Do Tire Chains or Tire Cables Provide Better Traction

Question:

Hello Im trying to figure out which is better to get for my 2016 Nissan Sentra tires for snow and ice. Cables or chains?

asked by: Carlos M

Expert Reply:

When the auto maker permits their use tire chains will generally work better than tire cables since they have more surface that can bite into snow and ice.

We do offer tire chains for your tire size P215/50-R17 that are shown on the linked page. All of these are the special low-profile type which are called S-Class chains and they include both cables like # PW1038 and chains like diamond pattern Konig chains # TH00023095.

The P215/50-R17 size tires you have are not one of the stock sizes offered on your 2016 Nissan Sentra; those factory sizes are 205/50-17 and 205/55-16. Sometimes a car can use chains only on certain specific tire sizes and use of chains may be prohibited if larger dealer-installed tires are used since these will allow less clearance within the wheel wells for the chains to rotate. It is possible for chains to damage the vehicle is there is not enough clearance.

It is best to refer to your owner's manual to make sure you can use chains.

expert reply by: Adam R