Hi Scottie,
I live in Canada and I am wondering if driving with snow chains causes problems with the car?
I am aware that MPG will be crappy, and that it is not good for the road itself, but other than these two- does it actually damage the car in any way?
not enough information.
What kind of vehicle? What kind of chains?
Did you read your owner's manual about it?
Often you cannot put chains on the front wheels of car because there isn't the clearance for it, and it'll shred your car body.
If mounted correctly and tensioned additionally after cca 50 - 100 m, there should not be any problem. Usually mounting instructions are included (at least where I live) when you buy new snow chains. Also tire dimensions need to be suitable. In manuals for Auris there are some dimensions where snow chains are not recommended.
But you can destroy them if you drive with them on pure asphalt and/or with speeds above 50 km/h
The only time I had a problem with chains was when I had all for wheels chained up for heavy snow, and the vibration from the front chained wheels loosened a spark plug wire which fried the igniter in my truck.
If you ever get to the point that you need snow chains, the answer is simple.
STAY HOME!
Some of us like to enjoy the snow
