Tire Chains: Why Does Manual Say No Cable Chains?

[jensey]

I think I've read every tire chain related topic on the forum, and I'm still trying to find out why I'm not supposed to use cable chains.

The Prius manual says: "Use SAE Class "S" type radial tire chains, with the exception of radial cable chains or V-bar type chains." It seems silly to use old fashioned link chains on a car like this - I've been using cable chains for 25 years.

I called 5 dealerships in the Rocky Mtn/Denver area (all snow tire users up there) and dealers in San Bernardino and Fresno (which are gateway cities for the local Southern California mountains and Yosemite NP). No one knew anything. Not the parts people, not the service people. My own dealership's customer service guy asked around through his channels (Toyota help line & traveling Toyota serviceperson troubleshooter) - nothing.

I think this is not just a Prius issue. This topic came up on the Siena forum - some mention of damage to the tire pressure system. Well, I now have the SCC Super Z6 zig-zag pattern cable chains that several other forum members have used w/o problems. I needed something for my trip to Yosemite this week. I just now installed them on the front wheels as a dry run, and I don't see any clearance issues, but who knows what's going on back there behind the tire. Anyone know the real story on this?

[Frank Hudon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RiceOwl @ Dec 3 2006, 06:13 PM) [snapback]357186[/snapback]</div>

I think I've read every tire chain related topic on the forum, and I'm still trying to find out why I'm not supposed to use cable chains.

The Prius manual says: "Use SAE Class "S" type radial tire chains, with the exception of radial cable chains or V-bar type chains." It seems silly to use old fashioned link chains on a car like this - I've been using cable chains for 25 years.

I called 5 dealerships in the Rocky Mtn/Denver area (all snow tire users up there) and dealers in San Bernardino and Fresno (which are gateway cities for the local Southern California mountains and Yosemite NP). No one knew anything. Not the parts people, not the service people. My own dealership's customer service guy asked around through his channels (Toyota help line & traveling Toyota serviceperson troubleshooter) - nothing.

I think this is not just a Prius issue. This topic came up on the Siena forum - some mention of damage to the tire pressure system. Well, I now have the SCC Super Z6 zig-zag pattern cable chains that several other forum members have used w/o problems. I needed something for my trip to Yosemite this week. I just now installed them on the front wheels as a dry run, and I don't see any clearance issues, but who knows what's going on back there behind the tire. Anyone know the real story on this?
[/b]

if you have them on the car, turn the wheels lock to lock and at each lock get out and check for clearance between the chain and tire and the inner wheel well cove and look behind the off side wheel to see if there is a clearance issue on the back side of the caliper and brake hose if no clearance issues, go for a drive slowly down your street and see what happens if just normal "clump-clump" I'd use them. What difference can there be between cable and cross link chains? non for normal ice covered roads. Break a link on either and it'll rip the inner fender panel out.

[Houston]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RiceOwl @ Dec 3 2006, 06:13 PM) [snapback]357186[/snapback]</div>

I think I've read every tire chain related topic on the forum, and I'm still trying to find out why I'm not supposed to use cable chains.

The Prius manual says: "Use SAE Class "S" type radial tire chains, with the exception of radial cable chains or V-bar type chains." It seems silly to use old fashioned link chains on a car like this - I've been using cable chains for 25 years.

I called 5 dealerships in the Rocky Mtn/Denver area (all snow tire users up there) and dealers in San Bernardino and Fresno (which are gateway cities for the local Southern California mountains and Yosemite NP). No one knew anything. Not the parts people, not the service people. My own dealership's customer service guy asked around through his channels (Toyota help line & traveling Toyota serviceperson troubleshooter) - nothing.

I think this is not just a Prius issue. This topic came up on the Siena forum - some mention of damage to the tire pressure system. Well, I now have the SCC Super Z6 zig-zag pattern cable chains that several other forum members have used w/o problems. I needed something for my trip to Yosemite this week. I just now installed them on the front wheels as a dry run, and I don't see any clearance issues, but who knows what's going on back there behind the tire. Anyone know the real story on this?
[/b]

I too would be interested in why "cable chains" are not recommended. After my recent experience with the traction control device cutting in and bringing the vehicle to a halt on an ice covered incline I've become very gun shy regarding winter mountain driving in this car. The only answer I can see is chains or studded tires. The latter are banned in my locale.

[sl7vk]

I bought cables for my trip to Oregon and Washington. Cables just make more sense to me then chains. Fortunatly I didn't have to use them on the trip though.

[jtullos]

We've been using cables on our 05 through two winters now, and had no problems from them. Of course, we don't have the TPMS, so I can't say if that would be an issue or not.

[jayman]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Houston @ Dec 3 2006, 10:55 PM) [snapback]357206[/snapback]</div>

The only answer I can see is chains or studded tires. The latter are banned in my locale.
[/b]

Are you sure that studded tires are banned in BC?

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/popular-topics/dri...ty_Brochure.pdf

http://www.icbc.com/Road_Safety/pdf/Road_S...ires_PI222A.pdf

The only "catch" to studded tires is that if you put them on the front wheels, for a front wheel drive like the Prius, you must also use them on the rear wheels. I've always believed in using four snow tires in winter, preferably four studded snow tires.

Of course, if you live in a condo and the condo association bans studded tires in the heated underground parking, then you're SOL. I went through that for almost two years, but after a lot of "debate" with the CA, they finally allowed us to use studded tires in the underground parking.

I personally don't like chains. I've seen what happens when they break, they can cause a LOT of damage.

[skruse]

Regardless of the type of chains, always use a fresh double set of chain binders. Then, when (not if) a chain binder breaks, everything remains secured, the chains stay tighter and no damage to the vehicle. Saves a lot of hassle and gives greater peace of mind while others are struggling in adverse conditions.

[agenor]

"Use SAE Class "S" type radial tire chains, with the exception of radial cable chains or V-bar type chains."

That is one confusing sentence. I've been getting ready to take my 2006 Prius up to Tahoe for some skiing this winter and came across that sentence in the manual and was very confused. I called the Carson City, NV and Auburn, CA Toyota dealers and they said to use cables, not chains. They stock and sell:

http://www.qualitychaincorp.com/detail.phtml?sku=A1026

[Presto]

Anyone tried these out yet?:

Go Claws

They look like a great alternative to chains. I don't mind using chains, but they are a pain to put on. This looks like something I could strap on when I need 'em. You don't need the move the car to install them.

[Stringmike]

I suspect that the grammar got mangled in translation. Perhaps what they meant was that if you are not using cable chains but standard chains, these must be SAE S or whatever.

Perhaps one of our members in another country could check their manual and see if it makes more sense - how about the Canadians, it must be bilingual there. Or perhaps back to the Japanese source.

Mike