We are driving from Oregon thru Salt Lake City, The Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier Parks mid June. We planned on renting a car-as our car is not very comfortable for long drives. I just found out that many (all?) rental car companies don't allow tire chains!? 1) Do you think we will have to use them? 2) Any companies that do allow them that you are aware of? 3) Any way around this? Thanks for any input you can give me!
Rental car for spring trip
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I live in Oregon. I took the snow tires off last week. You will not need chains in June anywhere you are likely to go.
Wherever you are allowed to drive the snow has either been plowed or has melted off. The roads that you can't drive on are either gated or have a pile of snow over 6 feet high. Check the National Park Service website for predicted dates for roads to be opened. We won't have any new snow until sometime in September. North entrance to Crater Lake NP will not be open until July 4 or later. South entrance kept open all year.
We never use chains any time of year on our cars in Colorado.
If you are really worried, rent a car with 4wd as an option at least. All the signs I saw in the mountains in UT and CO at the "chain up" area said "chains or 4wd".
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The last time I really "had" to put on chains was years ago when I went to Clear Lake (head of McKenzie R.) in February to see friends of mine do a polar bear swim. To get back out, I put on the chains and took them off after about 5 miles.
When the chain up restrictions are in effect, most Oregonians delay their trip over the pass until better weather.
Try renting a full time 4WD Subaru if you are still concerned.
People that do drive over the Oregon passes have a pair of chains in the trunk. They buy the chains from Les Schwab Tire and if the box is not opened, they get their money back in the spring.
The signs in Colorado actually say Chains or Adequate Snow Tires. The "Chain Up" areas are only for 18 wheelers who are required at certain times to have chains. There is a big difference between all wheel drive (AWD) and four wheel drive (4WD). All Subarus are AWD as are most SUV. Unless you are planning some serious off road driving, a standard, front wheel drive car is more than adequate.