BAWC Forums

vr4 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 03, 2025 6:31 pm I also refuse to touch chains. Blizzaks are mind blowing in how well they work in ice.

Unfortunately non-studded winter tires on a 2wd vehicle won't get him past chain check points on I-80.

Chris GTO TT wrote: ↑Mon Nov 03, 2025 7:01 pm

vr4 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 03, 2025 6:31 pm I also refuse to touch chains. Blizzaks are mind blowing in how well they work in ice.

Unfortunately non-studded winter tires on a 2wd vehicle won't get him past chain check points on I-80.

Im a bit surprised studs are enough. Here its either 3psf or chains. No in-between. Only exception is awd can sometimes not use chains if they have 3psf tires and are being operated in a/4wd. Locally any time a restriction has been placed its chains required on all vehicles. (All Oregon. Washington DGAF. Oregon can be shut down requiring chains and Washington is all "have fun. try not to die")

Apparently I was wrong, if chains are required then studded tires are not enough to meet that requirement. There is a lower requirement where true winter tires are allowed... At least in CA so maybe it's just for getting around Reno

Im good.

Chain Installation
You must stop and put on chains when highway signs indicate chains are required. You can be cited by the California Highway Patrol and fined if you don't. You will usually have about a mile between "Chains Required" signs and the checkpoint to install your chains.

Control areas can change rapidly from place to place because of changing weather and road conditions.
The speed limit when chains are required is 25 or 30 miles an hour.
When you put on chains, wait until you can pull completely off the roadway to the right. Do not stop in a traffic lane where you will endanger yourself and block traffic.
Chain Installers: If you use the services of a chain installer, be sure to get a receipt and jot the installer's badge number on it. Remember, chain installers are independent business people, not Caltrans employees. Having the badge number may help with any misunderstandings later. Chain installers are NOT allowed to sell or rent chains.
When removing chains, drive beyond the signs reading "End of Chain Control" to a pull-off area where you can safely remove them.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) does not sell nor recommend specific brands of tire chains. It is best to check your vehicle manufacturer's specifications for use of tire chains/traction devices.

Chain Installation Chart (PDF) depicting the proper placement of traction devices for all vehicles.

Chain Requirement Levels
During the winter months, motorists may encounter traction chain controls in the mountain areas within California. When chain controls are established, signs will be posted along the road indicating the type of requirement. There are Three Levels of Chain Requirements in California:

Requirement 1 (R-1): Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle.
Requirement 2 (R2): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels.
NOTE: (Four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)
Requirement 3 (R3): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.
Truckers, see our Truck Chain Requirements page.

R-1 and R-2 are the most common conditions. A highway will often be closed before an R-3 condition is imposed. Some local areas may use variations of these designations. You must follow the directions on the signs posted for chain controls or any instructions given by Caltrans or CHP personnel at chain control check points, even if these are at variance with broadcast road condition reports or information contained herein.

1 Snow-tread Tires: The California Vehicle Code, Section 558 defines a snow-tread tire as follows, "A 'Snow-tread tire' is a tire which has a relatively deep and aggressive tread pattern compared with conventional passenger tread pattern". Snow-tread tires can be identified by examining the sidewall of the tire where the letters MS, M/S, M+S or the words MUD AND SNOW have been stamped into the sidewall.

2 Tire Traction Devices: The California Vehicle Code, Section 605 defines tire traction devices as follows: "Tire Traction Devices are devices or mechanisms having a composition and design capable of improving vehicle traction, braking and cornering ability upon snow or ice-covered surfaces. Tire traction devices shall be constructed and assembled to provide sufficient structural integrity and to prevent accidental detachment from vehicles. Tire traction devices shall, at the time of manufacture or final assembly, bear a permanent impression indicating the name, initials or trademark of the assembling company or primary manufacturer, and the country in which the devices were manufactured or assembled in final form."

https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-drivin ... n-controls

I must be the only one bored at work today. Updated paint job on wheels.

Went with a Lacquer gloss black.

only 3?

I'm hiding the 4th.

ChargerX3 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 05, 2025 8:43 pm I must be the only one bored at work today.

I took a sick day cause the youngest isn't feeling well.

Man, you should be all over the webs then.

Playing video games while he watches tv lol also trip to the dr and Chipotle for lunch

Chris GTO TT wrote: ↑Thu Nov 06, 2025 12:45 am Playing video games while he watches tv lol also trip to the dr and Chipotle for lunch

followed by a lengthy bathroom visit? thats a good time to BAWC

That's not a terrible way to spend the day. By the way is the government shutdown affecting your work?

ChargerX3 wrote: ↑Thu Nov 06, 2025 4:17 pm That's not a terrible way to spend the day. By the way is the government shutdown affecting your work?

Yes but not my pay or anything like that. The delays on SNAP benefits is an impact and my team and I are the primary contact point for the vendor who runs the application we use for determination/issuance

Yikes. I bet your offices are BUSY.

ChargerX3 wrote: ↑Thu Nov 06, 2025 5:14 pm Yikes. I bet your offices are BUSY.

Yeah but it's less busy than I think we expected. The news seems to be going out well.

Wow, thats not what i would have expected. I figured you would be fielding complaints helping to navigate the changes.

ChargerX3 wrote: ↑Thu Nov 06, 2025 5:45 pm Wow, thats not what i would have expected. I figured you would be fielding complaints helping to navigate the changes.

Yeah unfortunately there's absolutely nothing we can do to help people beyond point them to the nearest food bank

Did the ceramic coat on the Fit too. Also did the permanent tire shine. It lasts about 2 years, so its worth the prep time to put on.

Which tire stuff is this?

This is the better stuff. I have a knockoff that works well, but its a little less shiny. Ill have to look it up when i get home.

https://dura-coating.com/products/dura- ... dZM_duutXU