Tire Chain Recommendations for a 2004 Mini Cooper with 205/45-17 Tires

Question:

Will these thule chains fit a mini cooper with 205 45r 17 rims. The clearance between the wheel and strut is right around 10mm.

asked by: Kasey

Expert Reply:

I checked the owner's manual for the 2004 Mini Cooper and found the following information on the use of tire chains:

"The manufacturer of your MINI recommends that you use only these approved fine-link snow chains. Their use is only permitted in pairs on the front wheels on winter tires of the following types:
175/65 R 15 M+S
175/60 R 16 M+S"

However if you are somewhere where chains are required by law you don't really have a choice. Based on your tire size and the recommendation from Mini you can either use the K-Summit chains # TH02230K22 or Snow Socks # TCH62. I do not recommend the use of any other traction device for this particular vehicle and tire size.

expert reply by: Michael H