I am looking to purchase some good tire chain after my research I was reading the owners manual and it reads that you are not to use them. who hase used them and can you give me some advice.

I have been looking at these:

http://tirechain.com/sub-s-diamond-chains.htm

TIA

Dman

 

I don't know much about chains, but. The HHR has so little clearance between the front tire and the strut, I would worry about the chains rubbing.

 

Well then looks like a set of studded tires may be on the horizon.

 

Agree with Fireman, Chains- no matter how tight ya try & make them, the loose part will be raising up as it tries to pass the front strut perch..

No workie imo.....

 

If you can't use chains what about cables? There must be something you can use. I mean if you live in OR, CA, NV, WA and other northern states farther East you are going to run into "chains required" roadways from time to time what do you do, turn around and go home or find a motel and wait out the chain restriction?

 

FWIW, I'm told that tire chains/cables will cause axle damage to the front drive line.

Also, I'm guessing, probably ABS problems.

 

No clearance for chains or cables, but Spider Spikes work just fine.
http://www.spikes-spiders.com/

In 2008 I bought the “Sport” version. Today I would buy the “Alpine Pro”.

 

Looked at the Spikes man they are expensive. I guess if they work it's may be my only option. I am going to check to see if running studded tires meets the chain law in Oregon and Northern California.

 

Can’t speak for Oregon, but here in Northern California many people run studded mud & snow tires for the months allowed. The only problem is when CalTrans puts R2 requirements into effect, which is most of the time as R1 is little used anymore in the mountainous areas I drive. R1 allows snow tires only with no chain requirement.

In California there is no specific time “studded” tires are legally called for. People use them for an extra measure of confidence.

See these links from CalTrans:

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/wo.htm

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/chcontrl.htm

About cost: Once you buy tires, studs and rims to make the seasonal change easy I’ll bet you will have spent as much as the Spikes Spiders cost.

Here in California studded tires have to be removed during the summer and fall months to be legal on the roadway. Don’t remember the dates.

The Spikes Spiders are so easy to use I will be buying them for any other street vehicle I buy in the future. No, I don't own stock.

 

I've run cable chains several times on stock sized 16" snow tires both front and rear with no problems. Encountered no clearance problems - no axle damage - no ABS problems or other issues.

I suggest though, that they be used with caution, as with any added traction device: keep your speed down, don't run them on bare pavement, make sure they are kept tight.

A lot of parking garages won't allow studded tires so they are not an option here for me.