[Eos_Up]

I'm thinking of buy some emergency use tire chains in case I get caught out in a snow storm. With any "planned" snow storms, I would be starting out in my Jeep. So, I should NEVER be leaving my home with chains my Eos, but I would like to safely return if I ran into unexpected snow.

I'm looking for a set that won't mar my wheels. Also, ease of installing would be a factor that I would be interested in. Anyone here got any recommendations? I think I have 17" wheels.

 

[cb391]

For where you live, chains would be very helpful. You probably would be better served by replacing your wheels and tires for a set dedicated for winter. If you want steel wheels, you will probably end up going to 16'. If you want 17", then you will have to find a cheap enough wheel/tire combo that you won't feel bad chewing up with chains.

 

[Eos_Up]

Actually, we give VERY little snow out in this area. The chains would be for emergency use only. Say I took the Eos up in the mountains to go skiing and got caught in a snow dump. Since I have so little use for chains, it certainly wouldn't be worth buying a set of winter snow tires.

 

[cb391]

But still, can you find chains that won't chew up the rims?

 

[Eos_Up]

But still, can you find chains that won't chew up the rims?

Now that's the $64,000 question and the reason I started this thread in the first place.

I have a friend who put chains on his Audi A3 and DID mar his wheels a tad. Seems to me if NONE of the chain came below the wheel rim, there were be no worries about scratching the wheel.

 

[cb391]

I understand your dilemma. I think no one ever considered chains and low profile wheels and tires as a viable match. This time of year is hard to plan for when you are driving. Snow happens. Where I used to live chains were often needed. But the last time I was around chains was long before low profile was ever used much and steel wheels and hubcaps were the norm. Snow tires were also part of the routine. You may want to just leave the Eos home and take your 4x4 out if you expect snow. I agree buying wheels and tires just for snow is a bit much. But there just aren't too many choices. Good luck with whatever you decide.
I just did have a thought. I don't know how good it is or whether it will work. I wonder it you could get some rubber tubing, slice one side open and put it over the chain where it might hit the wheel. You could secure the hose to the chain with wire ties or cable ties.

 

[Eos_Up]

I just did have a thought. I don't know how good it is or whether it will work. I wonder it you could get some rubber tubing, slice one side open and put it over the chain where it might hit the wheel. You could secure the hose to the chain with wire ties or cable ties.

I DO go with the Jeep when snow is forecast. As to your idea above, I've been thinking along the same lines. Re the low profile tires, I believe there are chains designed for them. And as long as you can use rubber binders to keep the chains taut, the chain links shouldn't ever hit the wheel.