Hey everyone,

I do not plan on actively going out into the snow with my 2004 Rx8, but when I make the trip across WA to school (once a season) I might get caught with unavoidable snow. When I am at school, I won't drive enough in the winter to warrant getting snow tires (plus I have no storage space).

So I was wondering if anyone had any recommended tire chains for use on the car. I have done research on many brands but I didn't know if there was something that fit/worked especially well on the Rx8.

btw I only plan on using these for driving over winter passes. Otherwise I wouldn't even take my car out into the snow.

If anyone has any experience with their Rx8 and snow chains let me know!

- AlbatrossCafe

 

I lived in Alaska with my 2004 RX8 GT and it was pointless. It sat parked for 6 months a year. BUT, when I did have to get it out of the garage, I used snow cables since they had a lower "profile." I couldn't get chains to fit right and not rub the wells. I think I bought some off of tirerack (was like a 100 bucks). I don't know where they went, but I'll repost if I find them at home (I moved back to Georgia, so no longer need them). I used them just twice I think. The last time I got so frustrated trying to squeeze under 6 inches of ground clearance (factory height) I didn't even notice the Moose in the yard staring at me.

 

haha alright, I'll keep the "profile" in mind, thanks.

 

Chains aren't really a replacement for winter tires.. they're really for situations where you're in deep snow, if you end up spending significant time on clear highway rather than in snow, you'll break them (and possibly your car as they go whipping).

Get winter tires.

 

Like I said, I would only use them once or twice a season for going over a winter pass. I wear the chains for a couple miles then take them off. I would hate to get a set of tires for $700 and literally only use them for 8 miles of driving in a season.

 

Back in the early 80s I aquired a set of plastic snow chains. They were called "Snow Treads" and sold by Sears. Plastic cross-chains, with narrow webbing for the inner circumferential part. I used them just the way you plan to: put them on when I was facing a drive in deep snow, then off when I got to clear road. They had a pretty low profile, and being plastic if they had not been low enough they wouldn't have gouged the wheel wells.

No idea if those are still around. Since you've searched and found some brands, try contacting the manufacturers of some of the more expensive ones to learn about specs and fitting.

Ken

 

Wide tires are useless in snow.

If you cannot find anything else? I used to carry a bunch of rope in my car plus a knife and make 3-4 separate loops thru the wheel. Worked great for when I got stuck in loose snow and would harmlessly breakaway when worn out. Guess it depends how far you are going? You might get to the end of your rope before you are over the mountain Pun intended.

I learned that trick from a panel beer truck driver.

 

I'll give it a 7.5/10, simply because the subject of the post ties in well with that figure of speech.

 

Just throwing it out there.

2X Super Size 62 Isse Textile Snow Chain Winter Tires Chainless Donut Socks Pair | eBay