What Tire Chains Offer Rim Protection for My Size 225/40-18 and 215/45-18 Tires on My 2009 Mazda 3?  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

I have a great tire chain solution for you. Unfortunately, we do not carry a Konig CG9 model like the Konig Self-Tensioning, Low-Profile Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - D Link - CG9 # TH2004205105 that will fit your 225/40-18 tires or the OEM size of 215/45-18 on your 2009 Mazda 3.

However, if you are concerned about protecting your rims, I did find a model that will fit both tire sizes that includes the same outer covered band as the CG9. That is the pewag Servo RS Self-Tensioning Snow Tire Chains - 1 Pair # PWRS74. The great thing about the pewag RS chains is that the link thickness is only 3.2mm compared to the thickness of the CG9 models (9mm thick). Also, the pewag RS chains are Class S approved with is compatible with vehicles with limited wheel well clearance. However, it is important to note that the pewag RS chains require more wheel well clearance. I recommend measuring your wheel wells to make sure that you have a minimum of 1.46" (37 mm) between the top of the tire tread and the wheel well. Also, you need to make sure you have at least 0.59" (15 mm) between the tire's sidewall and the vehicle itself. I went ahead and attached a diagram that shows these measurements.

If you find that you don't have that much clearance, the Konig Standard Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - D Link - CB12 # TH01221097 are also a good option that only requires 12mm of clearance. However, like you said in your question, it does not offer rim protection.

As with all tire chains, I recommend consulting with your vehicle's owner's manual to make sure you follow all of the guidelines outlined there.

expert reply by: Bob C

1

Required Wheel Well Clearance for Servo RS Self-Tensioning Snow Tire Chains - 1 Pair # PWRS74
(click to enlarge)

Pete S.

1/1/0001

I don't have sidewall clearance which of these chains, and I would really like to have rim protection.

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Bob C.

1/4/2022

I do have an alternative that works for only your aftermarket tire size of 225/40-18 on your 2009 Mazda 3. That is the Konig Premium Self-Tensioning Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - D Link - K-Summit - Size K23 # th02230k23. These chains have superior ice/snow traction due to the icebreaker reinforcement studs that break ice apart opposed to simply digging into the ice. Another great thing about the Konig Premium chains that it requires absolutely zero minimum wheel well clearance. This is because the chains do not install on the interior surface of the tire. Unfortunately, these chains do not fit the 215/45-18 OEM tires. We currently do not carry tire chains that do not require a minimum wheel clearance for this size.

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