Date: Thu, 06 Feb 2003 20:43:51 -0500 From: Four Weis <mweinopsamcom> Subject: Re: 9-5 Aero - using snow chains
Jim wrote: > "John Davies" <johndaviesNOSPAMnopsam.net> wrote in message > news:cke24vo9qkcd8e9u3jlrri40kronnmtvaunopsamcom... > > On Wed, 5 Feb 2003 11:49:57 -0000, "Jim" <jimnopsamil.thanks.com> > > wrote: > > > > >I am told that you can't fit snow chains to the standard 2002 9-5 Aero > > >wheels. > > > > > >One idea is to buy two 16inch steel wheels and tyres for use only with > > >chains. Where can I buy suitable 16 inch steel wheels? > > > > Do you really want to see your beautiful car with 17 inch alloys and > > summer tires in the back, and 16 inch steel wheels and chains on the > > front?? > > > > Can you say "recipe for disaster"? > > > > I recommend a full set of four 16 inch wheels with winter tires. This > > will retain the fine handling of your car and will allow full braking > > performance. Saab sells these sets through the dealers, ready to > > install, for about US$900 in the USA. > > > > You really really do not want to drive with mismatched tires. Read > > this: > > > > http://www.tirerack.com/winter/tech/faqs.html > > > > > > John Davies > > Monroe WA USA > > > > 2001 Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon > > 2000 Audi A4 quattro 1.8T > > 1991 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4x4 > > > > I understand this and would never drive with a mismatched set but with snow > chains and limited to 30mph it seemed possible. Presumably with winter > tyres you would need snow chains less often? It is NOT possible, in fact it is even worse in the snow to drive with the radically mismatched traction due to snow chains. Even at 10 miles an hour on a turn, you will find out in a hurry when the rear end with all season tires passes the front with snow chains. Another concept you can try is the "new" chain or cables. These do not have links like a traditional chain, but are either steel or rubber cables. These are smaller and will probably fit your 17" rims. Even if the rubber model break, they will not damage your car. Many tow trucks use the rubber cables in the snow.