Does anyone have any recommendations for snow chains or other types of devices that will help get traction for the Prius in the snow? I think I am going to have to drive my Prius to Lake Tahoe this weekend and they got 9 ft of snow last week, so I want to be safe. I have driven it in small amounts of snow an inch or two, but nothing major. Any recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks, Jenny
For the previos generation (2001MY) Prius I bought "SCC Shur Grip Z cables" in the 315 size. This size will not be correct for your Prius, with its larger tires. So far I have avioded circumstances requiring them, but I have test-fitted them at home. The front (drive) wheels do not have much clearance to the front struts in Prius, so I doubt that conventional/old fashioned chains will even fit. So I suppose that cables are the only choice for temporary traction. If you have not used such things before the main points are confirm that you can fit them on before facing the bad conditions, drive 20 mph or less with them on, and remove as soon as possible. DAS
I was just about to post the same question: its the time of year where you don't get a choice: the freeways (I50) require chains. I have found some chain/cable web pages and the SCC_Z-chain (www.ssc-chain.com)does apear to have the lowest clearance...but has anyone used it on the 2004/05 Prius? I have no experience with chains/mountains and new to this (when I lived in NY I had my rust bucket Jeep and 4wd).
best way to snowproof the prius - leave it at home and rent a 4wd suv something; clearance is limited btw chassis and ground - nothing cures that in deep snow other than something w/ higher clearance and 4wd
I bought cable chains from my toyota dealer, but havenot had to use them yet. ground Clearance may be an issue.
Is ground clearance really an issue? I thought the chain requirement was to make sure people didn't get stuck on the plowed road causing an impossible traffic jam. Are the roads open when they have 4+ inchs of snow on them?
I just purchased a set of "Quick Fit Diamond" chains from Les Schwab Tires. They are a large North Western tire store. These are actual chains that are recommended for S.A.E. Class S vehicles, and recommended for ABS braking systems. We looked at the Prius Manual, and the technician actually looked at the car and tires and saw no reason whatsoever why these would not work perfectly. Now I admit to not having used them yet, however, when and if I do, I will give a full report. I do like them because as chains go, they seem relatively easy to install, and they are real chains. Alan
Re: Chain binders Purchase and cary TWO sets of rubber chain binders. Use both sets when you apply chains. If one binder breaks (count on it happening some time), your chain(s) are still snug and you keep driving. With two chain binders - the cable chains stay snug and do not damage the vehicle. You drive with confidence knowing that your chains will stay on, in spite of your lack of experience or attention to detail. Regardless of how other vehicles drive, keep your speed down around 25-30 mph.
I had also asked the dealer for their recommendation: they called some other services departments and basically all they could do was point to the page (unhelpful) in the owners manual that basically says use chains when indicated and with care. Not helpful Toyota!
We purchased the Shurgard cables. Put them on last week in the garage to make sure we knew how and that they would indeed fit (they did) before taking off for Tahoe. Fortunately, the roads were clear and we didn't need them.
There are 2 different forums discussing this topic here at Prius Chat: Check out http://priuschat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?...p?p=63075#63075 One Prius owner had to apparently sign a release from his dealer that he would not sue if the chains damaged the car! That seems to contradict what is in the owners manual (that does state you can put them on). I wouldn't have signed!
Costco has these “chains†on their tire web site . . . but not the size for Prii . . . SO, I went to the manufacture’s web site. They look interesting in that they are made from polyurethane not metal, are easy on/off, and good for mud and sand too. Also OK for S.A.E. Class S vehicles. (Smallest S.A.E. clearance standard) http://www.flextrax.com/
used the same chains from Les Schwab in Yellowstone last January. worked great. easy on and off Smort
