I've moved to Virginia and I live at the bottom of a hill that is near impossible to get up without chains. I have looked at some chains but they don't have them in the size i need. So my question is would it be okay to get chains for the tire size 195/50/16 instead of 185/55/16 since i can't find the size?

Thanks,
Fitfan46

 

Snow chains... in Florida? lol

In any case, I would say... no. Unless you change the tires too. While I consider 1cm for the tire itself pretty insignificant... 1cm of slack on a chain spinning up 5 times a second (30 mph) probably isn't insignificant.

FAQ

 

I live in Virginia I just forgot to change the location since i moved. My reasoning was that even though they would be for wider tread the height would be lower so it would be even.

 

well, never having used snow chains myself... I don't know how the fitment changes based on tire width vs height.

i suppose that, so long as you can tighten it to the tire, it should work. just make sure there's no slack.

 

I just replaced the tire chains for our Honda Element. The original tire size and chain was for a 215/70-16 but different chains were specified for the replacement size 225/70-16. Same brand chain, same type chain but different size. I would not recommend using any size chain that was not specified for your size of tire. I am surprised that there are not cable chains available for the stock size Fit tire. Have you checked on the internet, perhaps Amazon?

In checking for cable chains, this site has a size that will fit the stock size. http://www.melcottons.com/products2....ra-Cable-Chain and another: http://www.tirechain.com/P185-55R-15.htm and still another: http://www.tirechain.com/emergency_strap_on_cars.htm

 

Our local NAPA store had the exact make & model chains recommended in the owner's manual. Reasonably priced, too. Worth checking out; if they're not in-stock they should be able to order them & have them quickly.

 

As a Canadian I find it funny when I see threads like this. We don't use chains here. Just get yourself a good set of 4 winter tires.

 

Winter tires are a requirement in the white part of the Great White North!

In Virginia it probably doesn't snow often enough to be worthwhile. Even here in the Fourth Corner you don't need them if you don't have to get somewhere when it's snowy or icy.

I drive Jadzia to work every weekday, so she does have a set of winter shoes.

 

I would say you have a good chance if you choose chains for 205/50x16 tires. Stock tires are 185/55x16 with diameter of 24" and section of 185/55 (ca 22.5" around) compared to 205/50x16 tires of 24.07" diameter and 205/50 ( about 24" around) section.The chains should merely pull a little closer to the center.
In any case why not have supplier try one set on before buying.
Sears used to do it all the time.

 

Isn't it kind of funny Virtual. I did have chains on my old snowblower though. Way back in the 60s I had studded snows on my Mini. They we great.

4th only in Quebec I believe snows are required by law. Other provinces not so at least Ontario is. I have 4 on my Fit. Does pretty well on snow and icy bits.

Taffy and her snow shoes

 

Yup. Chains make a lot of sense on a snowblower.