Weather at Christmas time....?

[USDefault]

Above points have it right. Studless snow tires are good for temps below 42 degrees, regular snow events, and slush/sleet. The snow tires stay pliable in even very cold weather, grip better, and you're ready for metro snow events. It's usually all a driver needs. And frankly, most people use all-seasons, as snow is pretty rare in the major metro areas.

But once or twice a year west of the Cascades, when the streets turn into ice sheets, drivers need either (i) studded snow tires with good studs that aren't worn down, or (ii) tire chains. On very steep roads, not event the studded tires may be enough in a major icing event. I can vouch for tire chains on ice, especially with chains on all four tires. The chains really grip into the ice, often crushing or breaking the surface of the ice. This allows the chains to dig in, giving good traction on all four tires. Forget trying this with only two tires chained up -- the car will go sideways and constantly fishtail, even with AWD. But tire chains are amazing on iced roads -- even slick, thick, difficult icing conditions on steep roads.

If in the major metro areas, drivers should be fine with a set of studless winter tires for just about anything during winter except a road icing event. And most can get away with using good all-season tires. Many residents at higher elevations, in the mountains, or in the Gorge, they have a set of studded tires, and the smart ones also carry chains -- nothing beats chains for getting up steep mountain roads in heavy snow and ice.

[Botev1912]

So you are actually taking about ice over snow. Then yes chains will help, but chains should never be used on a clear/plowed road with a little ice on it. That damages both the tires and the road and is worthless.

[notnamed]

Originally Posted by USDefault

Above points have it right. Studless snow tires are good for temps below 42 degrees, regular snow events, and slush/sleet. The snow tires stay pliable in even very cold weather, grip better, and you're ready for metro snow events. It's usually all a driver needs. And frankly, most people use all-seasons, as snow is pretty rare in the major metro areas.

Yeah problem with winter tires here is we are often above 42 degrees in winter.

[StealthRabbit]

Cable chains are my WA 'car' solution. (Sheet ice and snow).
I only use 'real' chains on 'off-road' rigs. Preferably those with cross lugs welded on.

[nakadinhi]

Originally Posted by USDefault

Above points have it right. Studless snow tires are good for temps below 42 degrees, regular snow events, and slush/sleet. The snow tires stay pliable in even very cold weather, grip better, and you're ready for metro snow events. It's usually all a driver needs. And frankly, most people use all-seasons, as snow is pretty rare in the major metro areas.

But once or twice a year west of the Cascades, when the streets turn into ice sheets, drivers need either (i) studded snow tires with good studs that aren't worn down, or (ii) tire chains. On very steep roads, not event the studded tires may be enough in a major icing event. I can vouch for tire chains on ice, especially with chains on all four tires. The chains really grip into the ice, often crushing or breaking the surface of the ice. This allows the chains to dig in, giving good traction on all four tires. Forget trying this with only two tires chained up -- the car will go sideways and constantly fishtail, even with AWD. But tire chains are amazing on iced roads -- even slick, thick, difficult icing conditions on steep roads.

If in the major metro areas, drivers should be fine with a set of studless winter tires for just about anything during winter except a road icing event. And most can get away with using good all-season tires. Many residents at higher elevations, in the mountains, or in the Gorge, they have a set of studded tires, and the smart ones also carry chains -- nothing beats chains for getting up steep mountain roads in heavy snow and ice.

Thank you USDefault for such a detailed informed response !

Mahalo !