Thanks for the info, SiXiam but after looking at so many chains and cables, I've decided not to get them after all! Looking at the reviews on them, especially on Amazon, none of these get, what I would call an excellent rating. Most have a 20% rating of only #1 and many of those reasons state that the cables have broken with many doing damage to the tires and the paint job on the car! Ugg! Don't want to risk it if it has that many negative ratings it's just not worth it to me. I only wanted them for an occasional trip to our mountains but instead of leaving while the roads are unplowed, I'll wait two days, still have the snow on the hillsides, etc. and not have to worry about damaging the car. Thanks again for the info though.

 

I'm NOT a huge proponent of chains except in conditions that absolutely call for them for inch along survival on the road.
Even though I had a set I used with my 2010 Honda Fit, like already stated I don't like chains because if they break, even at modest speeds, they can do a lot of damage to your vehicle very quickly. They can dent, scratch and damage the whole surrounding area.

That being said, sometimes they are imperative, even legally required to get to point A to point B, so if you think you are going to be traveling in such conditions or area's having a set might be a good idea.
But overall, I'd go with designated snow tires and try to avoid the stretches and areas that weather would legally obligate you to using tire chains.

Maybe my opinion is tainted by many years back having a set of chains break on a pick-up of mine that resulted in a lot of cosmetic damage to the wheel well area. I stopped literally seconds after hearing the break, but it was too late.

 

Yup. I'd only use them when legally mandatory. That being said, there will never be a time where I will have to use chains---living in San Diego. I wanted to go up to the mountains on occasion and actually, while the snow was falling but again, I can wait for the roads to be plowed. Fortunate I have that option. Thanks again for your input.

 

I read through the reviews and I think most of the breaks can be explained by high rates of speed and poor installations.

 

As a Canadian who has lived in Newfoundland, Ontario, and Alberta I can honestly say all you need is proper winter tires on all 4 wheels. Studded if you expect a lot of pure ice and steep hills. I ran studded tires all my life and now use blizzacks and xice. You will only get stuck if you run out of ground clearance. Only time you see chains up here is off road / logging roads or on snow clearing equipment.

You can drive at highway speeds all winter, slowing down for conditions. Chains were meant to get you over a mountain pass with summer tires. Winter tires take you any where any sane person needs to go.

oh and we get average 127 inches of snow a year here in Newfoundland Canada 🇨🇦 mixed with freezing rain, slush, and lots of hills.

 

I totally agree. Problem is that to make things easy on law enforcement, I think, is the "blanket answer" or requirement of the chains, here in San Diego. Studs could be up to judgment and leaves the officer/state open for litigation. If the driver is a fool but sues because he claims the cops allowed him to drive on inadequate tires/studs, the chain law makes it simple for just about all. Besides, in my case, I wouldn't want studs when all I would be using them is about three days a year. Thanks for the info.

 

That makes a lot of sense, been to California twice, loved it there, and not much need for snow tires most of the year there.

 

Probably fair to say.
But still just something that is going to happen a lot.
For most of us, we're trying to chain up, in cold, snowy conditions. Doing something that we don't do often.
Then, it can be a temptation to drive faster than the recommendation with the chains.

In my case? It was long time ago, but I think my chains broke for a combination of 2 reasons. #1. I had used them for about 2-3 years. They do wear, just with regular correct usage.
Also I probably kept them on a little too long, once roads were cleared. Clear pavement is murder on chains.

I'm not against using chains. But for my urban winter driving, I think dedicated snow tires are the better choice.
If you are going to use chains, they need to be in good condition, and stored in good condition correctly.
They need to be installed correctly.
And yes, you have to have the discipline to not exceed the recommended speed while using them, and also take them off the vehicle once your area is either cleared or conditions no longer warrant the chains.

It's a pretty bad sound when you're driving along and suddenly hear tire chains hitting your vehicle.

 

I totally agree! And in my case I'd talk myself into driving just a little too far, thinking that the dry patch of pavement I now came to, would soon end and I'd be right back into the snow and ice again. And me too, speed is not my friend. Keeping it down below 30 m.p.h. would also be a challenge. And yes, proper snow tires or even studs would be a much safer answer but when the local laws call for chains to enter a specific area------. So, I can't afford to put body work into this car. It's my major mode of transportation. I'll pass on the chains. Thanks all for your recommendations and Happy Holidays!

 

For anyone interested I finally bought some chains and tested them on my fit.


I generally use winter tires but I've been in situations where I need a little more bite so for $30 I bought a set of Les Schwab Quick Fit Diamond Chains