Hi - Ski season has hit and I'm gonna be driving up north pretty frequently. I want to get some chains for my xB - stock wheels and suspension. What type of chains should I buy? Any alternatives that are better?

 

I don't know about chains, but I think a good set of winter tires will do just fine.
I have Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 and they are awsome!
The xB has just as much traction as my old AWD Subaru!
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....=Blizzak+WS-50

My buddy has Hakkapeliitta winter tires on his Volvo S60 turbo
and they are the best you can get, but super expensive.
http://www.nokiantires.com/newsite/t...fm?cid=1&sid=1

 

yeah, get some studded tires or something.. chains scare me.

 

If you seriously drive in snow, the Happas or Biizzaks are a good deal.

However, if you just drive to the snow (like SoCal skiiers) they are awfully expensive for a "just in case it snows" situation. I drive from SoCal to northern Nevada a couple of times per winter and haven't had to drive in snow in years. I carry chains (the variety specified in the owner's manual) but hope I never have to use them.

Don't forget to fit the chains to your tires in your warm, dry garage before you have to hassle with them on a cold, snowy roadside!

Also, take along a roll of 18 guage steel wire, just in case something breaks.

I generally double up on the rubber "stretchers", so if one breaks you still have the other to go on.

Like I said, I do a lot of preparing, but haven't had to use the chains in a long time.

George