i got the cash, and i have an addiction to snow. Evo is my only car. I'll go up to tahoe at least once a week, maybe twice. Sometimes on snowy days:) . So im looking for a tire that has good traction on wet and snow. tarmac would be cool to. Anyone know anything on the Hankook W300...or how do you like the Kumho Ecsta ASX...

I was under the impression that chains were recommended on the rear wheels only according to the driver's manual.

I read my manual and it says not to use chains at all. I also read the :mitsu: accesory catalog and it lists snow chains for the EVO. I made a post about this contradiction but nobody seems to know for sure. I think a call to someone in the know at :mitsu: is the only way to sort this out.

The 2004 owners manual to my Evo states: "Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle. The clearance between the chains and the body is not suficient to allow proper clearance, and the vehicle body might be damaged".
I am concerned because in California even if you have winter tires and all wheel drive (which my car does), they still require to have chains on bad snow days.

Anybody have chains/cables and had any clearance issues? If you were successful, what brand model# chains are you using. Thanks!

For you Californians, here is the CHP's regulations on tire chain regulations:
http://www.chp.ca.gov//html/winter_driving.html

Winter driving on roads and highways in the snow-capped mountains of California can be a pleasant adventure - or it can be frustrating, tiring and sometimes even hazardous. The California Highway Patrol provides the following information to help make your mountain driving safe and pleasant.

Before Heading for Snow Country:

Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers,defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition.
Check your antifreeze and be ready for colder temperatures. You may want to add special solvent to your windshield washer reservoir to prevent icing.
Check your tires. Make sure they are properly inflated and the tread is in good condition.
Always carry chains. Make sure they are the proper size for your tires and are in working order. Carry a flashlight and chain repair links. Chains must be installed on the drive wheels. Make sure you know if your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive.
Other suggested items to carry in your car are an ice scraper or commercial deicer, a broom for brushing snow off your car, a shovel to free your car if it's "snowed in," sand or burlap for traction if your wheels should become mired in snow; and an old towel to clean your hands.
It is also a good idea to take along water, food, warm blankets and extra clothing. A lengthy delay will make you glad you have them.
Put an extra car key in your pocket. A number of motorists have locked themselves out of their cars when putting on chains and at ski areas.
Allow enough time. Trips to the mountains can take longer during winter than other times of year, especially if you encounter storm conditions or icy roads. Get an early start and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
Keep your gas tank full. It may be necessary to change routes or turn back during a bad storm or you may be caught in a traffic delay.
Keep windshield and windows clear. You may want to stop at a safe turnout to use a snow or, ice or scraper. Use the car defroster and a clean cloth to keep the windows free of fog.
Slow down. A highway speed of 55 miles an hour may be safe in dry weather - but an invitation for trouble on snow and ice. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so keep your seat belt buckled and leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.
Be more observant. Visibility is often limited in winter by weather conditions. Slow down and watch for other vehicles and for snow equipment. Even though snow removal vehicles have flashing lights, visibility may be so restricted during a storm that it is difficult to see the slow moving equipment.
When stalled, stay with your vehicle and try to conserve fuel while maintaining warmth. Be alert to any possible exhaust or monoxide problems.
Chain Requirements

R1: Chains required - snow tread tires (MSS on side of tire) allowed.

R2: Chains required on all vehicles except four-wheel drives with snow tires.

R3: Chains required - all vehicles no exceptions.

R1 and R2 are the most common conditions. The highway is usually closed before an R3 condition is imposed.

Chain Controls

You must stop and put on chains when highway signs indicate chains are required. You can be cited by the California Highway Patrol and fined if you don't. You will usually have about a mile between "Chains Required" signs and the checkpoint to install your chains.
Control areas can change rapidly from place to place because of changing weather and road conditions. The speed limit when chains are required is 25 or 30 miles and hour and will be posted along the highway.
When you must put on chains, wait until you can pull completely off the roadway to the right. Do not stop in a traffic lane where you will endanger yourself and block traffic.
Chain Installers: If you use the services of a chain installer, be sure to get a receipt and jot the installer's badge number on it. Remember, chain installers are independent business people, not CHP employees. Having the badge number may help with any misunderstandings later. Chain installers are NOT allowed to sell or rent chains.
When removing chains, drive beyond the signs reading "End Chain Control" to a pull-off area where you can safely remove them.
ROAD CONDITIONS HOTLINE

The CHP urges you to check road conditions often. The best way to do this is to call the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Road Conditions Hotline: 1-800-427-ROAD (1-800-427-7623)

I found some cables that fit my car. The manufacturer is: http://www.scc-chain.com/index.asp
The chains i got were the "Super Z6" series of chains which provide the lowest amount of operating space .25" in the sidewall area compared to the other series of chains they manufacture. The part # i got is: SZ137.
On their tire applicatior guide, they do not list this series of chains to fit our OEM tire size. However, after speaking with them on the phone and double checking their product sheets, part# SZ137 will fit and they will supposedly be updating their website confirming this cable will fit the 235/45/17 tire size.
I strapped on the cables onto one set of tires and drove around my parking lot maxing out at 20MPH. I didn't drive onto the roads yet cuz the roads around here are very congested and the max speed you should drive on the cables is 30 MPH.I had no problems so far, but i didn't encounter any bumps in the road to see if the chains rub anywhere. Since i have dedicated winter tires on my car now (Dunlop Winter Sport M3), i will only use the chains if the police mandate that chains be required on certain days. I will give another update when i get a chance to drive on the open roads.
I purchased these cables thru Pep Boys special order for $74

Chains on a 4wd vehicle with proper snow tires are a bad idea. Plus, if you want the best solution, put them on the back. Losing the rear end in a snow storm is worse than correcting understeer.

I agree, but if the road conditions in Cali are R3 as stated above, everyone must have chains regardless of what you drive. So i only will use my chains if the police mandate it. Otherwise, my snowtires should be suffice.

If you use chains/cables I wouldn't only do it on one end of the car. Giving the vehicle a split personality by only using 2 snow tires (bad bad!) or just a pair of chains can really cause handling issues. The front will want to do something completely different than the rear. Gives the car a nasty split personality.

We just had freezing rain here in portland so I bought a set of $25 cables from GI Joe's and put them on my back tires (255/40/17 Kumho MX's). They worked brilliantly, although it looks like if my car was lowered and/or if I hit any huge bumps it might rub on the fender. I just took it easy though and I drove fine (going slow of course) on roads that were completely iced over. I was a little uneasy abuout trying to fit cables on the front since the tires might be turned & hit a bump & I might rip a fender out, so I just put them on the rear.
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