Chains are required in many of the western mountain passes in the winter. Utah still sets up road blocks up a number of canyons and won't let anybody up without them on the idea that it's cheaper to pay the trooper to make sure only those who are prepared go up than it is to go in after the fact. However, in places like Minnesota, they're not only not used, but are illegal. <br>
<br>
Pamela<br>
<br>
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martyconnelly@shaw.ca wrote on 3/1/2003<br>
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Doesn't anyone use tire chains anymore, they have quick strap ons now, <br>
not the old leather belt<br>
strap ons. They won't let you over some passes at times in washington <br>
state without them.<br>
Worthwhile in winter to keep a set in the trunk, along with a big bag of <br>
kitty litter, shovel,space blankets and a couple of candles.<br>
Kitty litter provides better traction than salt (salt only works at <br>
certain temperatures) and a 30 lb bag<br>
gives a little extra rearend traction. Candles (windows cranked down <br>
slightly) when lit will keep the internal heat in a car slightly above <br>
freezing even at 30 below so you don't have to run out of gas keeping <br>
the car heated or even worse if the exhaust gets plugged by snow.<br><br><br>_____________________________________________________________<br>Global Virtual Desktop<br>Get your free Desktop at <a href=http://www.magicaldesk.com target=_blank>http://www.magicaldesk.com</a><br>