https://www.reddit.com/r/Detroit/comments/1ig1y68/tire_chains/
created by Creative-Sea6820 on 02/02/2025 at 17:08 UTC
36 upvotes, 41 top-level comments (showing 25)
Hello, I’m sorry if this is common knowledge but I’m from the south and I’m unsure. My FIL passed unexpectedly on Thursday and we are driving up to Rochester Hills to clean out his apartment. I know we will be stopping in Detroit to clear out his work desk and a storage unit. Will we need tire chains or snow tires? Thank you so much for any input. Please delete if not allowed!
Comment by AutoModerator at 02/02/2025 at 17:08 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
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Comment by TaterTotJim at 02/02/2025 at 17:13 UTC
206 upvotes, 2 direct replies
No. You won’t need chains.
Sorry for your loss.
Comment by jejones487 at 02/02/2025 at 17:34 UTC
74 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Tire chains are banned in most lower Michigan cities for the damage they cause to the road.
Comment by DetroitPeopleMover at 02/02/2025 at 17:24 UTC
74 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I’m pretty sure tire chains are illegal in Michigan unless it’s an emergency and you’re literally stuck in snow
Comment by giddycat50 at 02/02/2025 at 17:34 UTC
28 upvotes, 2 direct replies
Lived in michigan my whole life, never seen tire chains, maybe in the U.P.?
Comment by Crafty_Substance_954 at 02/02/2025 at 17:47 UTC
20 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Not necessary and also illegal.
Comment by NutGDog at 02/02/2025 at 18:19 UTC
21 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I recommend filling up your windshield fluid, sometimes the windshields get continuously mucky from dirty snow.
Sorry for your loss.
Comment by L0LTHED0G at 02/02/2025 at 18:09 UTC
18 upvotes, 1 direct replies
If you're coming up on summer tires, swap out the car for a rental.
If you're on all seasons you'll be okay.
Roads likely to be dry, but the temperature isn't good for summer tires, they'll harden up and have terrible grip.
All seasons, all climate, or snow tires will be more than enough. If you're on all seasons, just drive carefully, you'll still have reduced grip but it'll be acceptable.
Sorry for your loss.
Comment by Reichiroo at 02/02/2025 at 17:18 UTC
22 upvotes, 0 direct replies
As long as your tires aren't bald, you're good.
Comment by jmarnett11 at 02/02/2025 at 17:17 UTC
9 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Likely the roads will be dry.
Comment by Remnant55 at 02/02/2025 at 17:59 UTC
9 upvotes, 1 direct replies
You don't need chains. But bring something to fend off Yeti.
The Ice Orcs generally only get here in numbers when the lakes freeze over, so you're good there. Thanks, climate change!
(Sorry for your loss)
Comment by DetroitSportsFan- at 02/02/2025 at 18:36 UTC
13 upvotes, 1 direct replies
When you arrive at the Michigan border, you park your car in a lot and are issued your choice of a snowmobile or sled and dogs.
Personally, I'd go for the dogs. They're just more fun.
Comment by MadDadROX at 02/02/2025 at 18:01 UTC
6 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Sorry for your loss. You will not need chains. Roads should be salted and semi-dry. Just give yourself ample room to stop/brake.
Comment by Electronic-Regret271 at 02/02/2025 at 19:58 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
You do not need tire chains in metro Detroit. We salt the roads. Detroit is built on top of a giant salt mine. Chains are only for off-road in winter. Fill your washer fluid and bring an ice scraper/brush. Drive slow, Don’t tailgate. Use your flashers if you can’t go as fast as everyone else.
Comment by mrcurator87 at 02/02/2025 at 21:02 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Tire chains are not legal for road use in Michigan
Comment by timothythefirst at 02/02/2025 at 17:19 UTC
8 upvotes, 1 direct replies
You don’t need chains but if you have summer tires on your car you should probably change them for all seasons
Comment by bitwarrior80 at 02/02/2025 at 17:54 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
AFAIK, tire chains were only used in the past or by people up in the mountains. Tire technology has come far enough that you only need all-season tires. The #1 thing to check is to make sure you still have enough tread life, which is just common sense anywhere you live if there is precipitation, rain, or snow.
Comment by Available-Stretch169 at 02/02/2025 at 18:25 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
So sorry for your loss 🙏 I think chains are more of an upper Michigan thing due to the roads being countryish.
Comment by salsa_spaghetti at 02/02/2025 at 18:27 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Look up Michigan Storm Chasers on Facebook or YouTube. They give the most accurate weather predictions. This upcoming week looks a little iffy depending on the temperature.
So sorry for your loss.
Comment by DismalBumbleWank at 02/02/2025 at 18:38 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
No. But try to avoid a rear wheel drive vehicle and make sure the windows fluid is full.
Comment by LoudProblem2017 at 02/02/2025 at 18:52 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Regular tires should be fine, but give yourself more distance to stop.
Comment by holiestcannoly at 02/02/2025 at 19:33 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
No, just make sure your tires don’t need replaced
Comment by thesupineporcupine at 02/02/2025 at 20:20 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
So right now snow isn’t bad at all in SE Michigan, and especially since you’re going to just be in town for a short while, you don’t need either.
Long term I use snow tires because they provide overall better traction in cold climates, and Michigan winters are long.
As long as you have plenty of tread on your tires it will be fine.
Comment by charlesmacmac at 03/02/2025 at 04:21 UTC*
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
You don’t need snow tires, and the roads will be plowed, BUT….
You still need to prepare for winter driving. Mostly slow down and leave more distance than you normally would.
Also, if you get in a crash or slide off the road, you could be there for a little while, so make sure you have warm clothes. Doesn’t hurt to keep a blanket in the car. You might need to get a snow brush/scraper, depending on the weather forecast. You can spend a lot of money on these but you can also get one at any dollar store or gas station. If you get a flat tire, you’ll be glad if you have a small tarp to kneel on.
If you get the car *stuck* in snow, the trick is to rock it, forward and reverse. You may need to get out and push. DO NOT just spin your tires. It creates ice and makes the problem worse.
Other than that, preparing your car for winter is just like preparing for a long road trip; check your spare, check your fluids, etc etc. You’ll be fine.
Comment by chrisnavillus at 03/02/2025 at 15:12 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Nope just drive carefully, stay to the right and watch out for the pot holes. Condolences.