Tire chains for an '06 Toyota Sienna?
December 21, 2007 1:44 PM Subscribe
Tire chains for an '06 Toyota Sienna? Unsafe? If not, which ones?
We're heading up to the mountains next week, and I'm looking for tire chains for our Toyota Sienna. Is this a good idea? Any recommendations?
The problem: last year a Google search told me that tire chains were iffy on this car (if you can believe it) -- I found reports about dealers being wary of this because of issues with the chains, apparently they were futzing with the ABS. From what I recall, dealers and Toyota were blaming one another, and there was no clear answer on whether or not tire chains were breaking the warranty.
This year, however, there's no such reports online to be found. So I'm shopping and have found some decent-looking tire chains here.
Before I buy, I'm wondering: does anyone have experience with this? I'm tempted to just call the dealer, but past research tells me they'd rather take the easy way out, right or wrong, and just tell me not to get tire chains on this car...which sounds insane and impractical for a family vehicle like this. Thoughts encouraged, thanks.
We're heading up to the mountains next week, and I'm looking for tire chains for our Toyota Sienna. Is this a good idea? Any recommendations?
The problem: last year a Google search told me that tire chains were iffy on this car (if you can believe it) -- I found reports about dealers being wary of this because of issues with the chains, apparently they were futzing with the ABS. From what I recall, dealers and Toyota were blaming one another, and there was no clear answer on whether or not tire chains were breaking the warranty.
This year, however, there's no such reports online to be found. So I'm shopping and have found some decent-looking tire chains here.
Before I buy, I'm wondering: does anyone have experience with this? I'm tempted to just call the dealer, but past research tells me they'd rather take the easy way out, right or wrong, and just tell me not to get tire chains on this car...which sounds insane and impractical for a family vehicle like this. Thoughts encouraged, thanks.
Well, the first Amazon reviewer put them on his Toyota Sienna minivan, so...
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 2:42 PM on December 21, 2007
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 2:42 PM on December 21, 2007
Best answer: elendil71 writes "low-clearance 'Type S' (whatever that means) cable chains should be just fine. Definately not the old style big chain-link ones."
Type S means they they won't interfere with the drive train on a vehicle that specifies Type S chains. Type S is the narrowest clearance specification. They use low profile rails (usually of cable composition) and generally have shorter cross links.
You can buy Type S chain sets with chain cross links, I ran them on my Fiero and now on my Caravan. Chain cross links are the best for traction however make for a fairly rough ride. The cable types are much less aggressive but work fine on bare ice though they are of limited use on snow in my experience.
You need to verify your chains fit when you buy them, preferably in the parking lot of the store. Most places will only allow you to return chains for 24-48 hours. Invest in a set of tensioners too though I've used HD bungie cords in a pinch.
posted by Mitheral at 6:32 PM on December 21, 2007
Type S means they they won't interfere with the drive train on a vehicle that specifies Type S chains. Type S is the narrowest clearance specification. They use low profile rails (usually of cable composition) and generally have shorter cross links.
You can buy Type S chain sets with chain cross links, I ran them on my Fiero and now on my Caravan. Chain cross links are the best for traction however make for a fairly rough ride. The cable types are much less aggressive but work fine on bare ice though they are of limited use on snow in my experience.
You need to verify your chains fit when you buy them, preferably in the parking lot of the store. Most places will only allow you to return chains for 24-48 hours. Invest in a set of tensioners too though I've used HD bungie cords in a pinch.
posted by Mitheral at 6:32 PM on December 21, 2007
Response by poster: thanks all. i went with the brand i mentioned, tried 'em on and am ready to roll!
posted by diastematic at 11:14 PM on December 21, 2007
posted by diastematic at 11:14 PM on December 21, 2007
This thread is closed to new comments.
Practice a few times taking them on and off, and go SLOW in bad weather. Be the "jerk" who slows everyone down. You and your family are safe, thats all that matters.
posted by elendil71 at 2:27 PM on December 21, 2007