All About Tire Chains: From Purpose to Installation
Photo: Robbie Shade via Flickr/CC
You can accessorize your vehicle in many different ways to optimize its driving performance on- and off-road. In some cases, tire chains can provide extra grip on unstable surfaces. Here’s a look at the basics of using tire chains on your car.
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What are tire chains?
Like the name implies, tire chains are actual chains composed of metal links (or sometimes high-strength cables). They wrap around the drive wheels — typically the front two, or all four if the vehicle has four-wheel drive — to enmesh them in a tight netting.
What are they used for?
Tire chains are also called snow chains, which describes their main function. Because the basic rubber tread on vehicle tires doesn’t grip snow well, tire chains provide grip so the wheel can still spin and propel the car forward. Some areas that receive lots of snowfall require cars to have tire chains for safety reasons. Tire chains also provide grip on other low-traction surfaces like mud.
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How do I install tire chains?
When you buy a pair of tire chains, they come with instructions to install them on your vehicle. Generally, the process involves looping a cable around the axle behind the tire and linking hooks around the outer sidewall until the net is snug around the tire. Depending on the type of vehicle you drive — sedan, SUV, truck, motorcycle, etc. — you need to select the right size for its tires.
How should I drive with tire chains?
Tire chains can damage your car, its tires, or the road if you drive improperly. To maximize their effectiveness and minimize the potential for damage, drive slower than 25 mph. Don’t drive on bare pavement when equipped with tire chains; if you encounter a stretch of snow where the pavement is exposed underneath, remove the chains before proceeding.
Tire chains have been a useful tool for traversing slick paths for over a century. If you live in an area that is buried in unplowed snow, consider buying a set of tire chains.
Source: Right Turn
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