Snow chains
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[edit] Use of Snow Chains
Snow chains, or tire chains, are devices which are affixed to the wheels of vehicles to provide superior traction when driving through snow and ice. Snow chains are usually attached to the drive wheels of a vehicle (e.g. the front wheels on a front-wheel drive car), though all four wheels may be chained to provide extra stability. Some owner's manuals for AWD cars specify that two specific wheels can be chained, leaving the other two unchained if necessary.
Snow chains are paired into 2 sets of chains. You should buy chains that match your tire size (tire width and radius numbers can be found printed on the tire).
A set of chains are placed on the wheels that are connected to the drive train in order to gain traction in icey, snowy or muddy conditions.
Front Wheel Vehicles: Most passenger cars are front wheel powered vehicles, so the snow chains would be placed on the 2 front tires.
Rear Wheel Vehicles: Pickup trucks and older cars are usually rear wheeled drive so the chains are placed on the rear tires.
4 Wheel Vehicles: 4 wheel vehicles can use 2 sets of chains on all 4 wheels. With only 1 set of chains they are often put on the rear wheels, but can be placed on the front wheels instead for the added steering benefit.
In snowy conditions, transportation authorities often require snow chains to be fitted on vehicles that lack four-wheel drive and proper tires. These requirements are usually enforced by checkpoints, before which eligible drivers must have snow-chains fitted on their cars. Near such checkpoints, chains can often be fitted professionally for a fee. Snow chains limit the speed of the automobile to approximately 30 mph (50 km/h), but in deep snow the chains can be very useful.
[edit] Purchasing the right size chains for your tires
You should look at your tires and write down their sizing info. You can then walk into an automotive supply store and look for a set of tire chains that will accommodate your tires. A good fit is critical for the chains to work.
American tires have standardized sizing information. This information can be found on the sidewalls of your tires. The first letter(s) is for the vehicle type, P for passenger, LT for light truck. The next 3 digit number gives the tire's sidewall width in millimeters. The next 2 digit number gives the tire's height to width ratio. The next letter is R, which stands for radial ply tires (not radius) followed by the last 2 digit number, which is the rim diameter for your vehicle's wheels. For example: P170/65 R17
[edit] Common Chain Failures
- Driving too fast with chains.
- Driving on dry pavement with chains (should be avoided).
- Not securing the chains tightly enough. You should tighten the chains a second time after driving for a little bit. Chains that come loose should be refastened or removed before they wrap around your vehicle's drive axle (which can cause expensive damage).
[edit] Other names for traction devices placed on wheels of cars and trucks
- Link Chains - Same as Tire Chains or Snow Chains
- Traction Cables - Cable wire instead of chain links. Useful for cars with small tire well clearance.
- Cable Chains- Same as Traction cables.
- Snow Cables - Same as Traction cables.
- Spider Clamps - Adapter attaches to lug nuts. Clamps attach easily to adapter.
- Snow Claws
- Snow Tires, tires with deep grooves to grab snow to aid traction.
- Studded Tires, snow tires with metal studs used in icy conditions.
[edit] External links
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