Help please - needs chains for Thanksgiving -

jbernardi · Post by **jbernardi** » 11 Nov 2006, 08:49

Hi, I am driving through Oregon next week and have been told that Oregon roads could require chains no matter the tire or car. We are moving up there so I wouldn't mind getting chains.
The manual says to only get volvo-specific chains (which run $300+). The local tire guy can sell me some cable ones for $33.

In reality, I won't use them except in emergency. If the weather is that bad, I won't drive. We will be getting snow tires when we move up there.

The swedish repair shop here said that using chains could ruin the AWD system.

I currently have Goodyear Tripletred Assurance size 215 65 R16 on the car.

I appreciate your help!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 11 Nov 2006, 09:39

You might try going to www.tirerack.com and then calling them. Your mechanic might be right about the AWD system. Even a tire that is slightly off due to tread wear difference is hard on the AWD system and can cause premature death for the drive train. When I do a search for chains for the XC, I get either Volvo chains (around $300 for a set of 2) or non at all from any aftermarket vendor. Btw, what year model is your XC?
http://vparts.autowebaccessories.com/st ... _16915.php

jbernardi · Post by **jbernardi** » 11 Nov 2006, 23:04

Well, it's a 2004. I have posted some other places and have been told that cable chains would work.

What would they do to the AWD?

mrscullini · Post by **mrscullini** » 16 Nov 2006, 08:12

don't 2001+ my have the haldex awd system? from my little knowledge of this system, it is not as sensitive to uneven tire wear. this would also be true for tire chains/cables. i have often wondered how chains/cables affect the vc of the first gen but they are called out in the owners manual. i am interested to see the difference between the $300 volvo chains and a standard set.

Post by **JRL** » 21 Nov 2006, 17:43

mrscullini wrote:don't 2001+ my have the haldex awd system? from my little knowledge of this system, it is not as sensitive to uneven tire wear. this would also be true for tire chains/cables. i have often wondered how chains/cables affect the vc of the first gen but they are called out in the owners manual. i am interested to see the difference between the $300 volvo chains and a standard set.

2003 and newer