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Snow chains
I know they’re working on the car in snowy conditions. But in the FAQ they talk about the all wheel drive version being good in the snow. I’m wondering if/how easy it’ll be to put on snow chains?
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24 Replies
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Snow chains
updated 9 months ago
18 Members
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24
Replies
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I don’t think snow chains are going to make it. Sorry.
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I’ve wondered about this. I’m sure some lower profile chains would work. Something to ask on a live Q&A in the future or email them.
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I really doubt the wheel wells will be soo tight that you cant use standard chains. Installing the chains might be virtually impossible without taking off the wheel covers (hopefully this isn’t too hard).
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They have said… and I believe it is in the FAQ spreadsheet. The wheel covers will have a simple clip system to remove them. That would provide more tire visibility than a conventional tire inside a wheel well.
Until they finalize the final wheel covers (fairings) I doubt we know now about snow chain clearance
I am not from snow country but wonder if a snow chain made of a material other than metal makes sense. I do not know how often a snow chain becomes loose to be concern
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I keep these low-profile cables in my cars during the winter, (I live in Alaska), and they will fit in just about any wheel well. Much slimmer design than typical “chains”.
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You only use snow chains once in a great while. The wheel covers come off easily. Just leave them off until you take the chains off. Back tire may be close clearance from what I have seen in the pictures of the new suspension. Two chains are enough anyway
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You only need chains once in a great while (except maybe in Alaska). The wheel covers come off easily. Just take off the wheel covers, use the chains without them, and replace the wheel covers when you are done. The only place I see any possible interference is on the back wheel with the new suspension. You only need two chains anyway, I watched the video and don’t see any likely suspension interference on the chains because the tension bungee is only on the outside. Like I have said a few times in other posts, the best way to get me to do something is to tell me it is impossible.
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Snow socks. Videos available on YouTube.
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Not legal in all states, so check your state laws.
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The tires they choose will also make a big difference in snow. It would be nice to have all-season tires, but I doubt it.
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Chains should only be necessary on icy roads, the AWD will be very helpful in deep snow.
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I would like to know the best snow chains also but we may not have to worry about if temp keeps going up.
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Unless you live in the mountains where they’re required at times on certain passes, I wouldn’t worry too much. I have a 90 mile round trip to work at a time when the plows aren’t out yet in Wisconsin. Snow tires on my Fiesta ST turn that thing into an animal in the snow. I’ve never had to resort to driving my 4WD truck. A light car with real snow tires is a beast.
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Calling from CO here. I can attest that snowcables for low profile tires exist and work fantasic!
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With a good set of winter tires (snowflake symbol) chains wouldn’t be necessary. In British Columbia it is illegal to drive without winter tires from October 1 to April 30 on most routes. Change tires twice a year.
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How would one go about putting tire chains on an Aptera? Are the wheel covers easily removable?
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Yes, they are and it has been discussed several times. Personally, I think snow socks might be the way to go in very light snow areas.
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Hopefully Aptera has already put some thought into snow chains / cables and we’ll be able to buy a set right away?
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Here is the size you’ll need.
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I’m also interested in the ground clearance of the rear wheel shroud with the off road option. Wondering how deep snow and slush can be in the center of the road without destroying it. Will we get final dimensions (for everything) with the Delta?
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Wow. I never heard of snow socks before and I live in Cleveland Ohio where we definitely get our share of winter snow and ice. One note of caution: the snow socks I found for sale recommended a maximum of 30 mph when in use. Sounds like doing a moderate 55 mph on a snowed-over interstate would be a no-no. Maybe other brands tolerate speeds higher than 30 mph?
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Last time I checked they were also not legal on mountain passes where chains are required.
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Thanks for the info. I’ve only ever used chains and this seems like it might be as effective and far simpler. I expect for my use case the AWD Aptera will be fine but if I need a little more traction this is a product ill look into. I’ve only ever used chains on forestry roads so 30 mph is still more than fast enough.
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While it should be fairly easy to put them on the front wheels, I’m wondering about the rear wheel on the AWD model. Has anyone seen a demonstration on how to remove the rear wheel shroud?
