Tire Chains?

[pilotdane]

I live in North Carolina north of Durham which is ice and snow free except for few days a year. We want to get to a vacation home up in the mountains for skiing. Getting to the base of the mountain is no problem with regular tires but the last 10 miles up the mountain can be a problem. On the mountain the speed is strictly enforced to 35 and 25 mph. Are tire chains an option with the Genesis?

I have a 4.6 with stock 18 inch rims. Tire chains that fit seem a bit rare but apparently are available. Is there such a thing as a cover to protect my sexy aluminum wheels when sporting chains?

 

[Mark_888]

Not sure why you say they are rare for that tire size. Have you checked the web? If a cable chain is sized and installed properly, they should not extend into the rim area.

 

[pilotdane]

I only did a quick check of JC Whit and assumed that chains for low profile tires where somewhat rare. After your post I did some more searching and did turn up more chain options. Thanks for poking me in the arse to do some searching.

 

[scottdk]

Ensure tire chains are legal in the area (mountains....probably are). Consider a winter tire compound with added studs. IMO tire chains are the thing of the 60's considering the tire tech now a days.....

 

[pilotdane]

I purchased the car earlier this week so it and it's tires are brand new. I would like to avoid replacing them if possible. I know I could pull the OEM tires off for the winter and run snow or even a good all season rubber but that expense is a difficult call to make here in NC.

 

[Rey]

Suggest you buy any cable chains directly from a reputable dealer, and then try them on at the dealership, reserving the right of return if there is any possibility of rim damage. What I am saying is to be cautious of mail order fitments.

As for buying snow tires, you are not wasting your OEM tires as they can be reinstalled in the spring. I am sure you are concerned also about tire mounting costs; and suggest you check with Costco. Last time I bought winter tires from them they quoted $10/tire to change over.