Manual for my new Tahoe warns against tire chains, damage car.?

Question

The manual states use another type pf traction device, but only if the manufacturer recommends it for use on my vehicle and tire size combination. Tires are P275/55R20. Dealer has no

recommendation. Problem is insufficient clearance. Chains

can cause severe damage including losing control ov vehicle .

Answer 1

Tire chains CAN cause severe damage to your car if they are not properly installed, of if you drive too fast with them installed.  The usual problems are caused because the chains are too loose on the tire.  Speeds much over 25 MPH will also cause chains to fly off the tire and damage fenders and parts of the undercarriage.

If your Tahoe is 4-wheel drive, and you have a good set of snow tires installed, you should not need chains in most situations anyway.  Just use caution while driving on ice or hard-packed snow, because 4-wheel drive will not improve your braking or steering on slippery surfaces.

Answer 2

Chains will affect your tire pressure monitor system, traction control system and maybe your ABS as well as your Auto-4 option if you choose to use it.  Your Tahoe was engineered to handle any driving conditions, just with a little care and caution.

Answer 3

They will if you drive them on dry pavement, and over a certain speed, but other than that they wont hurt them if you use them just remember to keep your speed down to a low one,and it should be alright but only use them if you really need them and remember there needs to be at least an inch of ice on the roadway before you really need chains.

Answer 4

Very true, especially for the Tahoe and the clearance it has.  According to the manufacturer, the best thing is not to use any type of traction device with the exception of a good mud snow tire with an aggressive tread for winter driving.  All bets are off when it comes to ice, which is a problem no matter what.

So basically we are going back to the way things were when I was younger (and dinosaurs roamed the earth) where there will be summer tires and winter tires.  Although they make what they call "all season" tires now that supposedly do fine in both situations.  But they are a compromise.