Has anyone used snow chains on their xB, and if so, what were your experiences?
Did you face any problems, and if so, what are the problems?

I just wanted to know if I should buy snow chains for my xB.

Thanks in advance!

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As I recall, the manual says not to install chains on an XBOX.
Check out your owners manual's tire section.
I also recall the climate in Southern Califoria, NO SNOW.
Planning a trip up north? The XB is excellant in snow, search for SNOW and read the testamonials.
I had a car with 13 inch wheels and I had a set of chains in a small plastic box.
I wanted them for the rare occasion when the cops would only let cars with chains use snow covered roads. During big snow storms, I wanted to be able to reach my ski resort.
In 12 years of skiing in Vermont and Maine, Inever needed them. So they were never used.
Don't do it. Chains are for slaves.

 

I lived in NJ for 13 years before moving to the Bay Area and never used chain in big snowstorms. (was it legal to use chains in NJ?)

Westcoast, however, is a different story. If there are sizable amount of snow in the mountains , the chain become mendatory on major roads unless you have AWD/4WD with snow tires. I don't think there are any other way around it.

 

I go snowboarding, so yes there are plenty snow up the mountains. Sometimes chains are even mandatory on the mountains. I already searched the forum, but wanted to get better responses on people's actual experience with chains. Thanks for your responses.

 

I think snow chains are a BIG no-no on any front wheel drive. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I've read that before. It has something to do with the turning (steering). It could cause the chain to come off and do a lot of damage to your car. You might want to look into that some more. I live in the northeast, and even with all the snow we get, I've never seen chains on the front of any car.

 

^^^ chains on any front wheel drive car are not advised...

 

Not advised by whom?
If your driving in California and chains are required by the California Highway Patrol you will either chain up or turn around. I want to know who doesn't advise chains on a front wheel car so I can tell them next time. I'm not sure that when I tell them dgHotLava on ScionLife said so that they are going to let me through the chain control check point.

 

NO way in hell I'll put snow chains on my xB

Unless hell freezes over... lol

 

It might have to do with the fact that the front wheels are already over taxed. The front tires provide grip for stoping, turning & going. Maybe these 3 things are to much for chains to last through. Thats about the only possible thing I could think of as to why chains might not be good on a FF car.

 

blizzak ws-50 hottest snow tire on earth! used to have a cavalier i did 65 on a major highway with no worries snow covered like crazy

 

Driven on FWD vehicles a lot and no problem with turning going, stopping or anything else. Had them on Caravan, Sienna, Highlander and MPV. Buy them if you think you will need them and don't be afraid to use them if necessary.

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Thanks for all your input, I greatly appreciate it. Up in California mountains, when situations are bad, chains are mandatory, otherwise we must turn back... that is why I'm asking. Sometimes 4WD cars are allowed without chains, but not FWD.

 

I have put chains on my FWD cars without any issues in the past and I assume xB would be no different.

When i have to put chains though, i don't do it myself but pay the guy $20 to install my chains. That way, 1) i stay warm and 2) my inexperience doesn't lead to bigger issues as other people in this thread has talked about.

 

well i wouldnt do 65 in any bad weather condition, but the Blizzaks are the best snow tire avalable.

 

just because CHP says you need chains to travel on a certain road, does not mean the chains are safe for your car.
your logic is silly...


you the owner of the car needs to know what is safe for your own car.
if you put chains on and they end up damaging your car, who is responsable for the damage???
by your logic CHP would be because they told you they were needed to travel past 'x' spot an a road.

you have three options....
find another route to where you want to go....
wait till you don't need chains to travel on the road...
put the chains on and deal with it....

can it be done...sure
would i do it...never

 

if you need chains to go out in the snow on your xB then either you need to do one or two things!

1. Buy a 4 Wheel Drive!
2. Stay at home!!!!!!!

 

dgHotLava,

Thanks for your clarification and concern that I will damage my car. This seems to be the same kind of discussion that comes up regarding towing with a xB (no, lets not have that discussion again). There are people on both sides of the issue and it comes down to personal responsibility (no, I don't hold the CHP responsible for any damage done if I chose to comply with the law and install the chains.)
I have installed chains on a FWD Toyota Celica and a MINI Cooper with no ill affect and will do so with an xB if required. Thanks again!

 

I believe the owners manual says we require type "S" chains for the xB. JC Whitney says that "S" chains are for vehicles with little clearance under the wheelwells. In California, as stated above. You never know when the snow will come, and if chains are required, you must have them to continue on. I have always put chains on my front wheel drives and have never had a problem. I make sure they are tight. For individuals with taller/wider than standard tires, then you may be out of luck. If you are worried that the tires may rub, then chains will probably not be an option. They also say to remove your wheel covers. Have fun in the snow.

 

I bought cable style chains at pepboys and have used them on two occasions in Yosemite...they work just fine. Easy to put on and take off. Just keep the revs high and in a lower gear.

 

NDABOX, please tell us about this pep boy's product.
Heavy or light chains?
Cost?
Photos?
Installed without lifting the wheel?