Tire Chain Basics

Tire Chain Materials and Sizing

Link chains are heavy-duty tire chains made of interlocking metal links. They provide high quality traction in icy and snowy roads, and are ideal for slippery or mountainous terrain. Cable chains, however, are very lightweight, very easy to install, and are ideal for less intense winter conditions. Cable chains provide reliable traction benefits on snow. In order to determine the best sizing and fit for your tire chains, refer to your vehicle owner’s manual, or ask a professional for assistance. It’s necessary to make sure that tire chains fit your vehicle tires snugly with zero slack, and that they are fully compatible with your specific tire size and vehicle make.

What are some tips for safe tire chain usage?

Make sure to practice installing tire chains before your drive. By making yourself more familiar with the tire chain installation process, you can save yourself time in the tire chain installation process when it’s more important to perform the operation in a rush. Make sure that all necessary tools like gloves and tensioners are easily accessible and available in your car. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter when installing tire chains. Make sure that all chains have even tension. Check and adjust all chains after driving even a very short distance to make sure that they are staying in place. We recommend visually inspecting chains at regular intervals to make sure that they aren’t bent, worn down, or damaged – if any tire chains are having issues, replace them as soon as possible.

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