<p>We are heading for Massachusetts to make college visits in mid-February. Checking the long range forecasts, we may see snow. If we were heading to the snow in California, we’d carry snow chains. But rental cars don’t come with them (we checked.)
Do people in the Northeast use/carry chains in winter?
Our itinerary includes Williams, and maybe even Vassar in New York.
Does anyone have experience with rental cars and snow chains?</p>
<p>As long as you rent a 4 wheel drive SUV, you should be fine. If the weather is so bad that one needs snow chains, postpone the trip and reschedule for another time.</p>
<p>Most rental car agencies do offer 4 wheel drive vehicles–especially in areas where snow is a common occurrence.
Be sure to request one ahead of time.</p>
<p>You won’t need snow chains in New England. If the roads are that bad, you don’t want to be driving. The main roads are clear within an hour or two after it quits snowing. Really, the only time driving is bad is in the middle of a snow storm while it’s still coming down hard.</p>
<p>Actually, you don’t even need four wheel drive. Any decent front wheel drive car (with ABS braking!) will do just fine for any time except in the middle of a snow storm.</p>
<p>Rear-wheel drive? Not so good.</p>
<p>People in the NE buy tires that handle bad weather. Snow chains are for driving in mountain passes, like on ice road truckers. </p>
<p>As the others have said, if it is coming down so hard & fast you should have snow chains on, you should be sitting in the hotel. Especially if you are not used to driving on it! </p>
<p>Keep an eye on forecasts & if it looks funky, grab some snacks for the hotel room in case you are locked down for a few hours.</p>
<p>Don’t get chains. They are illegal in many communities in MA because they help destroy the roads.</p>