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[dbdb]

my manual says "Tyre chains Restrictions.  Tyre chains must not be used on Winter tyres of size 235/45 R 17 (M+S tyres)"

Anyone know why that is?  I'm looking at some new 'M+S'  marked tyres and they seem to be standard spec tyres http://www.tyre-shopper.co.uk/ts/Manufacturers/TyreInfo.aspx?id=4726&title=Westlake+SV308+XL  I assume the M&S tyres perhaps keep a higher profile in use so the clearances are less?

Or does it mean snow chains must not be used on any 235/45 17 tyre, not just M&S ones?

[Lazydocker]

my manual says "Tyre chains Restrictions.  Tyre chains must not be used on Winter tyres of size 235/45 R 17 (M+S tyres)"

Anyone know why that is?  I'm looking at some new 'M+S'  marked tyres and they seem to be standard spec tyres http://www.tyre-shopper.co.uk/ts/Manufacturers/TyreInfo.aspx?id=4726&title=Westlake+SV308+XL  I assume the M&S tyres perhaps keep a higher profile in use so the clearances are less?

Or does it mean snow chains must not be used on any 235/45 17 tyre, not just M&S ones?

That's how I interpreted it. Think it's because of the width

[dbdb]

thanks I did the standard snowchain test, palm on top of tyre, fingers down the inside of tyre and moved from 8 oclock to 4 oclock, it was clear so maybe they are just being cautious.

[Lazydocker]

I wonder if it is to ensure people don't fit them to the front, which wouldn't clear the spring cup

[hoofing it]

I wouldn't waste your money on snow chains I always put 205x85x15 steels on in the snow and dropped the tyre preasure to 15psi plus if you hit a kerb your not damaging an expensive alloy.
Oh and I had Barums on the steel

[dbdb]

I wonder if it is to ensure people don't fit them to the front, which wouldn't clear the spring cup

yes could be that I haven't done the test on the front wheel - there are complications doing it on that namely the effect of the steering wheel.

The full quote from the Vaux manual is "Tyre chains may be used on the rear wheels
only. Tyre chains must not be used on
Winter tyres of size 235/45 R 17 (M+S tyres)
or on the temporary spare wheel."

Reading it again I still think it must be something about M+S tyres, otherwise the manual is assuming that no one would even consider putting on chains on a standard 235 tyre.  Maybe though that bit of the manual was written by a Haynes author on his day off.  If they meant don't put chains on a 235/45/17 they should have just said that.

[dbdb]

I wouldn't waste your money on snow chains I always put 205x85x15 steels on in the snow and dropped the tyre preasure to 15psi

yes but putting on and taking off two snow chains is easier than changing four wheels.  Usually. Especially alloys (get the club hammer out).

Incidentally wouldn't you want to put tyre pressue up in snow to get more weight over less footprint? Agreed the 205 does that over a 235, still 15 seems low.

[hoofing it]

The reason for the low preasure is to let the tyre flex more to dispell the snow from the tread and I only lowered the preasure when in deep snow not normal road driving just incase theres any confusion