'm interested in being safe and driving appropriately for the conditions.

 

While I agree about slowing down, 4wd has been shown to help you stop in certain conditions. Also, I find that in 4wd the front wheels pull the truck in the direction I’m steering which can be helpful. But obviously this all goes to hell if you’re going too damn fast.

 

Oh no snow!!! Take it easy and anticipate everything you are going to do like stop, turn, that car in front is going to randomly decide to stop, turn or slow down. These trucks are great in the snow but thinking ahead will make them even better. Once you do it a few hundred times it's second nature.

 

I just got back from Homewood (Tahoe). I did fine with my bald nitto grapplers and 4WD

 

Just take it easy drive a speed you feel comfortable with don't worry how fast other people are driving if they ride your ass let them pass chances are you might see them later in the ditch. Chains are a life saver when you need them just make sure you know how to put them on I don't know how many times I've helped people that don't know.

 

You know what's crazy is taking for granted knowing how to drive in snow. Guess living in the "Last Best Place" MONTANA" you learn to drive in snow from September to May!!! So one thing noone here has said is brakes are bad on ice and snow! When your preparing to stop, slow down, or going down a steep grade down shift. That's right use yours gears no matter if it's a automatic or manual. Let's your transmission and engine compression slow you down. I have never had to use chains on the highway no matter how bad. But couldn't hurt to take some if your leaving the highway to play in the fresh powder you might be breaking them out. Good luck!!!

 

Yep, a key thing to learn is when braking is useless to slowdown.