Recommended Tire Chains for Use on 2008 Honda Pilot  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

I checked the online edition of the owner's manual for the 2008 Honda Pilot for any guidance or restrictions concerning use of tire chains. Some vehicle can use chains on only one axle or the other; and some vehicles can use chains only on specific tire sizes.

Page 268 of the online manual indicates to use only special low-profile Class S type chains, which we do offer, along with rubber tensioners and then only on the front axle.

The stock tires size on your Pilot is 235/70-16 and we do have Class S chains that fit this tire size. These are shown on the linked page.

The ugly truth about tire chains is that they vary tremendously in how easy they are to install. They also very in their effectiveness. They also vary in the features they may offer. Better chains include features like protection for your rims and automatic tensioning. More modest chains lack these features but will be a lot less costly.

If you are wanting a set just to have in the vehicle to meet a legal requirement then we have simple cable chains like # PW2029C that will let you meet the letter of the law. But if instead you are an avid skier who hits the slopes every weekend, in which case you may very well actually use the chains on a regular basis, then I recommend investing in better chains with those extra features that make using them much nicer.

Chains that offer a good mix of value and features are the Konig Class S chains # TH01594247. These offer automatic tension control, rim protection and self-centering design. You can refer to the linked video for more.

The step-up chain is the Pewag # PWSXV580 which share the above features but which does not require you to make the chain connections - just drape them over the tire and drive to adjust them. A video for these is included too.

The included article will give you more helpful general tire chain information.

expert reply by: Adam R

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