Snow Cable / Snow Chain for Volvo 850 Turbo?

[DimnSlow]

Hi, I am new to this forum.

I currently have a 1996 Volvo 850 Turbo as my daily/beater that has been owned since new with 98,000 miles. I would rather take this car up to the snow vs. a weekend car or renting something (cause I'm just being cheap).

I never got around to getting chains for the car since when the vehicle was first purchased. The Dealer told us we HAVE to get Volvo snow chains or risk the generic snow chains/ snow cable ripping up the brake lines. That was about 14-years ago.

Since then it looks like snow chain/ snow cable technology has advanced dramatically, I was wondering if the modern snow cable chains made for my specific tire size (205/55/R16) would be okay. They look extremely low profile and is priced considerably cheaper than the ones from the dealer ($50 vs. $450). Now I can't bring myself to buy chains that are probably worth half as much as the total value of my current car, since I only go up to the slopes maybe 3 times a year.

I would assume anyone with a S70 who has found a solution to this issue would probably be beneficial for me as well since I believe the platform is very similar.

Any advice, suggestions, or personal experience would be greatly appreciated.

[KRUZNBY]

I'm interested in opinions as well. I was 'forced' to drive my 850 on ice this week and would like to have a set of chains/cables for the rare times I need them in the future.

[DimnSlow]

I'm interested in opinions as well. I was 'forced' to drive my 850 on ice this week and would like to have a set of chains/cables for the rare times I need them in the future.

I was fortunate and did not have to use the chains I bought this week, but I did get a chance to talk to my Dealer before I headed up to the slopes.

The dealer agreed with me that the price of the "Volvo" spider chains were not worth the price (~$500) since the value of my car is probably just as much. That being said, he said the nicer cable chains with bungee tie downs should work fine as long as I put it tight on the car and have it fit correctly. If the snow cable chains were put on improperly there is a risk that it can get caught on the brake and ABS lines and snap the hose.

I bought the following chains from Autozone based on my tire size and it seems to fit fine (during the dry run).

Quality Chain / 8 lbs. Passenger Car Class S Lightning EZ Fit Cable Chain (Tire Chains Are Non Returnable)