[JJRO]

Our AWD QX50 has 255/45R20 (low profile 20") and I'm looking at Security Chain Company ZT735 Super Z LT Light Truck and SUV Tire Traction Chain
It actually handles pretty well in terrible conditions, just wanted to have some extra grip on ice, etc.
*
However(!) the owner's manual says:
Tire chains/cables should not be installed
on 255/45R20 size tires. Installation of
the tire chains/cables on 255/45R20 size
tires will cause damage to the vehicle.
page Do-it-yourself 8-35

Does anyone know why & what damage could occur?

 

[LQQX50]

Assuming clearance between wheel well and tire would be reduced causing possible rubbing at high speeds that would certainly damage the wheel well

Something like this . . .

 

[JJRO]

Wow. Tell me this didn't happen to you.... yikes.
Thanks for the input and photo. Shouldn't travel at more than 20MPH with chains, but I get the proximity of the well and the brakes, etc.
Cheers - I'll post back if I find anything that looks less problematic.

 

[LQQX50]

That is just a stock image found online ~ not me

I'm from a Lake Effect Snow Area ~ directly at the south end of Lake Michigan

A populated area, so the State and Municipal Plows get out and clear the roads decently enough where I can get by with All Season Tires, AWD, and Experience of Winter Driving without ever using Chains.

 

[JJRO]

Thanks LQQX50 - we're in the northwoods of WI - about 20 mi. from the UP.
Have a great Thanksgiving!

 

[RKDauph]

Our AWD QX50 has 255/45R20 (low profile 20") and I'm looking at Security Chain Company ZT735 Super Z LT Light Truck and SUV Tire Traction Chain
It actually handles pretty well in terrible conditions, just wanted to have some extra grip on ice, etc.
*
However(!) the owner's manual says:
Tire chains/cables should not be installed
on 255/45R20 size tires. Installation of
the tire chains/cables on 255/45R20 size
tires will cause damage to the vehicle.
page Do-it-yourself 8-35

Does anyone know why & what damage could occur?

I just took a 4000-mile road trip out to the west coast from Texas. The leg from Reno, NV to Sacramento, CA over the Donner Pass (I80) required snow chains. The 2022 QX50 Sensory trim has 20-inch wheels - P255/45RF20. Two hundred dollars later I had cables.

Max posted speed with chains was 30mph. I got up to about 45mph a couple of times. Not too rough, with no damage to the car, and used manual downshifting to avoid using brakes on the downhill.

The cables survived with only a little bit of bending(?) to the cable. I am back in Texas with a $200 paperweight.. Does anyone need tire chains?

 

[JJRO]

Thanks for the reply! Sounds like you had great trip.