Braking distances increase and handling will suffer if you end up on dry roads. If the roads turn to ice you will be OK.

 

I guess by now all you guys south of the us who have never xperienced snow/ice driving are all freaked out by now but really..a good set of all seasons or even snow rated rated tires will do it..we canucks have been doin 60 mph on the hwy all winter for the best part..cars today "feel " the road with esc and anti skid technology..chains and studs are for REALLY bad conditions..as a truck driver..if I gotta pull out the chains..its time to quit!!!my tires pretty much get me through anything..i must admit the firestones kinda suck in rain..but not bad in the snow atall..we canucks only view snow as an xtra 5 min or so to work!!!!!<object style="height: 344px; width: 425px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nxS7RMLO4us"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nxS7RMLO4us" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></object>

 

Same here. We get a lot of snow on this side of the lake and to be honest studs are rare and the only chains I have ever seen have been in the WV mountains or the Serria's in CA.

The snow for the most here is a pain just getting around those who just can't drive in snow. Fact is 1/3 of them can't drive on a 80 degree sunny day. Car control skills are something many never achieve.

 

"Studs on the Highway".....Wasn't that a Porno Movie??

 

Featuring the HHR with Direct Injection.

 

As far as I know, chains are not legal here in Illinois, nor are studded snow tires. For what it's worth, they are also rarely needed. Even when we get a lot of snow, the snow removal crews are very skilled and well-equipped, and have the roads clear in no time. With very little topography or elevation changes here in the Great Plains, it's all very flat and relatively easy to drive safely even when snowy. If we had mountains, or even severe grades, chains and studs would likely be legal.