When I purchased the Fit (a few days back), my dealer gave me a short one page from to sign acknowledging that "Snow chain is not recommended to be used on the Fit".

I didn't go through all the details but it basically said the Fit is not designed for it and the dealer doesn't recommend doing that. I don't intend to use the Fit for winter/snow driving so I didn't bother to find out more.

I have never heard of signing something like this when purchased a new car and I have done several in the last 20 years! Just wondering if anyone experience similar.

 

Hmmm, I dont remember signing something like that. I wonder why this might be an issue. My civic hatchback had no issues, other than having to agree at Pep Boys that I would only use the chains for my specific model. Now I am curious. I will check to see if I have a copy of the snow chain paperwork...

 

You can scan this page ?

 

sounds fishy to me

 

i never had to sign anything like that either

 

the 3 people that are questioning it live in California , LOL

the 1 guy that wants more info lives in Switzerland....HAHA

i'll reserve judgment until the thread starter explains further..but i know one thing........it doesnt matter to me, i live in Arizona. I've lived here for 27 years and i've seen snow on the ground ONE TIME.

 

Here's the thing, they are saying "not recommended" instead of "not allowed". Which is nothing more than legal mumbo jumbo when they can't give you a defenite answer. They just need to cover their rear ends, or at least try to. Take a look at the following statements.

Chains WILL damage your car.

Chains COULD damage your car.

Bottom line is chains, specially if not placed properly can cause some damage to your car, so it makes sense to not recomend them. But if you live in an area where they are needed, then you really have no choice in the matter and you have to use them, or buy a 4 x 4. Learn how to attach them properly, make sure your tires arent worn and are properly inflated and hope for the best. I have used chains occasionally on most of the cars I have driven, Integra, Blazer, Wagon, etc. In the mountains I have even seen Vette's with chains on. So while not recommended, the manufacturers leave it up to you to make the call or take a chance these days because they do not want to be left holding the bill incase you damage your car.

 

you can use chains, but like FITrunner said, make sure they are put on PROPERLY .

 

I went through this with Saturn as well.

Though they did not ask me to sign it when I bought my fit, the Salesman did mention that you need "spiders" for the car vs. chains.

He stated it was a front wheel drive issue.

I never bought them for my saturn and just used our truck for the snow.

Guess we'll continue that tradition.

 

In Japan, Honda sells snow chains for the fit:

HONDA ACCESS �yFit�z

 

I didn't make this up guys. Like I said earlier, I didn't pay much attention to the detail in the note. It is half A4 size. Since I haven't picked up the car, I don't have a copy of it to show you guys. Maybe this is something created by this particular dealer and not a Honda USA policy.

 

I used to work in auto parts and with the Saturn the reason for the spiders was the back side of the tire had less than an inch of clearance from the strut tower. I haven't honestly checked the fit for that clearance, but due to some of the people here putting larger wheels and tires on, I think it is likely there is sufficient clearance.

 

No mention of it when I picked up my Fit and we get loads of snow here

 

I just checked the owner's manual and class S chains are fine. It said to drive slow and stop if you hear the chain hitting any part of the bodywork(duh). Most chains sold nowadays meet class S clearance. And by chains, I mean chains, cables or any type of traction adding system,

 

You don't think it snows in California? It's a whole state, you know, not just L.A.

 

It doesn't snow in California, we just have really thick smog.

 

Just as EXWRX said, you can use class "S" chains on your Fit. Just another case of dealer personnel not knowing or caring about the products they sell or caring about their customers.

 

Some guys at work were saying that they may mean that snow chains are not recommended, but snow cables are okay. Just a thought. Yes, it snows in California.

From the manual:

Because your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, mount only SAE Class ‘‘S’’
cable-type traction devices, with
rubber chain tensioners, on the front
tires. Use traction devices only when
required by driving conditions or
local laws. Make sure they are the
correct size for your tires. Metal linktype
‘‘chains’’ should not be used.

When installing cables, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions, and
mount them as tight as you can.
Make sure they are not contacting
the brake lines or suspension. Drive
slowly with them installed. If you
hear them coming into contact with
the body or chassis, stop and
investigate. Remove them as soon as
you begin driving on cleared roads.

Traction devices that are the wrong
size or improperly installed can
damage your vehicle’s brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop
driving if they are hitting any part of
the vehicle.

 

Your not lossing your mind,,,,i signed the same piece of paper stating that chains are not recommended. Cables are better for the reasons givin above with clearance being to tight. Honda just covering their butt,,,

 

Here is the form I signed. Jake95825 is on the right track referring to the owner's manual.

TIRE CHAIN DISCLOSURE

AS EQUIPPED, THIS VEHICLE MAY NOT BE OPERATED WITH TIRE CHAINS BUT MAY ACCOMMODATE SOME OTHER TYPE OF TIRE TRACTION DEVICE. SEE THE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR DETAILS.

The undersigned acknowledges that prior to signing a contract to buy or lease the subject new vehicle, the undersigned read this disclosure and received a signed copy.

<signature>

Form No. 365 Reynolds and Reynolds....Welcome to ReySource