Can Snow Chains be Used

[gjp5225]

I have an 07 XC70 with approximately 69K miles. I just installed four (4) new tires, size: 215/60 R17 96V M&S Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season. I live in San Diego, CA. When driving into higher elevations that have snow accumulation, the CA Highway Patrol will require vehicles to use snow chains depending on the severity of driving conditions when snow is on the roadway.

I called the local Volvo dealer and was told that Volvo no longer offers chains for the XC70. The dealer could not tell me if my tire size will even allow the use of chains due to minimal clearance.

Can anyone give me definitive advice 1. Can chains be used? 2. What type of snow chains would be recommended for best use, limiting potential damage to the vehicle if a chain section breaks? 3. Are there online suppliers in the USA that offer best service, best price for snow chains? Thanks so much! Gaetano

[wgriswold]

I live in the Sierras, South Lake Tahoe, at 6500 ft. I have never seen the requirement (R3 I think) for chains on an AWD actually imposed. They close the road first. That said there is a requirement to carry chains for a AWD car in a chain control area. I have never been asked to show my chains when they are required for 2WD vehicles. That is a good thing because I don't have any. When they were available from Volvo they were obscenely expensive and I passed. I haven't checked in years to see if they are available from the usual sources. Do you have Les Schwab tire dealers in San Diego? Schwab will sell chains and then allow you to return them years later if not used. Maybe a dealer Schwab dealer would UPS a set to you if they have any? I do have a set in my 4x4 Suburban that I have never used.

[KB3MMX]

Check TireRack, etc. (Google, Bing,etc. for "tire chains" ) You can buy chains for any vehicle, it doesn't matter if Volvo doesn't sell them at the dealer.

There are also several types of chains available, I would recommend a cable type "chain" as they're lighter, cheaper and easier to put on.


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[Astro14]

What does your owners manual say? Mine has specific requirements and cautions about chains.

[Ars Gladius]

From the 2007 XC70 owners manual:

Snow Chains:

Snow chains can be used on your Volvo with the following restrictions:

• Snow chains should be installed on front wheels only. Use only Volvo approved snow chains.
• If accessory, aftermarket or "custom" tires and wheels are installed and are of a size different than the original tires and wheels, chains in some cases CANNOT be used. Sufficient clearances between chains and brakes, suspension and body components must be maintained.
• Some strap-on type chains will interfere with brake components and therefore CANNOT be used.
• All Wheel Drive models: Snow chains should only be installed on the front wheels. Only chains adapted for AWD models should be used.

CAUTION!

• Check local regulations regarding the use of snow chains before installing. Always follow the chain manufacturer's installation instructions carefully. Install chains as tightly as possible and re-tighten periodically.
• Never exceed the chain manufacturer's specified maximum speed limit. (Under no circumstances should you exceed 31 mph (50 km/h)).
• Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns when driving with snow chains.
• The handling of the vehicle can be adversely affected when driving with chains. Avoid fast or sharp turns as well as locked wheel braking.

Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information.

I would presume that you may be able to get the specs out of Volvo (probably HQ, not a dealer).

But any reputable aftermarket chain maker should be able to correctly spec chains for your car, especially if you have the OEM tire size installed (which you do).

[SanDiegoHighwayman]

"San Diego Snowchains" in yer search bar will git ya an answer -

[Astro14]

Hmmm...hat's changed...but the mustache sure looks familiar!

[Swagger XC]

my manual says to avoid chains and i have a signed released form to not use chains from initial purchase from the dealer.

[mapper]

I'm going to be the A-hole here. If you are driving mt. roads under conditions that require 4 wheel drive AND chains/traction tires it means the winter driving conditions are pretty damn extreme and you are gambling with your life and the lives of others on the roads.

Under those conditions you should either a) have proper snow tires fitted, not all season tires b) be able to run chains c) find a different vehicle that can fulfill the requirement OR d) stay off the damn road under those extreme conditions, they usually only last for brief periods in the midst of a major storm. I can tell you from living in a mountainous region which gets lots of snow that USUALLY the restrictions are there for a reason and vehicles that don't follow them cause BIG, BIG problems for themselves and everyone else.

If you regularly drive on roads with such nasty conditions choice "a" above is a no-brainer.