Chains?

[rdxland]

Does anyone know? Front or Rear if you need to put on chains in icy conditions? I'm thinking front, but do not know for sure. I am not buying another set of chains. Two will have to do. If conditions require chains, I head home anyway. But if we're out on I-90 in the middle of nowhere and they are needed, just want to be ready.

I'm thinkin' that the 4WD will handle snow just fine, not so sure on ice.

rdxland

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[Mark S.]

Does anyone know? Front or Rear if you need to put on chains in icy conditions? I'm thinking front, but do not know for sure. I am not buying another set of chains. Two will have to do. If conditions require chains, I head home anyway. But if we're out on I-90 in the middle of nowhere and they are needed, just want to be ready.

I'm thinkin' that the 4WD will handle snow just fine, not so sure on ice.

rdxland

I don't think it would matter. The 4WD system is normally FWD, but it automatically transfers power to the rear axle if the front wheels slip. You might get a bit better traction with the chains on the front because the engine puts more weight on the front wheels, but I don't think it would make that much difference.

I agree with you that the 4WD system will handle snow with aplomb, especially if you have 3-peak rated tires installed. I also agree that any amount of snow that makes me think I might need chains is a good reason to stay home.

 

[Barry S.]

Haven't heard about using chains for at least 25 years.

 

[PaulOinMA]

There's a section in the owner's manual on chains.

 

[RSH]

There's a section in the owner's manual on chains.

Exactly.

I'll throw a bone.

This is from my Ford Pass owners manual for those to predisposed to look.

Wheels and Tires - Using Snow Chains
USING SNOW CHAINS

WARNING: Do not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Failure to follow this instruction could result in the loss of control of your vehicle, personal injury or death. WARNING: Do not use snow chains on snow-free roads. WARNING: Only fit snow chains to specified tires. WARNING: If your vehicle is fitted with wheel trims, remove them before fitting snow chains. WARNING: If you choose to install snow tires on your vehicle, they must be the same size, construction, and load range as the original tires listed on the tire placard, and they must be installed on all four wheels. Mixing tires of different size or construction on your vehicle can adversely affect your vehicle's handling and braking, and may lead to loss of vehicle control.

The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow tires and cables. If you need to use cables, it is recommended that steel wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as cables may chip aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices.

• If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
• Purchase chains or cables from a manufacturer that clearly labels body to tire dimension restrictions.
• Use 10 mm cables or chains only on front axle with 225/65R17 and 225/60R18 tires.
• Not all S-class snow chains or cables meet these restrictions. Chains of this size restriction will include a tensioning device.
• The snow chains or cables must be mounted in pairs on the front axle.
• Do not use chains or cables on 235/65R17 tires.
• Install cables securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
• When driving with tire cables do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) or the maximum speed recommended by the chain manufacturer, whichever is less.
• Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove the cables to prevent vehicle damage.
• Remove the cables when they are no longer needed. Do not use cables on dry roads.

If you have any questions regarding snow chains or cables, please contact your authorized dealer.
2021 Bronco Sport Owner's Manual

 

[PaulOinMA]

I have the BS and FE owner's manuals downloaded as documents to my phone. Worth doing. Very easy to look something up.

 

[Mark S.]

The snow chains or cables must be mounted in pairs on the front axle

There you go!

 

[Tigger]

I did find this bullet interesting that 225 can have chains but not 235’s

Do not use chains or cables on 235/65R17 tires.​

But to be honest, I would avoid using chains as much as possible. They often do more harm than good and I’d especially think that on the BS. If you have the stock tires, I’d suggest snow tires or good A/T as a better solution.

 

[rdxland]

Thanks for everyone's input...helpful. I did see the paragraph in the owner's manual - not to use chains or cables with the 235 size tires. Not sure why, there is clearance for cables at least.

My post was more for info than any plan to actually use them - I too, have not had a set of chains on any vehicle in well over 15 years...but I do carry a set in the winter. I figure it's just a bit of the old Boy Scout in me - Be Prepared.

 

[cprcubed]

I take two sets of the cable type when travelling in the winter. If it were an emergency, I would use them even though I'm running 235/65-17 Michelin Cross Climate 2's. For the most part, they are just for show in case the Highway Patrol is checking to make sure that you're carrying them (as they do in the Mt Shasta area of California). Cheers!

 

[SoCalBonanza]

Thanks for everyone's input...helpful. I did see the paragraph in the owner's manual - not to use chains or cables with the 235 size tires. Not sure why, there is clearance for cables at least.

My post was more for info than any plan to actually use them - I too, have not had a set of chains on any vehicle in well over 15 years...but I do carry a set in the winter. I figure it's just a bit of the old Boy Scout in me - Be Prepared.

So... NO Room for cables... Are there any other options?

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