What type of chain should I buy for the HHR????
Thanks;)

I don't think I would buy any. If a crosslink broke you would tear the s*** out of the wheel well and front end.

Snow + California = :confused:
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
We don't even use chains here in Michigan

snow and ice tires!! Michelin X ice rock.

Snow + California = :confused:
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
We don't even use chains here in Michigan

From Diego, we're just 40 minutes away from snow and 90 minutes away from the Desert and 15 minutes from the Beach:thumb: + We need somekind of traction device in California because most of us are fairweather drivers. Ice or wet roads = numerous accidents

Here in TX chains are used fer pullin yer buddy outa da mud hole!

check the manual, I beleave it says to NOT use chains

I also remember reading "no chains" for the HHR in the owners manual.
*HERE* (http://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3074) is a thread with links for the HHR's online owners manual.

Here in TX chains are used fer pullin yer buddy outa da mud hole!

I remember several years ago, someone in Texas pulled "something" else with chains. I believe they are doing some hard time:thumb:

i believe they are talking about the old school chains. They have different styles now.

Check this site out.

http://www.vulcantire.com/cgi-local/chainsearch.cgi?size=215/55-16&model=Z-547&f=chainz_c.htm

this might work for you. I used the specs for the stock 16" tires on the HHR.

I third the do not use chains in the manual..
Speed limit with chains 3 mph

Even with the new generation chains/cables as you drive faster the chain/cable is thrown out by the spinning of the wheel and tire the diameter grows = fender damage..

I agree with those who say NOT to use chains.

Invest in a good set of snow tires instead.

You can't use chains there is no room behind the tire it is to close to the strut,you have to use spike spider product they bolt a adater to the wheel and then they go on when you need them.You leave the adapter on thru the winter.You can go to there web site for more info www.spike-spider.com they are not cheap about 300.00 hope this helps
Jeff

Chains = DON'T DO IT! :lol:

Time to break out the Jeep...:D

Yes it snow"s in California, Tahoe. I think I should have asked about Radial Cable. has anyone use them??? When to Pep Boy's, They had radial cables.
Thanks :thumb:

Still, you can't use "chains" on an HHR - even the radial cable type. There is no clearance on the strut tower (take a look, you'll see what I mean).

Tire Chains

CAUTION:

Do not use tire chains. There is not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle
without the proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes, suspension or
other vehicle parts. The area damaged by the
tire chains could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle and you or others may be injured
in a crash.

Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle, and do
not spin your vehicle’s wheels. If you do find
traction devices that will fit, install them on the
front tires.
5-59


Straight from the manual. reading is a wonderful thing.:thumb:

I don't know about snow, but I rock platinum chains with my ice...



disclaimer: no i don't. and if you don't get the joke, don't worry about it

then i guess you cant use the HHR to go up the mountains? When it snows in cali you are required to have chains on your car (sometimes as low as 3k feet).
Snow tires will not be enough for the cops to allow you to pass.

then i guess you cant use the HHR to go up the mountains? When it snows in cali you are required to have chains on your car (sometimes as low as 3k feet).
Snow tires will not be enough for the cops to allow you to pass.

This is my biggest concern as well! That and-lets face it chains (cable or other) really give alot of security it extreme blustery ice conditions. Although I rarely have ever used them-once installed I enjoy the feeling of extreme traction.

So-what do you do when "CHAINS REQUIRED" is on the signs and our officers are out serving tickets and protecting their income?

Anyone?

I doubt you can open your owners manual and explain to the officer that they wont work.

then i guess you cant use the HHR to go up the mountains? When it snows in cali you are required to have chains on your car (sometimes as low as 3k feet).
Snow tires will not be enough for the cops to allow you to pass.Sounds as if the drivers out there need to travel someplace where they know how to drive in the snow without chains. I can and have driven my HHR in snow deep enough that I have pushed it with the bumper occasionally. All I ever run are all-weather.

I miss the days of studded snow tires....... ;)

I've lived in CA for 14 years and I just avoid the high country when it's snowing. I've been up to Tahoe and Reno many times in the Jan-Mar time frame and guess I've just been lucky never to have gotten caught in a storm.

Fred

Chains on most new cars are a No No. They have eliminated the fender clearance and you may or will tear up the car. Also many FWD cars are not freindly for chains.

In the past GM had a standing rule that they had to put in clearance on all cars and that is why we often had big fender wells and small tires.

Today you have tight fenders over an bigger tire and littel room just as many imports have always had.

Very very few people use chains anymore and those who are in the required areas often have SUV or trucks that can still use chains.

Sounds as if the drivers out there need to travel someplace where they know how to drive in the snow without chains. I can and have driven my HHR in snow deep enough that I have pushed it with the bumper occasionally. All I ever run are all-weather.


Believe me-I can and have out driven the best of them in my time. I am very experienced in snow. However-officer johnny law loves to ticket people when the "chains required" sign is out.

That is my first concern-second in very harsh blizzard conditions with alot of ice-chains ad alot of security.

That all combined with this being my first season with the HHR-just wanting to be prepared.

I never thought about checking to see if a car could accept tire chains. Kind of odd-

I still think the thule chains will work.

http://www.thuleracks.com/snowchains/default.asp

Believe me-I can and have out driven the best of them in my time. I am very experienced in snow. However-officer johnny law loves to ticket people when the "chains required" sign is out.

That is my first concern-second in very harsh blizzard conditions with alot of ice-chains ad alot of security.

That all combined with this being my first season with the HHR-just wanting to be prepared.

I never thought about checking to see if a car could accept tire chains. Kind of odd-

I still think the thule chains will work.

http://www.thuleracks.com/snowchains/default.aspI just watched the video of these from the site. It only hooks on to 1 lug nut and I highly doubt that the clearance is there for it to go around the tire. If it were to still fit around the tire, I would be leery of any damage that it could possibly do to the wheel well/fender and also the strain it would create on the 1 lug it is bolted on.

Yeah, like in the Denver area, they have signs that say you MUST have chains to go through if the lights are flashing...

IF you live in the area where required, mostly Serria and Rocky Mountain Pass areas You just don't go.

They either will have to change the laws on the newer cars since so few can use them any more or people neeed to buy the right car or truck for their needs.

If you contending with snow that deep and grades thar steep I would not want a low sitting FWD anyway. I have seen too many FWD where the snow packs under them and lifts the front tires off the ground here in the non mountain areas.

These areas account for less the 1% of the cars sold ever going into these areas and the companies are not moving to make more cars for them so it is up for the owners to asses what their needs are and buy the right car for their needs.

It is no different here where many own a daily driver Vette but have a SUV for winter.

Most here have never seen chains on a car before and only on ice road truckers.

Even when we go into the Smoky mountains I have only seen chains on logging truck and even then they are off road and rare.