Tire Chains

It is that time of year once again –winter. Winter brings about colder air, snow and ice. Though this type of weather condition is enjoyable for some, it poses terrible driving conditions for all. For the entire season, all roads will be wet, icy and slippery. This could cause fatal accidents if the drivers are not careful.

One of the best things that you could do to keep yourself safe when driving on icy roads is to install tire chains. Installing tire chains are not that difficult. Though, it is important that you remember to put the tire chains on the drive wheels. The drive wheels refer to the particular wheels that power your car; that is why it is important to know if your car has front, rear or all-wheel drive prior to tire chain installation. Additionally, always use the correct-size tire chains to get maximum traction.

To begin installing tire chains, you need to lay them on the ground while making sure that the metal hooks are facing down. Slowly drive your car halfway unto the chains and drape them on both sides of the tire. Connect the connector cables securely both inside and outside of the tires. Always make sure to keep the tire chains as tight as possible at all times. It is best that you tighten them every few miles to prevent them from coming loose.

Invented in 1904 by Harry D. Weed of Canastota, New York, tire chains are tried and tested tools that make driving during the winter months much safer than without them. Although they may not work well in conditions of light snow or of only snow, they are very useful when the roads begin to be covered with ice.

The chains that are wrapped around the tires, when pressed down by the weight of the vehicle, easily break through the surface of the ice. This gives the tires more traction and grip, thus preventing the vehicle from slipping and sliding. The need for such grip is emphasized when turning the vehicle.

The first thing you need to check before buying a set of tire chains is if there is sufficient clearance for the chain in your vehicle's wheel well. While pick-up trucks and SUVs probably do, this may not be true for some cars.

If there is indeed room for a tire chain, check the type and size of the tires, including the width and radius. If you are using factory-installed tires, you can probably find these data on the vehicle manual, otherwise, you have to check the tires themselves. You will find either the letters LT or P on the tire wall. LT stands for light truck while P is for passenger. Next to the letters are three digits that indicate the width and height-to-width proportion of the tire.

Armed with these data, you can start shopping. There are different types of tire chains, including studded, sock, spider, traction, cable, diamond, and link among others. The type you need varies with the specific conditions where you will be using the chains. Be sure to provide an accurate description of these conditions to your supplier.

The packaging of tire chains normally includes the tire sizes they are designed for. Verify that your vehicles tire size is included. There are some suppliers that allow you to actually fit the chain on your tire. If you can find one near you, it is recommended that you choose such supplier.