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Writer's pictureJenna Goldberg

Why an AWD or 4X4 Vehicle is an Absolute Must for Outdoorswomen

For women who value independence and the freedom to pursue our outdoor passions solo, there are many reasons why it's imperative to have an AWD or 4X4 vehicle. Driving in snow conditions and roads with chain controls increases the risk of auto accidents, blocked roadways, car problems and dangerous weather conditions. But even scarier than that is having to call upon an ex-boyfriend to rescue you like a damsel in distress after a fun day of snowboarding solo.


woman working with tire chains
Photo: Washington State Patrol

There I was on the side of the highway with chains wrapped around the front axle of my compact SUV. An unexpected snowstorm and the first fresh snowfall of the year compelled me to take my new-to-me vehicle up to the mountains to snowboard. It was the beginning of the season and I hadn't come prepared with a fitted set of chains and cables for the vehicle my mom had passed down to me a few months before.


Thinking there wouldn't be chain controls, and I could drive the 7,000 feet up from the beach town where I lived without an issue was naive. I hit the road at 5 am, and was stopped two hours later by a Caltrans worker at the 3,500-foot elevation for a a chain inspection.

"Please, I just want to snowboard today," I pleaded with him to let me pass without chains. "I didn't have time to find chains but I'll pick some up in town."

"I can't let you up without chains on your tires - your vehicle isn't AWD or 4X4," he told me. "It would be too dangerous with the snow conditions right now. I can sell you chains and put them on for you here."

"How much? Do you take credit card?"

"No card. It's $120 for chains for your vehicle."


Thankfully I had the cash and handed it through the window as he tightly wrapped my two front tires in chains and cut off the extra links to customize them to my car's tires. I thanked him and continued driving up the highway at a slow and steady pace the remaining 45 minutes to the ski resort.


He was right; the road was coated in snow, as the snowplows had headed into town to clear the city streets before the snow had stopped falling. I was excited to snowboard the fresh powder, reminding myself to contain my excitement and drive slowly within the 25-30 mph speed limit with chains along the snow-covered road. I was one of the only vehicles on the highway and wondered how well the chains would grip the road as I climbed in elevation along Rim of the World Highway in the San Bernardino Forest.


I made it to the resort without any issues and had an incredible day of riding fresh powder with few people on the slopes. The sun popped out and the snow melted from the roads. By the time I was ready to leave, the chain requirements had been lifted and I needed to take off my chains before driving home.


I drove out of the resort parking lot to have more room to take them off, pulling off on the side of the highway. Realizing that I shouldn't have changed out of my snowboarding pants and jacket, I laid down on the ground in my leggings and reached to the inside of the passenger-side tire.


I tugged at the chains but couldn't get them loose. Damn, these are on tight! I thought as I tried to move the metal piece forward to unhook the chains from the inside of the tire. The Caltrans worker had pulled them tight and cut them off just a few links before the clasp. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to get them off.


I put on my gloves and used the vehicle tire as leverage as I pulled the chains loose. First the inside hook, then the outside. I laid them down on the road in front of the tire, got up and laid down next to the driver's-side tire a few feet off the road. This tire chain clasp was in a different place from the other side, making it much harder to reach.


I pulled my body further under the car to try to see where I needed to unhook the chains, but it was too hard to pull them off at the angle they were in, with the tire chains being so tight. I couldn't get the inside clasp loose.


I moved out from under the vehicle and managed to get the outside unhooked. Maybe it would be easier if I moved my car forward a bit, I thought, thinking I could get a better angle if the tire chain clasp was within easier reach.


I started up the Lexus and slowly rolled forward a couple of inches. I heard the chains making noise under the vehicle and hoped that the clasp had moved to a better location. I turned off the car, got out and bent down to see where it was now. Oh no!! The chains had wrapped around the front axle! Clearly I had made a bad judgment call.


A man pulled over to ask if I was okay. I asked if he could help me get the chain off. He got out of his car, looked at it, and said he didn't know how to get it off - best to call AAA. But I had let my AAA membership expire (learn from my mistake here).


Then I remembered that I had run into an ex-boyfriend when snowboarding on the mountain who worked at a car dealership. He probably had enough car knowledge to know what mess I had gotten myself into, and could maybe help. I swallowed my pride and dialed his number. He was at a friend's house in the village close by and said he could head over right away.


Twenty minutes later he was lying under my vehicle as I had. With his longer arm span he was able to reach under and untangle the chains from the axle, saving it from damage. After some awkward small talk and ego-melting words of sincere appreciation on my part, he drove away. I gathered the tire chains and threw them in the back of the car, shutting the hatch. That's it. I'm getting an AWD vehicle.


By the next snowboarding season I had a Subaru, and as with all Subarus, the model I bought had AWD -- no more chains for me! Taking solo snowboarding trips to the mountain became easier and less stressful knowing that I could make it through the snowy roads without needing to get out in the storm and put chains on. I felt safer driving on the roads, feeling the control and traction of the AWD.


I've been able to avoid major car accidents involving drivers washing out on ice and spinning around on the road, as my Subaru quickly turned and avoided the accidents on the snow-covered roads. There's no chance I'd ever buy a vehicle that isn't AWD or 4X4 again.


Why outdoorswomen should get an AWD or 4X4 vehicle

  • Increases confidence on solo trips in snow conditions and chains-required roads

  • Dramatically decreases the likelihood that you'll need to put chains on your tires

  • Lets you bypass chain control, keeping you warm, safe and dry in your vehicle

  • Means you never have to take off tire chains on the side of the road in the dark

  • Gives you more time on the mountain with the peace of mind that you don't need to rush home before road conditions change

  • Safer for moms traveling with kids who may not be prepared for a night stuck in the car

  • Decreases the chances of needing to call AAA or a towing company for help

  • Decreases the chances of getting stranded on narrow and steep mountain roads



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