help with mountain road area snow conditions

[ab_slack]

I am hoping members who live out west in the mountains with similar conditions might be able to offer some first hand advice for dealing with conditions and having vehicle prepared as well as any special cautions.

Here are the details of what is going on. My daughter is moving out on her own. She is moving from NJ out to Park City, Utah for a job early this December.

This is a mountain resort area which I understand is subject to serious snowfalls.

She will also be driving out there, pretty much Rt 80 all the way. I have been told western Rt 80 in the mountains there are potential serious snow issues.

She will be using a 2003 Escape with 4wd for this trip and while out there for daily driver.

She asked me if she should get snow tires. Someone else suggested chains. In NJ we see a mix of snow conditions and I really don't see need for snow tires or chains with 4WD, but the fact is around here they are pretty prompt about getting plows out and I have no idea how local conditions in NJ translate to conditions out west.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Snow tires with studs as a minimum for me. I also carry tire cables [like chains]. Your daughter can check with the locals when she gets there for more info.
edit; I also carry a small folding shovel, flashlight, candles, small blanket, and emergency rations.
Richard

 

[Chris_North]

I also carry a small folding shovel, flashlight, candles, small blanket, and emergency rations.
Richard

+1

I don't live far from you (in Eastern PA) but I keep at a minimum a flashlight, some basic tools, an extra coat/jacket (though a blanket would be more beneficial), extra gloves folding shovel, glowstick, basic first aid supplies, and some sort of non-perishable food. I also keep jumper cables, some recovery equipment (strap and shackles) and extra oil and trans fluid. I'm a little nuts when it comes to having what I think I might need should the situation arise. 999 out of 1000 I never use any of this stuff, but the one time it makes life easier it is worth it. BTW this is year round stuff not just for the winter. I understand conditions here are probably similar to what you're currently used to and probably very different from where your daughter is headed but I think basic is a good start.

I'm not a believer in chains personally. I understand every situation is different but I'm not getting out in the blistering cold and snow to putz around putting chains on. I struggle to put them on the ATV in the garage. If it's bad enough to require them, my butt is staying put. I could see their necessity if you're caught in a sudden storm a long way from home however, but I do my best to avoid that situation.

 

[ab_slack]

Thanks for the info.

She is 20 and it is a bit tough thinking of her being so far away. Till now she hasn't been more than a couple hours away and I could always help her out if something happened.

I also worry that out west there will not be so complete cell phone coverage as around here. That is a big crutch and situation can be quite different if something happens with phone not working.

I've seen the cables and thought those probably are easier to use than chains.

I agree with being prepared.

She will be going out with a very full vehicle.

I am thinking of perhaps following her out just in case of road difficulties. But that depends on just how serious risks traveling out that way are. And then I would have to decide if I should take my B2 or Explorer.

 

[zrxsix3]

this might be a heavy duty tire and never seen it done on a escape but i always liked my goodyear duratrac tires in the snow, i have had them on my 2wd truck and i could go anywhere they was pavement underneath the truck without the roads being plowed! and these tires can be studded too, never tried studs because they are illegal in Illinois

 

[Slammin Sam]

Cell coverage along the interstates is usually pretty good. Because of blowing and drifting snow, the northern plains can be worse that the mountains. To echo Chris North, emergency rations, bottled water and a warm blanket are a must have. Keeping the gas tank as full as convenient is also a good idea. Make sure the battery all the belts/hoses are in top shape. If it gets really bad, the state DOT will close the highway. I hope she likes her new job. That part of Utah is really beautiful.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I should add, all four tires should be studded. Even with a 2wd. You need to be able to steer too, and with fwd you want the rear to stay behind you when you stop.

 

[Andy D]

I sent my son off to school with one present. A D handle flat shovel. Wood and steel. By spring, he had used it several times to dig out the parked car. Plastic and aluminum will break when you need them most.

 

[rtg143]

Here's the highway cams in the areas she'll be traveling and living. You can zoom out and drag the map.
Utah http://udottraffic.utah.gov/
Colorado highway info. http://www.cotrip.org/home.htm;jsessionid=08EF3652253F1DD0B86E2AAC09AD825A.node1

Highway 80 info here. http://www.i80highway.com/i-80-traffic/index.html

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

Chains are like tank tracks as far as traction goes.

I don't consider an escape a true 4WD. More like FWD with rear assist.

 

[adsm08]

As in any situation "don't suck at driving" seems to be good advice here.

 

[adsm08]

I don't consider an escape a true 4WD. More like FWD with rear assist.

Ok, how is that any less 4wd than Rangers and Explorers? Those are rear wheel drive with front assist.

A lot of the early ones, around the year in question had the same switch to flip it in an out too. Many more had the auto system, which activates it when it sees the need, like the Explorers with A4WD.

Just because the parts look a little different doesn't mean it isn't a 4x4. Out Escape walked itself out of many crappy spots with tires that weren't great for snow.

 

[rangerbum]

I'm up in Montana and I can tell you, an escape will do just fine. We get snow very comprable to Utah and our roads don't see nearly the maintenance that Utah's roads do, due to our entire state only having a population of 1 million.

What advice I can give is use the pedals as if there are eggshells between her feet and the pedal, and don't break them. Brakes can get you in just as much trouble if used too aggressively.

I would honestly recommend snow tires too. They don't need to be studded, but studs do give a lot more control and confidence on ice. A good design without studs does excellent in snow and hardpacked snow. Last year I got a set of General Altimax Arctic(iirc) for my wife's Mazda Protege(fwd). The ones I got are studded but you can get them without for even cheaper. They ran me $90 a tire from Discounttiredirect.com with free shipping.

That little Mazda got stuck on flat ground in an inch of slush with her brand new Toyo all seasons. Once I put on the general snow tires it clawed through anything. On solid icy days it grabbed and held tight through turns. We trudged through about 18" of snow without a problem. The damn car was not even on the ground, the tires pulled like a paddle pushing a canoe.


Her little car on those tires was the vehicle we took every day rather than my 4x4 B2. No all season tires can touch a properly designed snow tire. There is simply no comparison. Softer tread compound, jagged tread blocks, lots of siping. It's purpose built and works.

I'm a huge advocate for dedicated snow tires, but it still comes down mostly to the driver. A good driver will understand that braking distances are longer, turns need to be much slower, and acceleration needs to be very gentle. A good driver needs to know how their vehicle reacts in different conditions and drive accordingly. But a great driver can only perform as well as their tires will allow.

And always watch for the other drivers. Just assume they are all terrible drivers, because usually they are, and if they aren't, big deal at least you're safe.

After a while she won't see it as a problem, or even scary. It's just a part of life for those in mountain states.

 

[naford]

You couldn't buy her new studded tires and expect her to drive across all the states she will have to travel. In Ohio the studded tire runs from Nov. to April but I'm not sure of other states. Good all season I would think should be enough. Chains sound good but can she install them by herself? Why doesn't she ask where she is going to be working at what they have? How about where she will be living maybe they have an idea?