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Old 02-21-2018, 08:19 PM   #1
chuckster57
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Tire chains

DW has to make an emergency trip to Arkansas, going to drive a 2005 Mercury Mariner premier with the automatic 4WD. We don’t drive in snow, but I want to make sure she is prepared. Question is: chains on all 4 or rear wheels?
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Old 02-21-2018, 08:24 PM   #2
Eddie A.
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chains just on the drive (rear) wheels should be good to go. we drive through the mountain passes to eastern WA all the time and are only required to carry one set of chains fir the drive wheels and rarely have to use them.


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Old 02-21-2018, 08:28 PM   #3
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Thanks a million for the quick response. I was thinking rear only, but with a car that goes into 4WD by itself when needed I wasn’t sure. Never have seen it go into 4WD in the 5+ yrs we’ve had it.
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Old 02-21-2018, 09:10 PM   #4
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You might want to confirm how the 4wd system works in your car. Most of the small SUVs are front wheel drive and only send power to the rear wheels if it detects slip in the front wheels, and some will only do that up to a certain speed.

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Old 02-21-2018, 09:17 PM   #5
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.

So, has she ever chained up ?

.
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Old 02-22-2018, 12:06 AM   #6
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I drive in the mountains all the time and the only time I have ever chained up is when going off-road. I don't even own chains except for my plow truck and my truck that goes off-road; and seldom use those. Colorado chain law seldom if ever requires chains on 4WD vehicles.

If the roads are so bad that chains are required, tie up in a hotel for the night and wait it out. Modesto to Arkansas; I'm guessing I-40 all the way. Unless they are having one of those rare ice storms chains should not be necessary.

Travel safe.
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Old 02-22-2018, 01:42 AM   #7
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I concur with what has been said. Chaining up is a chore most people would have a difficult time performing. Your four-wheel drive in my opinion should meet and exceed any requirements on I-40. And if the snow should accumulate on I-40 making chains necessary, your DW needs to be safe at a Hampton Inn watching reruns on TV. I'm quite sure none of us need go into the items to send for an emergency. I suspect you have that covered.
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Old 02-22-2018, 03:28 AM   #8
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I wish her well for her trip and safe travels. A phone charger will be more important than chains. The road crews will be out in force if there is ice. Holeing up for a couple of hours is the best plan.

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Old 02-22-2018, 03:37 AM   #9
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If 4WD, as others stated skip the chains and hold up if conditions are that severe. Chains will just get her in trouble and also require a significant reduction in travel speed (~20 mph max). Severe conditions + 20 mph max is not worth the risks.
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Old 02-22-2018, 04:51 AM   #10
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Skip the chains. She would need help getting them on anyway the 1st time. Most of the time the reg will be chains OR 4x4. Worse than that and it will be 'road closed' until they get it clear.


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Old 02-22-2018, 04:52 AM   #11
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Phone charger is always in the car. I’m thinking she won’t need them but she insists. No she has not ever chained up, but I figure it would be like out here, with people that put them on for a small fee.
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Old 02-22-2018, 05:20 AM   #12
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I would be more inclined to have an excellent set of tires, preferably winter tires (nonstudded) for an interstate trip. If winter tires are not in the carda, make sure she has full tread depth all season tires with siping.

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Old 02-22-2018, 05:25 AM   #13
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Tires have less than 7,000 miles on them. Getting rotated and balanced today. Thanks, she will have her sister and brother with her so it won’t be a lonely drive, just long. I would have liked more prep time but it wasn’t possible. Just did a tune up and oil change so she should be good to go. We have Allstate motor club, just in case.
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Old 02-22-2018, 07:14 AM   #14
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If I remember right the Mariner is an Explorer rebranded. 4WD and good tires will be more than adequate. Carry the chains for a real emergency but not likely they will be needed. I'd also add a tow strap. Again, just for emergency use. Extra blankets and some snack foods in case they get into any road closures and need to sit tight a few hours.
Best of luck to D and company!
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Old 02-22-2018, 07:36 AM   #15
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The Mariner is the Mercury version of the Escape. Mountaineer is the Explorer model. We have a Escape 4x4 (all wheel drive not true 4 wheel drive) and have never had any problems getting anywhere we needed to go, even in 1-2' of snow. We've never chained up and don't think I'd want to be in that vehicle with chains on it. It sits relatively low to the ground, so the problem wouldn't be traction, it would be "high centered on a snow bank".... Chains probably would only get her "deeper into troubled territory" rather than getting her through the problem area.

Like so many others have said, blankets, snack foods, cell phone and charger (hope for coverage) and listen to the radio. If the weather gets bad enough for chains, it's probably best to find a warm room for the night, especially for someone who isn't familiar with icy roads, chains and mountain passes......

Chances are there won't be a problem, but not much is worth pushing on when conditions indicate not to.
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Old 02-22-2018, 08:00 AM   #16
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I have to agree with the others. If she insists on chains go ahead and put them in but as has been said, with that vehicle in this situation, especially if it interstate driving, they would probably more of a hindrance than a help. Along with the items to carry that were mentioned be sure an take plenty of drinking water (I don't recall seeing that).

My daughter had a AWD Escape and it sat pretty low and a couple of thoughts come to mind; if it is snowing much and there is accumulation go ahead and stop somewhere to wait until the highways are cleared. If she has to drive in snow that is somewhat deep beware of a couple of things, albeit rare, that I've encountered; 1) you CAN high center your vehicle on built up ice if you keep pushing in snow that is as high as your undercarriage, 2) I'm sure this is rare, but I had my throttle stick about 3/4 open (AWD lower sitting vehicle) on a trip; had to brake it down and put in neutral to stop; opened the hood and the entire engine compartment was filled with ice to the hood. This was caused by snow accumulation on the highway that was not plowed and the center was about as high as the underside of the car. The ruts were clear so I was driving about 45. The snow in the middle just kept getting pushed into the engine compartment and froze/filled the entire thing solid....unusual. Had to wait 2 hours for a shop to send a truck with 2 5 gal. buckets of somewhat warm water/?? mix to clear off the vitals then I got home.

We wish her a safe trip and be sure to ALWAYS watch the other guy - all around and far ahead. I've seen many, many accidents in snow/ice that seem incomprehensible if the driver had been using an ounce of sense.....but they don't.
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Old 02-22-2018, 09:41 AM   #17
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In my case if the DW were to need the chains & have to put them on in the cold lying in the snow along the highway, I would be the next thing she would be using the chains on.
I don't want to use chains, but have more than I hope to ever again. And have had them beat crap out of more than 1 vehicle when they break or come loose.
They now have cables that are much easier to install, much less likely to beat up your vehicle, lighter weight & work just as well.
I agree with the rest, NO chains, NO cables, if it's that bad stop & wait it out.
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Old 02-22-2018, 10:17 AM   #18
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Chuckster,
IF she really wants a set for peace of mind, Les Schwab does a "chain rental ". Basically they give you a new set and tensioners. If you don't use them you return them. If you open then and use them, you've bought em. Believe you have to have an acct with them as well. Figured since you are out west there's a chance you use them.
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