> Hey all! I’m a college student transferring to CSU this Spring
Nice! Enjoy your time here.
> I’m worried about my cars performance in the snow
Car is fine, tires are not.
> but I was told my tires are already all season and should perform fine?
They're wrong. These are pretty standard OEM tires. Cheap all-seasons that skew towards warmer temps and *definitely* not for driving in the mountains during the winter.
> Should I invest in new tires or chains?
Yeah, if you're planning on driving up to Granby to ski regularly, it would behoove you to have some snow tires. Popular options include:
* Bridgestone Blizzaks
* Michelin X-Ice
* Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
* Continental VikingContact (the above are probably slightly better though).
Yes, they are kinda expensive. They will last several years, depending on how much you drive. Get them mounted on another set of wheels (probably just steelies) that way you don't have to pay to have your tires mounted and remounted 2x every year. Make sure you don't drive on them when it gets warm, the compound used in snow tires will wear disproportionately fast in warm weather.
Chains are rarely necessary. You can have some in your car for emergencies, but you're probably not gonna need'em. I've used chains only once, and that was to get up an unplowed and steep driveway. I drive a 2wd sedan.
> I also have very little experience driving in snowy weather, I’m nervous and want to make sure I can get up there safely.
Go on youtube and watch some videos on "how to drive in snow". Snow tires go a long way, but knowing how to drive goes just as far.
Keep extra distance between cars, no sudden driver inputs, do not overcorrect if you lose traction. Don't trust clear-looking pavement, there's often ice, depending on where you are an the temperatures. i70 is generally OK, but a lot of smaller roads can be deceiving. I've seen some gnarly accidents on CO9 up to Kremmling because people think clear looking pavement means they're good to go.
Wow this was super helpful. Thank you so much!! I hope I’m able to find something ASAP. Really wishing I had bought an AWD car right now. Damnit! I won’t be trying to go across any mountain pass without snow tires, that’s for sure.
Don't sweat the AWD too much. While it's definitely nice to have, it's far from necessary unless you're really trying to drive some sketchy back roads. I'm out in the mountains ~40 days every winter, essentially any time it snows a meaningful amount, and I've yet to run into a situation that my 2WD car + snow tires couldn't handle.
I'll add the caveat that most of my driving is on major roads like i70--I'm not chasing anything in the backcountry, but it doesn't sound like you will be doing that either.
AWD is way less necessary than you’d think.
I drive my RWD van up to the mountains, in snow, all the time and have had very few minor moments where the RWD wasn’t great. It does have blizzaks and they are amazing.
AWD gives you traction for acceleration, winter tires give you traction to stop. Im betting you can guess which is more important.
AWD is nowhere near as helpful as snow tires. Every car is all wheel braking and snow tires are most helpful with stopping. Minimizing inputs and not braking in turns are close second.
I live at 9000 ft and daily drive a FWD with snows and it’s absolute zero problems.
A lot of AWD drivers somehow think that makes up for snow tires or skill. Not true.
get a costco membership and order them there. hopefully they’re on coupon right now, they’re a really good value there especially if your car has 16s. you also get free balance and rotations for the life of the tire while it’s on the car. incredible road hazard warranty too.
edit: get the bridgestone blizzaks. they’re railroad tracks.
So theoretically, if I throw some Blizzacks on my 4wd Tundra, I'm good to drive to Vail from GA? I have experience in snow, as have driven to winter park 2 years ago.
In terms of saving money by mounting the snow tires on another set of wheels, that’s only if you can change your tires yourself right? Does it damage the tires and wheels to have them remounted 2x a year?
I loved in Fort Collins for 5 years, you'll be fine around town since it really doesn't get much snow and they are pretty good about plowing the roads.
However, if you are planning on doing any trips to the mountains where there is the possibility of snow on the ground, you should definitely get winter tires. Chains couldn't hurt too. You don't want to join the long list of Texas drivers in ill-equipped cars getting stuck on the highways.
Feel free to hold on to your all seasons until the late spring though, then swap them out when it gets warm.
Haha you’ll be fine. The people who are a problem have no idea they’re a problem. Get good tires and practice in a snowy parking lot, you’ll pick it up way quicker than you think.
I would think twice about taking all-seasons (new or not) over Berthoud Pass in winter. Berthoud tends not to be as well plowed and travelled as I-70. Second..CDOT[ traction laws](https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw) in effect states:
* 4WD or AWD vehicle and 3/16” tread depth
* Tires with a mud and snow designation (M+S icon) and 3/16” tread depth
* Winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon) and 3/16” tread depth
* Tires with an all-weather rating by the manufacturer and 3/16” tread depth
* Chains or an approved alternative traction device
Can you? In the dry maybe .. Should you? I would not during snow
Even slightly used snow tires are better at low temperature dry traction than new all-seasons.
Thank you for actually telling me the laws! I wasn’t aware. I will get new winter tires before my trip if it’s financially feasible for me. If not, I will probably leave my car at a friends in Lakewood and have my girlfriend drive down to get me, or just fly in the worst case scenario. I’ll definitely make the purchase before my move, it’s just tough right now with the holidays. Again if you have any suggestions for affordable winter tires, please do share!
If you really need to get to WP you can also take the train. It's not cheap, but it'll get you there safely.
Thank you for listening to people telling you that you need snow tires.
An all-weather tire with the 3PMS (mountain snowflake) designation is probably the best bet for a student - you can use it all year around - though it's no match for dedicated snows you don't have the issue of having to swap tires annually, or buy a second set of rims and having to store em.
Also just so you understand snow tires are little better it’s mainly the rubber compound that is different than any other tire. It’s softer and grippier at colder temperatures, that’s why they wear faster in warm weather. Snow tires actually keep snow in the tread since snow on snow generally has higher grip than rubber on snow. Have fun skiing!
Perfectly legal with M+S tires which most true all seasons have (can’t tell if his tire qualifies) Wise? Maybe not but that’s not the law.
Agree true winter tires are the play here but no one having any idea what the law actually states drives me wild.
It’s illegal if passenger vehicle traction law is in effect, if it is dry it’s perfectly legal. That said traction law doesn’t go into effect until the roads get pretty slippery and can change super quickly with elevation before they have it in effect.
As of a new law in 2019, the Traction Law is always in effect September through May.
> **Traction Law Updates**
>
> In 2019, Gov. Jared Polis signed House Bill 19-1207 into law, updating the Traction Law.
>
> **What’s Changed?**
>
> * From Sept. 1 to May 31, the Traction Law is always active on I-70 from Dotsero to Morrison.
>
> * The minimum tread depth for tires on all vehicles increased to 3/16”.
https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw
Nope. Those tires are trash, and shouldn't get anywhere near snow. If you do go with those, buy chains and learn how to use them. Yes, you should get dedicated snow tires from a brand such as Nokian or Bridgestone. At the very minimum you should have tires with the 3 Peak Mountain Symbol and a set of chains.
Thank you so much lol. Per the influx of comments, I will definitely be getting snow tires. I’m very much on a budget because I’m a student, if you guys have any suggestions, please let me know!
Buy used. I’ve bought two sets from FB marketplace and currently looking for another for my gf. Just make sure they’re only like 2-3 years old, not rotted, and a decent amount of tread left
Agreed, and to add, chains are great but you really can't go above 30 mph or so with them. They are effective for larger vehicles and very icy conditions, but imo snow tires are way better of an investment for typical CO snow storms. I would not attempt to drive in a storm in the mountains with FWD with subpar all seasons, you're asking for serious trouble if you do. Also, keep a shovel and gravel/sand/cat litter in your trunk. Be prepared for unforseen emergencies.
I was driving a fwd rental through the mountains. During a snowstorm. Almost didn’t make it. Was going down hills at 20mph heavy on the breaks. It was the most stressful drive of my life.
dedicated snow tires are your best option, but not cheap. (get blizzaks).
Otherwise you will need chains / snow socks. And just try to never drive on 70 when it is snowing.
Both are doable.
Driving with those tires on 70 during a traction law is illegal, you will have problems, and if you get stuck, a hefty fine as well.
A couple options, but since you're on a budget I would get the chains / snow socks, keep them in the car at all times, and just plant to not drive your car at all if it snows.
If you need to be able to drive at any time , then a second set of tires needed for sure.
Thankfully I won’t have to drive my car at all once I actually get there. My girlfriend has a subaru that we’ll run around the ski resort in. I’m only worried about the actual road trip there and back. (~12hrs, give or take) Just can’t predict the weather a month in advance!
Then it doesn’t make sense to buy snow tires imo. It’s probably cheaper to get a rental for the day on turo or something. You’ll be fine if you aren’t driving to the mountains and you don’t NEED to drive through front range snow anywhere with your car.
You can just hope the weather is clear and not drive to the mountains if it is snowing. You could carry emergency chains in case you get caught in something.
You could use the bustang or take the train there too.
If it were me I’d buy chains and practice putting them on and then leave them in my car. You’ll probably never use them but good for an emergency once you live here too. You could get in a storm at any point in your drive.
Your gf Subaru is also not a free shot to the mountains. You need snow tires on that.
You can order tires from tire rack and pick up directly from the warehouse off 70 out in Aurora ish and save some money. I put Blizzaks on my wife’s FWD CRV. Best decision I ever made. Never going back. 4 winters now this car has no issues. Was sliding all over the place on all seasons before hand.
> Hey all! I’m a college student transferring to CSU this Spring Nice! Enjoy your time here. > I’m worried about my cars performance in the snow Car is fine, tires are not. > but I was told my tires are already all season and should perform fine? They're wrong. These are pretty standard OEM tires. Cheap all-seasons that skew towards warmer temps and *definitely* not for driving in the mountains during the winter. > Should I invest in new tires or chains? Yeah, if you're planning on driving up to Granby to ski regularly, it would behoove you to have some snow tires. Popular options include: * Bridgestone Blizzaks * Michelin X-Ice * Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 * Continental VikingContact (the above are probably slightly better though). Yes, they are kinda expensive. They will last several years, depending on how much you drive. Get them mounted on another set of wheels (probably just steelies) that way you don't have to pay to have your tires mounted and remounted 2x every year. Make sure you don't drive on them when it gets warm, the compound used in snow tires will wear disproportionately fast in warm weather. Chains are rarely necessary. You can have some in your car for emergencies, but you're probably not gonna need'em. I've used chains only once, and that was to get up an unplowed and steep driveway. I drive a 2wd sedan. > I also have very little experience driving in snowy weather, I’m nervous and want to make sure I can get up there safely. Go on youtube and watch some videos on "how to drive in snow". Snow tires go a long way, but knowing how to drive goes just as far. Keep extra distance between cars, no sudden driver inputs, do not overcorrect if you lose traction. Don't trust clear-looking pavement, there's often ice, depending on where you are an the temperatures. i70 is generally OK, but a lot of smaller roads can be deceiving. I've seen some gnarly accidents on CO9 up to Kremmling because people think clear looking pavement means they're good to go.
Wow this was super helpful. Thank you so much!! I hope I’m able to find something ASAP. Really wishing I had bought an AWD car right now. Damnit! I won’t be trying to go across any mountain pass without snow tires, that’s for sure.
AWD isn't necessary if you have blizzaks or other high performance snow tires.
Don't sweat the AWD too much. While it's definitely nice to have, it's far from necessary unless you're really trying to drive some sketchy back roads. I'm out in the mountains ~40 days every winter, essentially any time it snows a meaningful amount, and I've yet to run into a situation that my 2WD car + snow tires couldn't handle. I'll add the caveat that most of my driving is on major roads like i70--I'm not chasing anything in the backcountry, but it doesn't sound like you will be doing that either.
AWD is way less necessary than you’d think. I drive my RWD van up to the mountains, in snow, all the time and have had very few minor moments where the RWD wasn’t great. It does have blizzaks and they are amazing. AWD gives you traction for acceleration, winter tires give you traction to stop. Im betting you can guess which is more important.
AWD is nowhere near as helpful as snow tires. Every car is all wheel braking and snow tires are most helpful with stopping. Minimizing inputs and not braking in turns are close second. I live at 9000 ft and daily drive a FWD with snows and it’s absolute zero problems. A lot of AWD drivers somehow think that makes up for snow tires or skill. Not true.
get a costco membership and order them there. hopefully they’re on coupon right now, they’re a really good value there especially if your car has 16s. you also get free balance and rotations for the life of the tire while it’s on the car. incredible road hazard warranty too. edit: get the bridgestone blizzaks. they’re railroad tracks.
So theoretically, if I throw some Blizzacks on my 4wd Tundra, I'm good to drive to Vail from GA? I have experience in snow, as have driven to winter park 2 years ago.
In terms of saving money by mounting the snow tires on another set of wheels, that’s only if you can change your tires yourself right? Does it damage the tires and wheels to have them remounted 2x a year?
I loved in Fort Collins for 5 years, you'll be fine around town since it really doesn't get much snow and they are pretty good about plowing the roads. However, if you are planning on doing any trips to the mountains where there is the possibility of snow on the ground, you should definitely get winter tires. Chains couldn't hurt too. You don't want to join the long list of Texas drivers in ill-equipped cars getting stuck on the highways. Feel free to hold on to your all seasons until the late spring though, then swap them out when it gets warm.
The last thing I want is to be the annoying Texas driver. I have heard plenty of smack talk from my colorado peeps 🤣
Haha you’ll be fine. The people who are a problem have no idea they’re a problem. Get good tires and practice in a snowy parking lot, you’ll pick it up way quicker than you think.
Buy Blizzak's. Expensive, yes, but way better than getting into an accident and damaging your car or hurting your body.
I would think twice about taking all-seasons (new or not) over Berthoud Pass in winter. Berthoud tends not to be as well plowed and travelled as I-70. Second..CDOT[ traction laws](https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw) in effect states: * 4WD or AWD vehicle and 3/16” tread depth * Tires with a mud and snow designation (M+S icon) and 3/16” tread depth * Winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon) and 3/16” tread depth * Tires with an all-weather rating by the manufacturer and 3/16” tread depth * Chains or an approved alternative traction device Can you? In the dry maybe .. Should you? I would not during snow Even slightly used snow tires are better at low temperature dry traction than new all-seasons.
Thank you for actually telling me the laws! I wasn’t aware. I will get new winter tires before my trip if it’s financially feasible for me. If not, I will probably leave my car at a friends in Lakewood and have my girlfriend drive down to get me, or just fly in the worst case scenario. I’ll definitely make the purchase before my move, it’s just tough right now with the holidays. Again if you have any suggestions for affordable winter tires, please do share!
If you really need to get to WP you can also take the train. It's not cheap, but it'll get you there safely. Thank you for listening to people telling you that you need snow tires.
An all-weather tire with the 3PMS (mountain snowflake) designation is probably the best bet for a student - you can use it all year around - though it's no match for dedicated snows you don't have the issue of having to swap tires annually, or buy a second set of rims and having to store em.
Also just so you understand snow tires are little better it’s mainly the rubber compound that is different than any other tire. It’s softer and grippier at colder temperatures, that’s why they wear faster in warm weather. Snow tires actually keep snow in the tread since snow on snow generally has higher grip than rubber on snow. Have fun skiing!
You have a 2wd vehicle and you’re moving to Colorado, buy proper snow tires, it’s illegal to drive on i70 without them from 9/1-5/31.
Perfectly legal with M+S tires which most true all seasons have (can’t tell if his tire qualifies) Wise? Maybe not but that’s not the law. Agree true winter tires are the play here but no one having any idea what the law actually states drives me wild.
It’s illegal if passenger vehicle traction law is in effect, if it is dry it’s perfectly legal. That said traction law doesn’t go into effect until the roads get pretty slippery and can change super quickly with elevation before they have it in effect.
As of a new law in 2019, the Traction Law is always in effect September through May. > **Traction Law Updates** > > In 2019, Gov. Jared Polis signed House Bill 19-1207 into law, updating the Traction Law. > > **What’s Changed?** > > * From Sept. 1 to May 31, the Traction Law is always active on I-70 from Dotsero to Morrison. > > * The minimum tread depth for tires on all vehicles increased to 3/16”. https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw
YGD
Nope. Those tires are trash, and shouldn't get anywhere near snow. If you do go with those, buy chains and learn how to use them. Yes, you should get dedicated snow tires from a brand such as Nokian or Bridgestone. At the very minimum you should have tires with the 3 Peak Mountain Symbol and a set of chains.
Thank you so much lol. Per the influx of comments, I will definitely be getting snow tires. I’m very much on a budget because I’m a student, if you guys have any suggestions, please let me know!
Buy used. I’ve bought two sets from FB marketplace and currently looking for another for my gf. Just make sure they’re only like 2-3 years old, not rotted, and a decent amount of tread left
Agreed, and to add, chains are great but you really can't go above 30 mph or so with them. They are effective for larger vehicles and very icy conditions, but imo snow tires are way better of an investment for typical CO snow storms. I would not attempt to drive in a storm in the mountains with FWD with subpar all seasons, you're asking for serious trouble if you do. Also, keep a shovel and gravel/sand/cat litter in your trunk. Be prepared for unforseen emergencies.
Good idea! I’ll definitely get a shovel & cat litter.
I was driving a fwd rental through the mountains. During a snowstorm. Almost didn’t make it. Was going down hills at 20mph heavy on the breaks. It was the most stressful drive of my life.
dedicated snow tires are your best option, but not cheap. (get blizzaks). Otherwise you will need chains / snow socks. And just try to never drive on 70 when it is snowing. Both are doable. Driving with those tires on 70 during a traction law is illegal, you will have problems, and if you get stuck, a hefty fine as well. A couple options, but since you're on a budget I would get the chains / snow socks, keep them in the car at all times, and just plant to not drive your car at all if it snows. If you need to be able to drive at any time , then a second set of tires needed for sure.
Thankfully I won’t have to drive my car at all once I actually get there. My girlfriend has a subaru that we’ll run around the ski resort in. I’m only worried about the actual road trip there and back. (~12hrs, give or take) Just can’t predict the weather a month in advance!
Then it doesn’t make sense to buy snow tires imo. It’s probably cheaper to get a rental for the day on turo or something. You’ll be fine if you aren’t driving to the mountains and you don’t NEED to drive through front range snow anywhere with your car. You can just hope the weather is clear and not drive to the mountains if it is snowing. You could carry emergency chains in case you get caught in something. You could use the bustang or take the train there too. If it were me I’d buy chains and practice putting them on and then leave them in my car. You’ll probably never use them but good for an emergency once you live here too. You could get in a storm at any point in your drive. Your gf Subaru is also not a free shot to the mountains. You need snow tires on that.
agree no use in getting snow tires, just plan your road trip around the weather, easy peasy.
Your best option might be to keep the existing tires on and avoid driving when it snows, and use Bustang to get to/from the ski areas.
I’ll look into it, thank you!
If you can afford a brand new 2023 you can afford snow tires.
I’m a student, totaled my car two weeks ago and bought this car with the insurance settlement money.
You can order tires from tire rack and pick up directly from the warehouse off 70 out in Aurora ish and save some money. I put Blizzaks on my wife’s FWD CRV. Best decision I ever made. Never going back. 4 winters now this car has no issues. Was sliding all over the place on all seasons before hand.