Does anyone have an idea why the manual says no chains for the 19" rims? If a good reason, OK, but I'm hoping it is similar reasoning to saying no extension cords. That is, just easier to say NO versus long explanations about the right kind of extension cord and then issues if folk don't follow instructions. I'd really like to have some chains just in case. I live in Colorado and go into the mountains regularly. If there is a good reason, that is one more to try and change to 17" rims. Will
Never even entertained getting chains. Well I might have, decades back, then gave my head a shake. We've always got snow tires on separate rims, and play it smart, just stay home or take public transit, when there's a big snow fall. The Prius is low underbody clearance too: no matter what you do with the wheels, that can leave you stuck, and/or rip off plastic underpanels. Plus it's suspension rusts when you look at it wrong. Snow and ice means copious salt on the roads. @fuzzy1, who ventures into Washington State mountains, has noted that by the time chains are mandated by the powers that be, things will be really dicey, and they're likely to completely shut down the roads in a few more hours. Get some 17" snows on rims?
It's likely cause that typical chains have a good chance to damage the wheels. There are chain alternatives that shouldn't be an issue. if regularly driving snow, winter tires are better to have.
@Mendel Leisk and @Trollbait , thanks for the feedback. I practice mostly what you say already, if weather is bad, stay home. That is why going with full-on snow tires isn't the solution that makes sense. The 99% solution is normal tires for good weather, no driving for the really bad snows with no clearance, but for me it is the occasional ice issue. I'm just hoping for something to help out with that 1% in between those two extremes. Chains for my Gen1 were decent, not impacting the 99% of the time I didn't need them, but there for the few times I did--probably only 2-3 times in that 20 years. By bad luck, I've already had that issue three times the first year on the new PPPXP. All three times I was able to get un-stuck by digging up the ice down to dirt on an unmaintained rural mountain road. That was a lot of work though. In the past the chains handled it fine in my Gen1--and other family cars too. If going down the 17" rim route I'd just make it a permanent change and get the better mileage, hopefully swapping with someone who wants the 19 inchers. Thanks, I'll do some poking around for "chain alternatives" and see what looks interesting. I'm still extremely happy with the car, just trying to find ways to make it perfect-er! will
I just slap on our snow tires, in early October, before there’s even a chance of snow, don’t much like working in extreme cold. Leave them on through March, same reason. that said, with our ultra low usage, I could probably just leave them on year ‘round, and they’d still age-out before they’re worn down to all-season tread depth. They’re Michelin X-Ice Snow, roll very smooth on bare pavement, feel like all-seasons. then there’s global warming, our current weather conditions attached.
I had a set of Auto Socks for the Camry for the off chance I had to deal with a big nor'easter coming home. Textile Snow Chains | Official AutoSock USA Online Store Never had to use them. They should work for your need, and are an approved chain alternative. As a synthetic cloth, they are easy to put on, but that also means their use life will be limited. Have also seen zip tie 'chains'; no idea how effective they'll be. Something to consider is all weather tires. These are all seasons with a winter certification, and should be better on ice. Some here use them.
