Snow chains which are also referred as tire chains are implements fitted to vehicle tires in order to offer
maximum traction when a person is driving through ice and snow. These devices fasten to a vehicle’s drive
wheels and function by automatically swinging under the tires. Though these devices are entitled after steel
chain, tire chains might be constructed of other stuffs is a range of strengths and patterns.
Tire chains are sold often in pairs and usually must be bought to match a specific tire size i.e. the tire
diameter as well as tread width. There are also some tire chain designs which you can adjust in order to fit
the different sizes of tire. Driving with snow chains can help you reduce fuel efficiency, not to mention these
devices can lessen the required speed of vehicles to about 30 mph (50 km/h).
When to Use Snow Chains on Tires
1. During Hazardous Weather
Most states permit the use of snow chains during the hazardous weather incidents provided they don’t harm
the highway surfaces. If you often drive your vehicle in wintery weather conditions, you should consider
purchasing snow chains as they will help you achieve an enhanced grip on the road.
2. During Cold Weather
During cold weather, it is vital you utilize snow chains as they will aid in enhancing your car’s tire grip. This
is important since it will ensure your vehicle does not get stuck on different stuffs such as mud.
3. When there is a Covering of Ice or Snow on the Road
Snow chains for vehicles should be utilized also when there is an ice or snow layer on the road. It is not
recommended to use tire chains on any bare pavement since they can make you encounter substantial
damage not only on your tires, but also on the road itself.
When using snow chains, in case you turn eventually onto a road which has clearly been plowed and
salted, it is advisable you pull over and detach them.
Fitting the Tire Chains on your Wheels
With the vehicle in gear and its parking brake on, place your snow chain carefully over the tire while holding
the device at the tip and allowing it to evenly fall down over the anterior of the wheel and tire.
There are some kinds of snow chains having rings that go on the interior of the wheel, which help in guiding
the devices into place. When using such chains, ensure the open link is at the base of the wheel. Once you
place these kinds of chains on with that ring around the interior of the tire, you can now connect the base of
the ring.
Immediately you evenly and safely attach your first chain in a manner that three-quarters of your tire is not
touching down, place the other chain appropriately on the other wheel. When both of the tire chains are on,
you should drive ahead, about less than one meter in order to expose the specific part of the wheel
previously touching the road. Put your car’s break on once more and then secure both chains. You should
finally tighten the chains accordingly by utilizing a closer link whereby they close.
Bottom Line
Before attaching snow chains on your wheels, check your vehicle’s manual and see if using these devices is
recommended on your car. Make sure you utilize snow chains when necessary in order to benefit from
whatever they provide on the road.
