Snow Chains

[keithmoon]

This might be a stupid question, but if i need to use snow chains on my boxster, do I only need them on the rear wheels?

[paulv]

Originally Posted by keithmoon

This might be a stupid question, but if i need to use snow chains on my boxster, do I only need them on the rear wheels?

No such thing as a stupid question -- everyone has a different level of knowledge/experience -- that's what these forums are for -- to help eachother out by sharing that knowledge and experiences. Snow chains only go on the driven wheels -- for the Boxster, that's the rears -- if you bought a Carrera 4S, you'd need to fit all 4 wheels.

Regards,
paul...

[JTP]

Here is what NOT to do, besides buying the wrong car.

[rick3000]

I have a set, and I have never had to use them. But they are nice to have if my snow tires (which you must have if you plan on driving in snow) can't get me up a hill or something. Chains for a Boxster go on the rear, and you have to make sure you get a low profile set. I bought these.

[Perfectlap]

what gear should you be in you're on snow tires and moving really slow (hazards on slow)?

[Lobo1186]

it is illegal to drive with hazards on. at least in FL. in general i wouldn't recommend driving anywhere with your hazards on. (if that is what you meant by "hazards on slow) anyway apparently 20-30mph is recommended by chain manufacturers.

[rick3000]

When I drive on snow I stay in 1st or 2nd, mostly second because I want to keep the RPM down. The most dangerous part I have found is braking too fast (which on snow is regular braking) because it can throw the back end out, and the second most dangerous part is shifting. You need to match your RPM really well between shifts or else the rears will turn more or less than the front wheels and cause you to skid. If you are driving at a steady 15MPH you will be fine, but when you get an idiot in front of you and you have to brake that is when things get dangerous.

I have had to drive on snow 3-4 times, and the Boxster can do it just fine (it's not a Jeep, but I am always passing SUV's that lack snow tires). With chains I would image the Boxster would be perfectly fine on snow, but since I am generally too lazy to put chains on for a 10 minute drive, I just deal with the occasional little skid. I rarely worry about ice, where I am you only get ice on tarmac so you don't have to bother with snow and ice and if you do hit a sheet of ice, in one or two seconds the ice will end and you will regain traction.

If you are driving on snow go slowly, match your revs, brake slowly, stay aware, and use chains. And when I say stay aware I mean leave enough room to keep going forward when the guy behind you starts sliding because he's an idiot.