The softer compound is really the most important anyway. Studs only help on ice and hard packed snow. They reduce traction on clear pavement. In metro areas the roads are clear most of the time, so studs would mostly be a disadvantage.

I believe chains are allowed but only when road conditions are poor. So you can't leave them on all winter. I would question the need for winter tires if you're using chains. Wouldn't hurt, but seems unnecessary.

 

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2

I’d bet my life on them, and do every day all winter.

 

They are not scary to me, I am not afraid. I just know that the snow on the road one day, will be plowed away by the next day. So the cost of another set of wheels and tires simply to offset driving a little slower for one day is not worth it to me. I have litterally driven through 20" of snow with a 2wd regular cab long bed pickup with all terains on it and 200 lbs in the bed.

 

Pretty sure they (chains) aren't allowed on the Interstates (94,35 ect.). Either way, if it gets bad enough up here in the Northern Burbs that I would consider putting chains on my truck, I'll just order from Door Dash. lol.

 

For real, these things are the dog's danglies.

 

I got Blizzaks for my wife's Focus Electric. Haven't driven her car in the snow yet, but reading online the lack of engine up front and the battery being all at the back I guess makes it a little less capable in the snow than the normal front engine Focus setup. So I figure in her case both for getting moving and stopping, they are probably worth it. Excited to see how they do.

 

Personally, after driving duallys for the last 7 years, I’m all about adding weight. Mind you, I’m gonna try the current setup and see how it does. THEN we’ll see. If need be, 100-200 lbs getting thrown in the back.

Zee