Tire Chains - Understanding The Essentials

When the winter months come around, everything about driving changes. We move at a slower pace, we are more attentive and we start breaking five blocks before an intersection. Another change is the addition of tire chains to our vehicles.

Tire chains are meant to add a great deal of traction when a vehicle is being driven over snow and ice. But, there are some essentials that you have to understand before you consider using them.

How Do They Help?

Tire chains are metal links that wrap around the wheel of your vehicle. Most commonly they are equipped on only the two front tires (on front whell drive vehicles). Their purpose is to dig into snow and ice to give the driver more control over handling and speed. They can help vehicles reach the top of ice-covered hills and will also aid in stopping power. They can greatly increase a driver's safety in wintry conditions.

What Precautions Should You Take When Using Tire Chains?

If you do not take care of your tire chains correctly, the effects can damage your car or even cause an accident. When they are installed, the tire chains must be tightened securely - then tightened once again after they have been used for several miles. If you neglect to keep your chains tight, they may come loose and wrap around your vehicles drive axle. This could cause a costly accident.

You should also take care with speed while using chains. Depending on the manufacturer's specifications, you should probably maintain a speed of no more than 30 miles per hour.

Some brands recommend that you drive even slower. Therefore, chains are not appropriate for use on highways or extremely busy streets. They are mostly meant for use in areas that do not receive attention from snowplows.

The chains should not be used for an extended period of time. They are meant for short time use only in the worst conditions. Using chains for too long may cause them to become loose or possibly even break.

Can I Use Them On My Vehicle?

If you are in the United States, there are strict state regulations regarding the use of tire chains. There are many areas where chains are required on certain vehicles during certain times of the year. For instance, regions in some northern states require that all vehicles lacking four wheel drive capabilities use tire chains from late December until mid January.

On the other hand, there are many regions that outlaw their use. Many cities have banned the use of chains all together in an effort to preserve the conditions of their road-tops.

If you plan on using chains next winter, make sure that they are legal in your area. Furthermore, take precautions to ensure that you install the correct size. Using the wrong size is just as dangerous as installing an incorrect tire on your vehicle.

If you are like most people, you probably take extra care to drive safely during the winter. When snow is on the ground and your family is inside a vehicle, why not take as many precautions as possible, such is the addition of tire chains, to ensure their safety?