Snow Chain Alternatives for 2018 Nissan Altima SR with 18" Wheels

Question:

I have a 2018 Nissan Altima Sr with p235 45 r18 tires. The owner manual States that I should not put chains on those tires. But I have to put them on per the law so what would you suggest I put on my tires

asked by: Darin G

Expert Reply:

You are correct about the restrictions that your owner's manual puts on models that have 18" wheels, but I have a solution for you that will meet DoT requirements in all 50 states. I recommend using the ISSE Hybrid Snow Socks - Size 66 # TCH66, which are perfect for vehicles with Class S tire chain restrictions. These snow socks will fit your tires provided there is both (refer to the diagram shown attached to this answer):

A - a minimum of 1.46" (37 mm) between the top of the tire tread and the wheel well
B - at least 0.59" (15 mm) between the tire's sidewall and the vehicle itself.

If you don't have enough clearance to use the snow socks, you will need to use a tire chain that requires essentially 0mm of clearance since they sit on the treads directly and will not have any overhang onto the side of the tires. The only option available that fits this description is going to be the Konig Premium Self-Tensioning Snow Tire Chains # th02230k34, which require 0mm of internal clearance. These chains are some of the easiest chains to install on the market and clamp on to your wheel so they'll sit only on the treads. I've linked a video with more information about how these Konig chains work to this answer that you may want to check out.

expert reply by: Erik B