Tex94

I picked up my cayenne on Sunday and among the many, many forms to sign was one that stated snow chains might not work on the car and if I used them I was solely responsible for what happened. I drive up into the Sierra several times during the winter and there are plenty of times when chains are required for most vehicles. So I have 2 questions:

1) when snow chains are required, does the Cayenne get a pass (some 4x4s like Jeeps do). I'm guessing no. I suspect the cayenne is capable enough but doubt the police would let me by without them.

2) can you put snow chains on an 18" wheel? If so, any advice on where to buy?

Dennis C

I'm not entirely sure for the 958, but for the 955/957 there are snow chain options offered by Porsche. I would imagine that's true for the 958 also, but I'm not sure. Your dealer's service department or parts department should be able to help you.

Where I live, if you've got an AWD or 4WD vehicle and you've got proper winter tires in place (designated by the snowflake on the mountain symbol), then you aren't required to put chains on. Check your local laws, but I would imagine that the same applies to you.

plima

California has 3 levels of control on the highways during snow conditions. The first (and most common) is "chains or snow tires" which is obvious. The second is "chains or 4WD with all 4 snow tires" If your Cayenne has tires marked "M+S" as do the Michelin Latitude Tour All Season, then you are good to go here. When the 3rd level is reached, we should all turn around and go home.

996FLT6

U should get a dedicated set of snow tires/wheels. Awd on the pepper mite go on the fritz and if they snap off will destroy a few sensors in the process plus it's loud- ask me how I know : (. Mike

Tex94

Dedicated snow tires don't really make sense for me. I am in Tahoe for a few days a month but mostly in snow free San Francisco. I do have all season tires and am guessing they are fine for everything but mountain passes. If CHP would let the AWD SUVs' pass then I am good.

I see I can get Porsche chains for 400 at sun coast but others are saying a 90 set from autoparts store is fine. A little worried about putting cheap ones on my new cayenne though.

996FLT6

Just to let u know I was caught in a snowstorm heading over donner pass(scary)running all season tires. Day after I could not even get out of the driveway and once I did I was sliding down the road(I had to hit snowbank from snowbank just to stop). Got to the nearest gas station and got cables- it did not help at all. It was tolerable going straight but ne turns or braking car would snap. Also on the way- part of cable snapped off and started wreaking havoc to the point as I said destroyed some sensors on both rt/lft front ie abs/Psm. Took it to dealer and $1500 later- I will never put chains on the pepper. Prior season I had snow tires it was effortless. Just want u to avoid what happened to me. Mike

pdxjim

There are some expensive clamp on type chains that I have when it is really deep. Got them at Les Schwab and they work with the 18" tires quite well. That reminds me I have 19's now and don't know if they will fit the new rims.

Tex94

Ok, if I were to get dedicated snow tires, I don't think I'm technically allowed to drive them around SF, is that right? I know they can wreak havoc on the roads (although better the roads than my new Cayenne!)

pdxjim

If you have dedicated studless tires, they are no problem. Studs I am not sure in California. Oregon they are allowed Nov 1- Apr-1. I have not used studs since studless tires came out.

kalyan

Tex94: You can drive around in snow tires all year round if you like. I believe you are thinking studded tires.

996FLT6

Pirelli scorpion snow and ice(non stud)I ran that whole season(all 4).Not noisy at all and actually lasts along time. Mike

Tex94

Thanks all, I will check into a set of those.

996FLT6

Look for deals on cayenne rims on Craigslist if u plan to get an extra set. Pretty good prices for cayenne rims in the 1k range. Mike

DanaT

I have these on my Cayenne. I think they are quite noisy and not really that great.

On my wifes car we have Blizzaks (or how ever its spelled). Better snow traction and much quiter.

One snow tire I REALLY liked (and it was cheap) was Copper snow tires. Amazing grip. Just not sure if they come in cayenne sizes. I know they come in 17" as I still have an unmounted set in my basement.

Even on vehciles that I have all terrian tires, I like snow tires in the winter. They just seem to work better.

-Dana

996FLT6

Never tried blizzaks. Need a new set so will give them a try. I must be deaf- my other car's fault : ). Mike