tire chains
 

Hi all
I'm trying to buy snow chains for my rx8, went to les schwab today, they do not have one that can fit my RX8, any idea where can I get one??
thanx

If the snow outside is bad enough for you to need Chains maybe you shouldn't drive the 8 in weather like that. What tires would be on the 8 should you find chains? But here some links

http://tirechain.com/emergency_strap...lighttruck.htm

http://tirechain.com/CarChains.htm

if you switch to some 17 inch rims with all snows then you should be able to get chains at les schwab. but really if they dont have them / cant get them i dont think anyone is going to have them.

Chains don't work very well on low profile tires on small rims. They are difficult to put on, and tend to come loose.....and take out you wheel wells in the process. If you need them, better to stay home. Get yourself some good winter snows though

Don't do it! Don't put chains on a sports car! If you need chains, drive your other car. You do have an "other" car, don't you? I specifically decided to keep my fwd sedan because I like to go to the snow to play, but wouldn't dream of driving the 8 in the snow, unless it snowed while I was out in the 8 already.

I agree....do not do chains!!!! You've got DSC and TCS...use 'em if you have to. Chains will put far to much were and tear on your car, and probably destroy your rims.

If for some reason they are an absolute must, go with the smaller rim (higher profile tire) suggestion. Don't use them on the stock 18s.

Well I was looking for chains just to use it once a year when it snows in Portland. I guess I'll use the bus on that day.

thanx for the advice.

yeah i wouldnt chain it either..thats why i bought an SUV for semi-daily driving! never know if it will snow up here in parts of WA but ill be ready when it does. also i can hit the slopes while i am at it!

I was a Canadian tire today and a brand called lacede (spelling?) sells a model and claims they fit 225/45/18 and up to 255/40/18s.
Is it true there are moutain highways were the RCMP (or state patrol in the US?) would turn you back at check point stations if you aren't carry any snow chains in your car?

oh and here you go http://tirechain.com/P225-45R-18.htm
though I'm more interetsted in the http://tirechain.com/emergency_strap_on_cars.htm
to get out of tough spots and not to run them continuously

Usually full snows is OK. If not...you don't want to go there in the first place !

Stay home on those days and post on the RX8Club forum.... :p

My '8 is my only car and I do a bunch of winter travel over mountain passes. Here in Oregon they don't turn you back if you don't have chains on, you get a ticket. Just make sure your snow tires are traction device rated (little mountain with snow flakes on the sidewall) and then you are good for anytime traction devices are required. I run 17 inch wheels and have cable chains. They work great as long as you don't go over 35-40 mph with two sets of tensioners on each wheel and stay off of bare pavement. Go faster or install them wrong and you're taking a chance on damaging your car. Practice installing them in your driveway before you actually need them to make sure they fit and you can get them on tight.

Look at their pictures for the emergency strap on chains. I don't think I would strap them on next to the valve stem....

Quick Traction in Snow
 

Chains are not practical. Not sure about the effectiveness of the Snow Sock, but I have had success using zip ties to get out of a slippery area.

Just get the 30 inch by .35in heavy duty plastic ones. I put three on each rear tire and head out slowly. They will eventually break off on their own.

not to resurrect, but I'm interested in this as well. My 8 is parked but I have an MS3 with RX8 wheels and dunlop wintersports in the winter. If I want to ski @ Crystal or Baker on a good day for skiing chains might be required.

Don't do it. They will damage your rims!!! Besides RX8s are not meant to drive in snow anyway! But if you just want to have them just in case, go to a Schuck Auto part store, just try some on right there infront of their store....one will more likely to fit. But you actually have to try some on just to see which ones fit. There is no actual chains or cables specifically made for those tire size. And I would recommand cables instead of chains to minimize the damage.

it pains me... but i think i might order those tirechain.com chains.

http://tirechain.com/P225-45R-18.htm

although i caught a ride with a buddy this weekend to Stevens Pass, last weekend i drove the crew (thank you, ski passthrough). with M+S rated Pirelli all-seasons i made it up the pass and into the parking lot just fine. however, with at least 6" falling that day i couldn't get more than 10 feet from my parking spot. i had to be towed by the recovery vehicle. :(

here are nicer non-cable chains, albeit more expensive, from places with:

- working shopping carts
- no nickel and diming on tensioners

http://www.vulcantire.com/cgi-bin/ch...huleCB12_l.htm
http://www.vulcantire.com/cgi-bin/ch...huleCS10_l.htm (update: $10 cheaper from amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Thule-Super-Pr...9134933&sr=1-1 )

that second one is badass! i fear for my fender liners :D although both are SAE Class "S" rated in terms of clearance, and that's what the RX-8 takes as per the manual.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...PL._SS500_.jpg

Trying some new chains
 

I just ordered some Thule K-Summit Chains. They are supposed to work well for low profile tires so I'm leaving the stock 18" rims on. http://www.thule.com/en/US/Products/...ns/154650.aspx

I did order a set of 225/45R-18 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 as well. I don't know if anyone has had experience with any of these products yet. I'll be heading to Big Bear this weekend and the snow is pretty heavy right now. I'm interested in seeing how it will go. But I would appreciate any experience with these chains.

fail.

http://pics.dpsubs.org/d/5667-1/AchievementUnlocked.png


Also, Hansen JUST texted me that there're some $25 chains, shipped, on Amazon so I thought for sure this was going to be his thread...

Hahaha, well Bakersfield doesn't get much snow. But, that doesn't keep me out of Big Bear, Mammoth, and Tahoe. Chains are required for California mountains. You think those chains are overkill?

Just remember, DSC won't work when there's nothing for your tires to grab onto. If your sliding with your brake foot to the floor and you don't feel the ABS chatter, all wheels are locked up and your car's computer doesn't know you are moving. Release the brakes and let the wheels start to spin, but never pump your brakes if you are getting the chatter, you'll make it worse.