Recommended Tire Chains and Warranty Implications of Using Them on a 2012 Toyota Prius V

Published 09/13/2014

Question:

Just purchased a Toyota Prius v. Hoping we dont have a bad winter like last, but looking just in case. The prius we have has 17 inch tires, it has the sport rims. Will want to protect them. I did see that in Indiana tire chains are legal. What model would you recommend? Also would this ruin my warranty if I used tire chains? Do they work or should i just use snow tires? Let me know. Thanks

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

Lets start with the warranty issue. Consumers of aftermarket products are protected by the Federal Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act. The Act states that if something breaks on your vehicle and you take it in for warranty repair, the dealer must honor your warranty unless whatever modifications you have added to your vehicle actually caused the problem in question. The bottom line is that while the law protects the consumer and provides for enforcement of the warranty, it is very difficult for most people to hire an attorney and fight a voided warranty.

Since Toyota states in the owners manual that it's acceptable to use properly sized and adjusted tire chains on the front wheels of your vehicle at speeds below 30 mph, I wouldn't worry about warranty implications.

Assuming that your Prius V has size 215/50-17 tires, I'd recommend the Konig self tensioning CG-9 tire chains that you've already looked at, part # TH00023095. The chains are very easy to install-they'll self center and self tension. The chains include nylon bumpers to help protect your rims from damage. The chains also have a 5 year warranty, rather than 6 months or a year like most chain kits.

I've linked you to some helpful articles about tire chains, simply click the link to view them.

expert reply by: Mike L