Date:         Wed, 9 Jan 2013 13:07:04 -0800
Reply-To:     Al Knoll <anasasi@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Al Knoll <anasasi@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      S'not Tires
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252

I LOVE a good tire tread, sorry Jeff, couldn't help myself.

I've used AT/KOs for well over 150Kmiles in both the 195 and the 215
sizes.  Both perform very well in snow.  As good as Nokians or Conti
Contacts or Vredesteins, no data available.  In Calichi (sp?) mud they plug
up and simply give up.  Then you slip slidin' away no matter what.

Snow vs Ice is a science.  Snow traction is achieved by packing the snow
with the tread.  Ice traction with only rubber is problematic as the thin
film of water that exists on the boundary between tire and ice is a great
lubricant hence the siping.  Lots of stuff on your favorite scientific
website on this.

McNeely is concerned about being cited or incarcerated for running
"illegal" tires.  Here in Kalifornia we have various tire restrictions
R0,R1,R2 and R3, that dictate the traction law at the time and location.
Yep, they will cite you and if you smart off to the flathat you'll get a
summons along with an arrest and a gargantuan tow charge.  Just remember
you don't get cited for breaking the law, you get cited for getting caught
breaking the law.  Hands at 10 and 2, sunglasses off, hat off, window down,
wait for the officer to speak, be nice, be obedient, even cheerful.  Answer
all the questions in a pleasant professional manner. You may question the
cititation, before siging it.  If you see an error do not point it out.  If
you don't sign the citation you will be arrested.

If asked to get out of your car you are allowed to ask why.  Ask before
reaching into the glovebox for your registration and insurance papers.  Do
not consent to a search of your person or your vehicle without a warrant.
(See 4th Amendment US Constitution).

http://tirechain.com/california-chain-requirement.htm  has the skinny on
what and where and the definitions of the R codes.

I suspect the "snowflake" bit is for folks who have a hard time with the
next paragraph.

dot.ca.gov has :


*Are “all-weather” or “all-terrain” tires the same as “snow” tires?*

They may be. Snow tires have the designation “Mud & Snow” or an
abbreviation such as “M-S,” “M+S,” or “M/S” marked on the tire sidewall.
Tires without this designation are not considered snow tires. Snow tires
must also have at least 6/32-inch (3/16”) of tread depth (about 1/2 of the
original tread depth).

*Are cable chains permitted?*

Usually. They are permitted for passenger cars and light trucks under
virtually all conditions. Cables are not as effective as link-type chain
under severe conditions at higher elevations and steep grades for
“big-rigs” and may not be permitted depending on local conditions as
determined by Caltrans. Whenever chain controls are posted over Donner Pass
on Interstate 80, heavy trucks are usually required to have link-type chain
on at least the main drive axle.

*Must chains be carried in exempted vehicles?*

Vehicles without chains are not permitted to enter chain control areas and
must return to a lower elevation where chains are not required. There is no
provision to park vehicles at chain control check points.

*What does it mean when the radio road information says “trucks are being
screened?”*

During inclement or unsettled weather conditions, Caltrans may set up truck
screening check points at approaches to major mountain highways. When these
screens are present, all heavy-duty trucks must stop and show Caltrans
personnel that they have the required chains on board to proceed. Trucks
without chains will be directed to return to a lower elevation until
weather improves. There is no room available at higher elevations to park
trucks not equipped with chains.

*What are the dates for studded snow tires?*

Studded snow tires are permitted in California from November 1 until April
30 each year. During this time, studded tires are permitted in any location
within the state. Studded snow tires are not considered tire traction
devices and may not be used in lieu of chains.

*If I have 4-wheel-drive, do I need to carry chains?*

Yes. Even though weather conditions may not warrant the use of chains on
4-wheel-drive vehicles at a particular time, to enter a chain control area,
you must have a set of chains (for one drive axle) for your vehicle in your
possession. If conditions worsen or you have trouble controlling your
vehicle, you must stop and install the chains.

*If I have snow tires, do I need to carry chains?*

Yes. Even though weather conditions may not warrant the use of chains on
passenger vehicles equipped with snow tires at a particular time, to enter
a chain control area, you must have a set of chains (one pair) for your
vehicle in your possession. If conditions worsen or you have trouble
controlling your vehicle, you must stop and install the chains.

*If I have snow tires on a heavy-duty commercial vehicle, do I need to
carry chains?*

Yes. There is no exemption for heavy-duty commercial vehicles (over 6,500
pounds gross weight) equipped with snow tires. Chains must be installed on
heavy-duty commercial vehicles whenever chain controls are posted.

*If I have studded snow tires, do I need to carry chains?*

Yes. Studded snow tires are not considered tire traction devices and may
not be used in lieu of chains.

And that my friends is the story.  NB you are allowed to travel without the
squirrel coat but you'll be a heck of a lot colder puttin on them
chainies.  Gloves, shovel, hat, Sorels (canadian bedroom slippers) and so
on always in my winter kit along with rodent food.

Pensionerd.  (Drive on)