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Chains or cables?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by gvp1995, Sep 20, 2016.

  1. gvp1995

    gvp1995 Active Member

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    Occasionally I drive in places where tire chains are needed (required). What is better: chains or cables? I briefly scanned the web and people say chains is the way to go. Cables will rust and fall apart after one snow drive. Which I kind of confirm. In 9 years on my Gen 2 I used cables only a few times, and had to buy a second pair after found the first one was rusty! What is your experience?

    And second question: any specific brand?
     
    #1 gvp1995, Sep 20, 2016
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2016
  2. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Chains are "not recommended" on a Prius. RTFM. ;)
     
    #2 David Beale, Sep 21, 2016
  3. gvp1995

    gvp1995 Active Member

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    RTFM indeed. I already finished 'Entune' - 45 pages, 'Navigation' - 250 pages. And working on 'Owner's manual' - 850 pages (currently read about 1/4). Number of pages from car to car (on average every 10 years) grew exponentially!

    Thank you for pointing this out!
     
    #3 gvp1995, Sep 21, 2016
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    David, both the 2010 and 2016 Manuals have guidance on installing chains, I don't see anything about "not recommended".

    As an example, I've attached a snapshot from page 263 of 2010 Owner's Manual.
     

    Attached Files:

    #4 Mendel Leisk, Sep 21, 2016
  5. gvp1995

    gvp1995 Active Member

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    I was looking at one brand, they recommended clearance of 12mm. I tried to find if Prius had such clearance but failed to find anything. Maybe this could be the problem?
     
    #5 gvp1995, Sep 21, 2016
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Wheel well clearance? I would guess that's mostly a disclaimer, most any car will have more than 12 mm clear, but sorry, I am clueless about chains, haven't used them, our locale is almost snowless. But someone should weigh in.

    The 2016 Manual has some specs on page 415. The pdf is handy/searchable, you can download at Toyota Techinfo site, select the "manuals" tab and enter your info
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Sep 21, 2016
  7. gvp1995

    gvp1995 Active Member

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    Thank you. I did look up p. 415, and they don't recommend or not recommend chains, they simply tell you how to install and adjust them. So apparently chains are fine. Good to know..

    One day I will read the whole manual... hopefully.
     
    #7 gvp1995, Sep 21, 2016
  8. gvp1995

    gvp1995 Active Member

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    I ordered Thule CB12 - they fit perfect. Easy to install (had to watch Youtube though). Very compact box. More than enough clearance. There is no problems with chains. As a matter of fact I think they will serve much longer than cables.
     
    #8 gvp1995, Sep 24, 2016
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
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