Can't use tire chains - what to do?

[Hooligan]

madmartin, WELCOME [^] to the Forum. I can feel your pain as I lived in Michigan most of my life. NEVER had a set of chains, did have snow tires for some vehicles. I always carried a set of strap on chains for when I needed them. I did use them a couple of times, I bet that right now you couldn't find any chains in Oreagon!!! I think I bought mine in late spring for the first year. GOOD LUCK

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by IRPT

Not sure if these are the type that quicksiverdon is talking about but these offer a low profile;

http://www.drivingcomfort.com/index....1046&sc=a58400

http://www.spikes-spiders.com/

Thanks IRPT - The first link is the type I meant - supposedly good - I have not tried them, but makes sense to me....

[wecycle]

I was able to purchase "cable chains" for my 2004 PT Cruiser GT Turbo HO with 205/50-17 tires. They are Laclede model 1034 and I got them at Kragen Auto. They are labeled for class "S" (low clearance) vehicles. They worked with no problems on our recent escape from the blizzards in Washington and Oregon. I did make sure they were as tight as I could get them and also used the rubber tensioners as well.
Dennis L. Cote, Delhi, CA
Dennis L. Cote

[wecycle]

quote:Originally posted by madmartian

According to the owners manual, I would have to replace my P205/55R16 tires with smaller ones in order to use chains. That's crazy! What is everyone else doing to solve this problem? Are there chain alternatives with lower clearance that can be used? I only need them at most one week out of every year, so I am not buying new tires.

Let me know if you can't find the cable chains locally. I could get them and mail them to you.
Dennis L. Cote

[cruisergt]

welcome mad martian

[bobs turbo pt]

hey mad, how did you make out??

[JTCruiser06]

Ouch!

madmartin and I BOTH live in Oregon and share the same problem. Snow zones between me and major cities inland (I live on the coast). I'm hearing there is no other work around beside A) buying tires or B) staying home. LOL.

JT

[Hooligan]

Welcome JT, you do realize that the post is from 2004, possibly the OP is no longer here.

[JTCruiser06]

Yeah but I was hoping....

[TangerineDream03]

The reason chains aren't approved for GT's, and my 03 Dream Cruiser, is a clearance problem. Some cable chains will work but there is the danger of them hitting the strut. If you use them, keep your speed down. With all the recent snow ( down to 500 ft in Redding, CA last night) this topic is of interest again. If I want to go up to Tahoe I don't take the PT as I don't want to buy a set of smaller wheels/tires.