Road Trip To California in December, What To Do With My Winter Tires - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Ace · 11-03-2011, 04:50 PM

So I'm thinking abour driving to california in December. This got me thinking do I take my winter tires off for this trip. Will I do any damage to them if i drive for a couple weeks in 20 degree weather? Obviously I'd want them on going through the northern US.

Tire experts?

You Need a Thneed · 11-03-2011, 04:52 PM

Pray for snow and cold in California. Problem solved.

Hemi-Cuda · 11-03-2011, 04:56 PM

would it actually be 20 degrees? i was in Vegas last winter and the temperature never got above 15, and that's in the desert. either way i don't think a couple of weeks in warmer weather will ruin your tires

woob · 11-03-2011, 04:57 PM

If you've got a 4x4 SUV just keep your all seasons on. You'll be fine, especially when stopping on ice!

Phanuthier · 11-03-2011, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ace

So I'm thinking abour driving to california in December. This got me thinking do I take my winter tires off for this trip. Will I do any damage to them if i drive for a couple weeks in 20 degree weather? Obviously I'd want them on going through the northern US.

Tire experts?

you may need winter tires (even chains) for some parts

and its not 20 degrees... dunno about San Diego though

bossy22 · 11-03-2011, 06:40 PM

I would keep the tires on. If we have a winter like we did last year, you'll be driving through snow in California.

Nage Waza · 11-03-2011, 06:43 PM

I think it was 22 today, but 32 yesterday (Palm Springs)...the temperature is very up and down, but it will be hot but not 45 degrees again until June or July. You will see 20s if you head this far south, so probably would want to swap tires. Maybe store them somewhere and pick them up on the way out?

I don't recommend winter tires in southern Cali at all, they are too soft on a hot road.

macker · 11-03-2011, 08:40 PM

I would keep them on regardless of which way you are going to get there. There are passes in Utah that top out at 6,100 feet and between Las Vegas and LA 5,000 feet along the I-15. Northern California we went through a pass that topped out at 7,179 by Lake Tahoe and there was snow on the shoulders of the road last July. The I-80 in Nortern California and Northern Nevada has many areas that not only do you need winter tires but likely even chains in December

. These numbers are all in feet but to put it into perspective the highest driveable pass in Canada is the highwood pass and it tops out at 7,239 feet or 2206 M. High elevation = snow = winter tires

BlackArcher101 · 11-03-2011, 09:43 PM

Extra wear from 2 weeks of use in above zero temps is negligible. I keep mine on all summer and there's barely much difference between them and all-seasons (wear wise).

socalwingfan · 11-03-2011, 09:49 PM

I've driven back to Calgary in December for XMas at least 4 times in an Acura RSX with regular tires never had an issue. Got caught in a snowstorm in the Glacier Park in Montana that took about 5 years off my life - but other than that - smooth sailing

Frequitude · 11-03-2011, 10:14 PM

Just sell them and learn how to drive

drhu22 · 11-03-2011, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by socalwingfan

I've driven back to Calgary in December for XMas at least 4 times in an Acura RSX with regular tires never had an issue. Got caught in a snowstorm in the Glacier Park in Montana that took about 5 years off my life - but other than that - smooth sailing

You're lucky it did'nt take more years off (kidding).

I would lean towards leaving them on...the stress and possible consequences of needing them and not having them outweigh those of not needing them and having them (i'm thinking of mountain snowstorms).

Also, carefully check out weather forecasts before you leave.

Bill Bumface · 11-04-2011, 10:23 AM

Adding $100 of wear to your winter tires (probably a huge exaggeration) is worth it to save a fender bender or worse that will cost you $1500 at absolute minimum and create huge hassles and possibly kill a couple days of your trip.

Cheap insurance.

troutman · 11-04-2011, 10:41 AM

There are some high mountain passes in California, where you would want snow tires. Especially going from Oregon into Northern California.

ken0042 · 11-04-2011, 11:36 AM

I agree with keeping them on. One huge consideration is where in California you are going. If you are going to the Bay Area, I wouldn't even think twice about it. The only reason to even consider this is if you are going somewhere much warmer than 20 degrees; like San Diego. But as was said earlier- even if that adds $100 worth of wear I would still do it.

ma-skis.com · 11-04-2011, 01:49 PM

did that drive with some friends... 10 years ago... just check the forecast and make a gametime decision. We went that year with no snow from calgary to vegas (maybe a bit in lethbridge)

although hulkrogan's advice makes the most sense to me now that I am 10 years older

Ace · 11-04-2011, 02:09 PM

I guess my main concern would be that the tire completly disintegrates on LA freeways if the tempature hits mid twenties, if it's just a little extra wear and tear then I absolutly will keep them on.

Red Ice Player · 11-04-2011, 02:23 PM

While winter tires definitely wear faster in hot temperatures, it is not anywhere close to excessive. I put over 16000 km on a set of winters from April to October, sometimes with temps over 30C, two years ago with negligible wear. If you are going through any mountain pass from November to April I would say using winter tires are a no brainer.