Snow chain/cables for 20" wheels?

I've asked the same question for the past two years. I couldn't find a set of chains or cables that fit the 20" tire size. Last fall I went to Les Schwab and asked if they had anything that would fit. They finally got the size for the tire. Their tire chain specialist looked over the vehicle and told me this is a common issue with many new cars. He did not recommend putting their chains on the front tires due to clearance but said they would fit on the rear tires without a problem. He said since the car is AWD, you probably won't need them in most situations, but if you did need them, definitely put them on the back. Their chains are a lower profile chain and pretty easy to put on. I did use their chains on a 2006 Murano AWD and they worked fine. Whats nice about Les Schwab is that if you don't use the chains, you can return them the following Spring.

Thanks BobOB. I was looking at low profile cable chains from Security Chain Company(SCC) - their Super Z6 line of cable chains will work - at least according to their service reps. But maybe they just told me that so I would buy them....

I originally asked the guy at Les Schwab if I was better off with cable chains and he didn't recommend them. Not sure if it was because he didn't sell them. With the front wheel clearance, if I had to chain up, I'd be comfortable with cable chains on the front and the other type on the back. I'll have to look up Security Chain Co. Thanks for the update.

Here in Washington, if you don't have chains when they are mandated by the State Patrol and they catch you, the fine is about $500. Recently with all the heavy snow in our mountain ranges, chains were required, but AWD were acceptable. Washington also approves the tire sock but I haven't been able to find one that fits the 20" tires,

I don't normally need to chain up in the winter, but I want to be ready just in case.

IF I were putting chains on this vehicle, I'd put them on the front. That said, I'd never put chains on this vehicle. Either buy a second set of wheels with snow tires, or just make sure your tires are in good enough condition.

Sinecure said:

IF I were putting chains on this vehicle, I'd put them on the front. That said, I'd never put chains on this vehicle. Either buy a second set of wheels with snow tires, or just make sure your tires are in good enough condition.

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I agree with you and hope I never need to put them on. Mainly, I want them in the car in case I need them. Our State Patrol officers have no sense of humor. I will have to play with them to see what kind of clearance I get on the front tires.

I would just get traction tires, and if you are really concerned about ice, then get studded ones. That way you don't have to worry about the hassle of putting the chains on.

mattreading22 said:

I would just get traction tires, and if you are really concerned about ice, then get studded ones. That way you don't have to worry about the hassle of putting the chains on.

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If I had to commute up north, I would certainly do that. I avoid snow and ice but every now and then I have to go out when I least expect it.

Thanks Sinecure and mattr for your feedback!
Agree that a good set of tires is really all that's needed as in most cases when snow/ice is that bad, the CHP closes the roads anyways.