snow chains

[Nu2sabbie]

 
hi all
because of weather i decided to look at getting a set of snow chains in case of getting stuck.
went down to local lidal as they offering snow chains £20.
got them in wheel size for my car. before buying thougt better read the manual to check.
manual says for 17 inch wheels do not use snow chains.
other size wheels its ok.
so why cant i use snow chains on my areo estate? what is it about 17 inch wheels that prevents there use
cheers

[sgould]

Usually the clearance on the inside between the wheel/tyre and the shock absorber.

The 17 inch Aero wheels are 7 inch wide with 225 wide tyres.  The 16 inch wheels are 6.5 inches wide with 215 wide tyres.

But the manual was written in 1997.  Modern chains are available in 5mm size now, they may be OK.  You might also be OK if you have the 41mm wheels from a 9-3 Sports Saloon.

But also look at Autosocks...  http://www.autosockdirect.co.uk/

[Nu2sabbie]

i have a 95 hot areo estate, 2oo2. does this mean if the chains are less than 5mm they are ok?

[sgould]

I can't say,  you will just have to fit them and check the clearance, allowing a bit for movement. 

The reason you can't be sure is that despite the size of the tyre written on the sidewall, tha actual size between manufacturers varies a lot.  The 225/45 17 Goodyears that I had on my wfe's 9-3 were nearly an inch wider than the Continentals of the same size!

[Hamish McSporran]

I have Autosocks for my 225 / 17" for that very reason. I would definitely recommend them as a "get to your home / destination" solution when the weather catches you out, but not for a full alternative to snow chains.

There is also the Thule K-Summit which does not protrude behind the wheel like chains do, but at almost £300 for a pair you'd need to get good use from them (i.e. living in the Highlands or regular Alpine driving).