On Sun, 26 Sep 2004 09:51:44 -0700, "Generic" >
wrote:

>
>"Paul Rooney" > wrote in message
.. .
>> On Sat, 25 Sep 2004 23:36:29 GMT, Lon > wrote:
>> > Snow tires tend to be of two varieties. The mud and snow will
>> > typically have rather large tread voids in order to deal with
>> > deep packed or loose snow. Deep as in several inches. A more
>> > typical "snow" tire is really an ice tire...with tread compound
>> > that stays soft at very low temperature, tends to be hydrophilic,
>> > and will typically have a lot of small cuts or sipes to give more
>> > gripping edges on ice. The best of these may be almost as good
>> > as studded tires.
>> >
>> > Chains are for severe conditions. Even the cable style will cause
>> > a lot of vibration. Should be used at very low speeds only.
>
>> Thanks.
>> Can you keep snow tyres on all winter and drive on snow-free roads OK,
>> or do you have to keep changing them over when you get onto clear
>> roads?
>
>Tires are generally safe on clear roads but the wear, noise and handling can
>be worse than a regular street tire. The mud & snow type can be incredibly
>loud vs. a street tire. It depends on the particular tire.
>
>-John
>


Thanks. What kind of conditions would chains be able to cope with, do
you know?

--

Paul


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