Tips On The Safe Use Of Snow Chains

You will be very familiar with treacherous drivingsquare link design, give excellent traction which helps
conditions if you live in a country that experienceswith cornering and stopping. V-bar chains are heavy
harsh winters. During the winter, snow and ice on theduty chains meant for snow clearing vehicles.
roads cause driving conditions that can be dangerousPutting on the Snow Chains
for even the most experienced drivers. The dangerDo not deflate the tires to make them easier to fit.
can be reduced considerably by fitting appropriateThey should always be fitted to tires at their normal
snow chains to your vehicle when these conditionspressure. Make sure the car is in gear and parking
occur.brake is engaged before you start. Put the chain on
Before purchasing snow chains read your manual andthe tire, holding it at the top, and make sure it is
find out if snow chains can be safely used on yourplaced evenly. You will not be able to place the
vehicle. The manual will also tell you the correct sizebottom part on the tire at this point. For chains with
to purchase. Also find out the regulations for yourrings make sure the open connection is at the
country or state as they can vary considerably. Oncebottom of the tire. After you have placed the chain
you have purchased your snow chains practicewith the ring on the inside of the wheel the bottom
putting them on as this can be awkward, especiallyof the ring can be connected. You might have to get
the first time, and you will be much better practicingdown right under the car to do this.
in your driveway with the sun shining than on a coldNow drive forward a few feet, enough to expose
road in the dark.the rest of the tire, stop and engage the parking
Snow Chain Typesbrake. go back to the tire and finish fitting the chain.
The most economical snow chains are cable chainsTighten the chains. Now drive about a hundred feet,
and these are recommended for all front wheel drivestop again and go back and re-tighten the chains.
vehicles. Steel rollers give increased traction and giveNow you are ready to drive with your snow chains.
the maximum clearance between the tire and theStrap on Emergency Snow Chains
wall of the fender. They are also very lightweight. IfIn an emergency strap on chains can be used. They
your vehicle has very little clearance, twist link chainsare meant for short distances only or to help move a
will be better. Highway chains are recommended forvehicle that is already stuck. On roads where snow
vehicles with maximum clearance of the wheel wellchain use is mandatory they may not be legal. In an
as they are heavier and more durable. One make youemergency they provide good traction and are very
could consider is Road King as the square link designeasy to install although they can only be attached to
gives minimal vibration, which will give a moreslotted wheels. Use them in pairs, attached to either
comfortable ride. Sno Grip chains, which also have aboth rear or both front tires.