Hi, what size of snow chains/cables do I need to buy for the E?
Do I need to put chains on all 4 ? Mine is an EX AWD

Is this a common size I can find anywhere, like sport chalet?

Thanks

The owers manual has directions on the type of chains (low clearance ones), and use on the front wheels. Armed with that information you buy chains (or more likely cables) that fit your tires. You should be able to find that information with the chains at any auto parts shop. The information is also available online from the chains manufacturers. There are only a few major ones.

paulj

Last winter I bought from www.tirechains.com (http://www.tirechains.com) the "ultra low profile diamond chains, 9#" (part #1450). Cost $80 + $13 for shipping(I have the shipping invoice). They were quick in the delivery.

I haven't used them yet. In fact, I may not be using them at all because I'm about to switch out the stock tires for slightly bigger ones. Have no idea if they'll fit the new tires.

Check out this link,

http://tirechain.com/sub-s-diamond-chains.htm


Good luck!

Try this.


http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Browse/tf-Browse/s-10101/showCustom-0/refId-600003832/N-111%2010201%20600003832/c-10101/TID-1012794

http://www.tirechainsupply.com/pass_16nch.asp

http://www.tirechain.com/P215-70R-16.htm

i got mine from tirechains.com too.

but i bought the diamond class S for size 225/70/16, because i am one-upping the size of my tires. but i've used this size a few times on my wrangler 215's too. they fit fine with a little extra tension using the built in ratcheter.

via the website, mine were $63 +$12 ship.

I'm inclined to use four on any AWD vehicle, but am open to comments that might convince me otherwise.

I actually don't have stock tires, but the Michelin LTX wich handles better snow and mud than stock.
But as far as I know, we're still required to carry chains and might be asked to put them on. So I think I should get one.

Don't you guys think that cables are easier to put on and also will harm less the car?

Thanks

The owners manual says only use cables. Cables also are cheaper. Some chains are easier to mount than cables:
http://www.scc-chain.com/Pages%20Traction/Q%20and%20A/question%2012.html
To pass the highway patrol checkpoints, inexpensive cables should be fine.

Chain, because they use tighteners, can fit a wider range of tire sizes. I bought SCC Whitestar chains (which meet the S clearance standards) because they fit both 215 and 225 width tires. I'd hesitate to use them on 235s, though because of strut tower cleanance issues.
http://www.scc-chain.com/Pages%20Traction/Traction%20products/ws%20alloy.html

Since an Element is by default a front wheel drive, chains/cables on the front tires should be enough, providing drive, steering and braking. As long as the chained tires don't spin, the rear ones won't get power. Putting chains on the rear ones as well (never just rear) may not (?) do any harm, but may only help in the worst of cases.

paulj

Hi Paulj,
On an earlier post you said that the manual requires chaains, not cables. Then you said it has to be cables, but you bought chains.
??
It' s not clear to me.

Thanks

When I wrote 'types of chains', I was using 'chains' in a generic sense, covering both link chains and cables. That's how state chain laws are worded. Cal DOT also uses the term 'traction devices'.

I did not follow the manual in detail, figuring that the 'S' clearance issue was more important. However, I have also made a test fit, and looked carefully at how much clearance there is. But I have not yet had a chance to test them over any distance.

If money is not object, I'd suggest getting the highest price cables that one of these companies makes - cables that have the closest fit, and the easiest installation.

paulj

i just use the chains on the front of my AWD.

some 4x4 people recommend all 4 be chained up, but many people only do the front two. and with our little AWD, most people recommend only the front two.

I think the best tire chains ever [at least in the 40 years since I put on my first pair] are the Konig p1 for our Es.

I've used these on An Audi 5000 and on a Windstar and a Subaru O/B. I think they out perform any chain or cable I've ever been exposed to. I once had to drive from McCall ID to Seattle ~500 miles on them at speeds up to 50 mph although most were really nearer 30. NO breaks and no apparent tire damage. {edit } my wife points out that the Vehicle involved wasn't our Windstar but a Chrysler Town&Country {edit}

Maybe a set of EZ chains mounts faster but they break easier too.

These used to be carried by REI but I can't find them on their site any more.

See them here: http://www.skidrive.co.uk/chains/index.php
Bought them here: http://www.chainquest.com/

Oh yeah, Maybe I'm going to be hung in effigy but I bought a set of steel 15 " rims and put 205 75 15 on them. I think I'll get much better handling with the reduced size. For sure on the mostly rainy streets and highways of the Seattle.

Ok, resurrecting this old thread because I might be driving I80 and am wondering if anyone has been stopped at a chains checkpoint in their E? specifically on interstate highways? is it worth getting cables/chains? even just for piece of mind? just wondering about any of your experience with this... thanks :)

If you can afford to wait out the worst of a storm, you probably don't need to carry chains. Waiting a day in Reno or Sacramento should be enough in most cases.
paulj

Wait a night in Reno? as long as I stay away from the slot machines! :):rolleyes: Thanks! I will keep my eyes glued to the weather channel! :)

Speaking of chains and weather on I80:
Current conditions from Calif DOT
http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roadlt
CHAINS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES WITH SNOW
TIRES ON ALL 4 WHEELS FROM 3 MI EAST OF GOLD RUN (PLACER CO) TO TRUCKEE
(NEVADA CO)

EASTBOUND TRUCKS ARE BEING SCREENED AT APPLEGATE (PLACER CO) - DRIVERS MUST
HAVE MAXIMUM CHAINS IN THEIR POSSESSION IN ORDER TO PROCEED - PERMIT LOADS ARE
PROHIBITED

WESTBOUND TRUCKS ARE BEING SCREENED 5 MI WEST OF RENO (WASHOE CO) - DRIVERS
MUST HAVE MAXIMUM CHAINS IN THEIR POSSESSION IN ORDER TO PROCEED - PERMIT LOADS
ARE PROHIBITED

This is with a winter storm warning for that part of the Sierras (from NOAA):
GUSTY SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST WINDS WILL CREATE HAZARDOUS TRAVELING
CONDITIONS IN BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW. GUSTS TO 70 MPH ARE
POSSIBLE OVER THE HIGHER MOUNTAIN PASSES. EIGHT TO 12 INCHES OF
ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATION IS EXPECTED ABOVE 3000 FEET BY MIDNIGHT
TONIGHT.. WITH UP TO 18 INCHES POSSIBLE ABOVE 7000 FEET. SEVERAL
INCHES OF SNOW ARE POSSIBLE AS LOW AS 2000 FEET BY LATE TONIGHT.
SNOW WILL TAPERING OFF TO SCATTERED SNOW SHOWERS AFTER MIDNIGHT.

and more of the same Thursday and Thursday night.

An a link to a chain control map for the region. According to this map you could bypass the chains restrictions by going north from Reno on 395 and then 70 or 49 (R1 chains) into California. That would be longer.
http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist3/projects/chainmap/chain_control_map.pdf

Caltrans only requires M+S rating on 'snow tires' (the Wrangers should qualify). Oregon is pickier, requireing the snow-mountain emblem.

Requirement Two (R2): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels.
(NOTE: Four wheel/all wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)

paulj

i just use the chains on the front of my AWD.

some 4x4 people recommend all 4 be chained up, but many people only do the front two. and with our little AWD, most people recommend only the front two.
Seems to me all four should have chains/cables so as not to change the braking dynamics. If the fronts have significantly better traction than the rears, the rears will let loose first in a turn, and you'll fishtail. This is the reason FWD cars tend to get four snow tires rather than two.

well, the same argument holds for FWD vehicles (rear breakout) and RWD vehicles (steering).

but practically (in my limited experience), the AWD of the element does great holding the road in snow, and the only times i've put on my chains was in the deep stuff. when i've been in it, i drive slowly and never break much. works great with just the fronts chained up.

whats with all these SoCal people and snow chains? I didn't know you guys got much snow in that area. I am in Pittsburgh but no one really uses chains or anything like that (some get snow tires but only usually if you have nice wheels to protect or something). Are chains really popular in SoCal or something?

whats with all these SoCal people and snow chains?
Does the Pennsylvania DOT ever require chains, even for trucks? As illustrated in my previous post in this thread, some times California drivers are REQUIRED to have chains if they want to drive certain roads.

paulj

Does the Pennsylvania DOT ever require chains, even for trucks? As illustrated in my previous post in this thread, some times California drivers are REQUIRED to have chains if they want to drive certain roads.

paulj

Oh ok, that makes sense then. I was just wondering cause I haven't really ever seen anyone using chains, just school buses I think. I guess we don't have any laws requiring it. Do you get heavy snows in SoCal though, I was under the impression it was always like 70 degrees in the winter there.

"S" class chains substitute for cables. These worked fine on my 225/70 Geolanders. I just got back to So Cal from a 2,000 mile round trip to Washington yesterday afternoon. The chains were purchased in Redding (northern California) before crossing into Oregon by way of the Syskiyou pass. The radio reports let me know that I would need them. I did. Took about :15 minutes to get them on and write my name in the snow before moving on at a blazing 15 - 20 MPH. They were actually allowing 4WD vehicles to go through without chains. Even though I'm AWD I didn't risk it. In a 10 mile section I saw 3 Suburbans in the ditch, one upside down. 4WD does nothing for braking on ice. These guys had all passed me......just a bigger hockey puck. Oh, get some waterproof gloves. Once your hands get wet the second chain installation becomes a stiff fingered proposition. Those steel links are really cold too.

The E and I had a great trip, but that's another story that I'll put together with more pics when I get a chance.

Never posted a picture before. Hope this works with the resizing and all.

to specifically answer the SoCal question:

1. it never snows in LA or San Diego proper.
2. each has mountains 10-20 miles east/north which are about 5000 feet, which occasionally get snow
3. the SoCal ski areas are ~100 miles north/east (big bear, etc) which are at 5000-8000 feet. these regularly require chains. last weekend, they got over a foot of snow.
4. many people regularly go to Mammoth/Tahoe to ski (~300 miles north). these areas regularly require chains (see paulj's post above)

Great pic, Sidecar!

I've been over the Siskiyous many times. But, alas, not in the E.

:cool:

I've been surfing all the DOT websites, and it seems like the worst weather is in Cali... :roll: I think I might just get the R215/70/16 chains for like 35 bucks from that website mentioned earlier in this thread, but it looks like my travel plans are being pushed back again... :mad: sigh....