Anyone use Michelin Composite Snow Chains?

"ssm-one" (ssm-one) 11/19/2014 at 11:41 • Filed to: None

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So my new (old) 2008 BMW 328i is equipped with Goodyear Eagle F1 All-Season's and I have been struggling on whether to get winter tires or struggle through with the all seasons. My commute is about 18km each way, 95% of it highways that are usually dry and clear through the winter but occasionally snow or ice covered if the plows haven't made it through.

Wearing winters all season long when they are actually only needed a dozen or so times seems silly but is probably the safer bet in a rear drive car. However my father, who lives in the U.K., mentioned that he and many of his friends in Germany and Switzerland use Michelin Composite Snow Chains. They are light and easy to put on and seem to make all the sense in the world.

Does anyone have any experience with these? Thoughts?

Michelin Composite Snow Chains

E92M3 > ssm-one 11/19/2014 at 11:47

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Being RWD I would get something. Either the chains, or snows. If it was AWD all seasons would work fine. If you do get snows don't forget to take them off. I've seen many people be lazy, and go thru a whole set by driving on them until June. Then next fall they need a brand new set of snows that would of lasted at least 3 winters had they taken them off earlier.

spanfucker retire bitch > ssm-one 11/19/2014 at 11:54

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Even if there's no snow, winter tires will still perform better in lower temperatures. At least that's what I've read.

I've just purchased my first pair today, so I'll know in a week or so how well they handle on dry roads but in freezing temps.

Mattbob > ssm-one 11/19/2014 at 12:03

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they guy who narrates the youtube video is painful to listen to.

Biggus Dickus (RevsBro) > ssm-one 11/19/2014 at 12:03

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Just get a set of Snows, chains are overkill unless you live in the mountains. Up here in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, a lot of roads and highways have been ice covered for over a week (and probably will be until it heats up) and life still goes on.

Textured Soy Protein > ssm-one 11/19/2014 at 12:06

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A lot of places have laws forbidding the use of tire chains on public roads. I would check your local ordinances.

BoulderZ > ssm-one 11/19/2014 at 12:07

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I've used all-seasons on 2wd for years, both on the pickup and on the jetta. We get snow all winter long, and it's never been a problem. *HOWEVER*: my longest commute is 3 miles of plowed city streets, with multiple options for avoiding hills or difficult intersections. So, that's not a great test. I am hoping to get dedicated snows on the jetta this winter, and I already swapped the truck to BFG TA/KOs and added a limited slip diff. Good winter tires are more than just snow and ice traction. The rubber is much softer and optimized for use in cold weather. It's the opposite of taking an R compound tire out in 20 F weather and noticing you can't stop anymore. Of course, as others mentioned, you need to be sure to switch out when the weather warms or your now-squishy winter compound rubber will wear in no time.

Before I modified the truck, I carried a set of the cable-style chains. They were easier to put on than those composites (no rocking the car back and forth or anything). The Michelins look like a bit of a pain to put on in rain/snow/cold. All that reaching around the tire will soak your coat and gloves with road grime, while your pants get the same treatment as you kneel next to the car.

They were great for in-town use. They are horrible if you have to go over about 35 or 40 mph (you shouldn't do that), and if there's much dry pavement, they'll break pretty quickly. When they break, they can whip around and scratch the hell out of your fender even if you pull over quickly. The cleats on those Michelins will do that, too.

I'm not getting chains for the Jetta, just a set of Nokians. Whether or not I get them on new wheels depends on job situations this week and next (fingers crossed...).

OPPOsaurus WRX > ssm-one 11/19/2014 at 12:15

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i'd get snow tires. they will work great but they also take mileage off your regular tires so you kinda make out in the long run.

OPPOsaurus WRX > spanfucker retire bitch 11/19/2014 at 12:16

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yea i think my tires are not recommended below 47* or something. stock '14 wrx tires

jariten1781 > ssm-one 11/19/2014 at 12:16

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Chains are illegal in a lot of places and I don't know about BMWs but a lot of modern cars don't have the clearance to run snow chains like they used to. You can get away with throwing them on for a slow speed trip up and down a pass, but any speed or dry pavement running you risk damage.

I highly suggest winter tires if it's daily driving you're worrying about. If you're just looking for something to get that final leg to a ski resort then you might be able to get away with chains.

Wacko > spanfucker retire bitch 11/19/2014 at 12:26

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winter tire rubber stays sorter in cold weather, summers and all seasons become hard as a rock when cold. I've been driving in canada for 20 years, and always had winters and summer tires. winters are not just for snow and or ice, but also for the cold weather.

no set of chains will beat a good set of winter tires period.

deekster_caddy > OPPOsaurus WRX 11/19/2014 at 12:31

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WRX OEM tires? Do not use in snow!!! I wouldn't want the hassle of trying to decide if I need the chains or not today... just get winter tires.

ssm-one > ssm-one 11/19/2014 at 12:36

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All good advice fellow Opp's. I think I'll price out some winters. On a budget so not sure whether to get winters mounted on the current rims or whether to try to get winters on steel rims - perhaps even used.

deekster_caddy > ssm-one 11/19/2014 at 12:36

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One of the hassles of chains is putting them on. Usually your installation environment isn't nearly as pleasant as that shown in the video... but those look a lot easier than past tire chains to install. If all-seasons are good enough for most days, and you really only need help a dozen times a year, I guess those are worth a try. I'm a big fan of snow tires, but for certain situations that's not a bad way to go. I had chains I kept in my old full size van because it's snow tires really sucked (old knobby things), but fortunately I never had to use them.

OPPOsaurus WRX > deekster_caddy 11/19/2014 at 12:41

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lol I know. Its like snow boarding. I got the car at the end of January and my funds were tapped from the down payment and getting my previous vehicle back on the road. I was like whatever, it wont snow too much....... we got slammed. I bought winter tires and they are waiting to go on this saturday.

spanfucker retire bitch > OPPOsaurus WRX 11/19/2014 at 12:42

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Stock WRX tires are summer tires, they're even worse than All-seasons in winter conditions.

OPPOsaurus WRX > spanfucker retire bitch 11/19/2014 at 12:56

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o i'm well aware.i left a mile to stop.