Camry SE question about chains.

[quiksilver21]

Hello all, I Have a 2010 Camry SE I was wondering how many of you have used chains on your ride and if it messes up the body kit on your vehicle? I am planning a trip to Lake Tahoe soon and def don;t want to mess up my ride.

My car is not lowered it also has stock wheels. thanks


edit: also if anyone knows what size fairing i need for y yakima rack? i think it is a 44"

[quiksilver21]

No one has any info or feedback regarding snow chains?

[Lauren]

I have never used them.


I thought I read somewhere that it's not recommended for our cars.
I just run snow tires and have no issues with them.

[quiksilver21]

ahh, Well sometimes out here in California roads can be shut down or require chains, reason I ask is because I am planning a trip to Lake Tahoe at the end of the month I don;t have a problem using them as long as it doesn't screw up my car lol

[wreyes1989]

Originally Posted by quiksilver21

ahh, Well sometimes out here in California roads can be shut down or require chains, reason I ask is because I am planning a trip to Lake Tahoe at the end of the month I don;t have a problem using them as long as it doesn't screw up my car lol

Lake Tahoe !!!!
nice

snow tires!!!

[Cking]

Originally Posted by wreyes1989

Lake Tahoe !!!!
nice

snow tires!!!

LOL Yeah
If you don't want to buy snow tires,
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh....php?p=3279138
^^Those are mine for sale.

They fit really snug to the tire, so it will NOT damage your body whatsoever unless
you install it wrong and it comes off or something.

But I'd recommend those, fit's like a glove, easy to install.

[gdanaher]

We have little need for chains in Texas until we need chains. I needed chains in 1979. Anyway, this has been discussed before in the sense that someone put chains on, they slipped, and tore the stink out of the wiring for the ABS system. My advice is to check with your Toyota dealer and see if they have any recommendations if you reside anywhere close to the Sierras. If you are over on the flatlands of California, call a dealer in Reno and pick their brains for ideas. They will know in Reno. In any event, buy something that fits properly, practice putting them on on dry pavement, and when the time comes, adjust them correctly so they don't slip. Have a couple of clean towels ready so you don't get too dirty, so you can clean your hands, and a decent flashlight so you can see what you are doing.

[Glenn8963]

whether it be chains or cables, you always run the risk of a defect and they fly off, destroying your car. or you can always count on you NOT installing them correctly

so you have BETTER options.

1) buy snow tires and whenever you go on vacation, change them over. but this gets pricey....dismounting, re-mounting, balancing...each time, and you run the risk of damage to all the tires involved around the beads....

2-A) since you have a stock car, buy a set of factory wheels, and install the snow tires, then a simple swap, plus you can re-sell them later as a complete set (especially if you buy a good brand and do not abuse them). in the long run a cheaper solution.

2-B) something to consider though is, the TPMS....you would need sensors......or if you do not care about the light being on all the time on your dashboard, you can just use ordinary tire valve stems, i would go this route.....forget the TPMS sensors.....

3) finally, our cars have the traction control. you may not even NEED snow tires, just read your owners manual regarding the traction control. this option is really the cheapest....

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

We can get up to 7+ feet of snow here, and no one uses chains, Snow tires will do you just fine.

I know being from Cali and mountains you may or may not be used to snow and icy conditions. But chains is a bit extreme, get a good snow tire and it will out perform chains anyday.

[gdanaher]

Here's the rub. The OP is in San Jose, CA. If you aren't familiar with the area, San Jose is south from San Francisco and hasn't seen snow since the last ice age, if then. It would be hard to buy snow tires in that city. Then he gets to the mountains near the Nevada state line, 200 miles away, and the CHP posts signs to put on chains. No chains, no go. The only occasion he would need snow tires would be when he is within spitting distance of Lake Tahoe. I don't even know if snow tires are acceptable by the CHP. When those guys say chains, they want to hear the clank of chains. I lived in California for 25 years so I know a little about this stuff.

[quiksilver21]

Originally Posted by gdanaher

Here's the rub. The OP is in San Jose, CA. If you aren't familiar with the area, San Jose is south from San Francisco and hasn't seen snow since the last ice age, if then. It would be hard to buy snow tires in that city. Then he gets to the mountains near the Nevada state line, 200 miles away, and the CHP posts signs to put on chains. No chains, no go. The only occasion he would need snow tires would be when he is within spitting distance of Lake Tahoe. I don't even know if snow tires are acceptable by the CHP. When those guys say chains, they want to hear the clank of chains. I lived in California for 25 years so I know a little about this stuff.

Yup you got it. You understand my situation better then I can explain it, I guess I will just wait until the end of the month, check what i can expect as far as weather goes and possibly rent a car... too bad I really wanted to take this thing on its 2nd road trip and atleast test the snowy/icy conditions.

Thanks all for the input.

[gdanaher]

No, really, I would get some recommendation on tire chains, buy them, and practice putting them on. Drive them down the street and back to see how they fit. Don't leave tire tracks leading to your driveway though. Police might not like chains on dry pavement!