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Snow Chains
The weather here isn't normally this miserable so I have no idea about snow chains, but now I need some because certain roads here are closed unless you have some! What do I need to know before I get some? Where do you buy snow chains anyway? Tire stores only or do dealerships carry them? Are there different kinds?
-- Snowed In
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Want to answer more questions in the Technology category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Cars?
First, I would like to say that you should not use snow chains unless it is absolutely necessary. Only consider using snow chains where the road surface is covered in a protective layer of compacted snow/ice. If you try to use chains on a road that has been cleared of snow you risk damage to the road and to the vehicle.
If you do decide to buy snow chains, stop and remove them as soon as you reach a gritted/cleared road – choose a safe place, preferably on level ground and consider wearing a reflective jacket for improved visibility.
A few things you should know before buying chains:
You need to pre-fit your chains to your tire size and vehicle before you use them. The same numerical tire size can vary among tire manufacturers, causing actual tire sizes to be different.
There are many different types of chains on the market. Take the time to find the product that best suits your needs.
Here are 10 basic guidelines for the use of snow chains:
Tire chains should be installed on the drive wheels of the vehicle following the chain manufacturer’s instructions, To retain as much of the normal handling characteristics of 4WD/AWD vehicles as possible, tire chains should be installed on all four tires, requiring the purchase of two pairs of tire chains.
Buy chains that are the correct size for the tires. A proper fit is key to receiving the desired performance and durability. Do not deflate tires to install tire chains. A correctly sized tire chain will fit over a properly inflated tire. Additionally, because there is typically no source of compressed air to refill a deflated tire, driving with low tire pressure may cause permanent damage to the tire. Snow chains may not be available for all tire sizes.
Use only SAE Class “S” chains. The restricted wheel well clearance in most of today's down-sized and front drive vehicles require tire chains to operate in an envelope that is no greater than 1.46-inches vertically and .59-inches laterally around the tire. These minimum clearances must be maintained between the tires and the vehicle’s fenders, suspension, struts, brake lines and braces.
It is important to pre-fit chains prior to actual use. Being faced with the choice of either damaging their vehicle or not completing a journey if the tire chains didn’t fit is not a choice many drivers would want to have to make. Pre-fitting the chains will also allow the driver to become familiar with their installation. Since tire chains will only be required when the weather is at its worst, who would want to learn how to install them during a blizzard?
You may want to buy a tire chain installation helper. These small ramps are designed to prevent slipping and allow you to lay a cross chain in a pre-formed indentation. Once you drive onto the ramp, the chains are positioned under your tire for easier installation following the manufacturer’s directions.
Tire chains should always be carried in the trunk during the appropriate times of the year and only mounted on the vehicle when warranted by driving conditions or required by law.
For example, California’s 2003 tire chain requirements depend on the severity of the snowstorm and are as follows:
Requirement One (R1): Snow tires or chains are required.
Requirement Two (R2): Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel drive vehicles equipped with snow tires on all four wheels.
Requirement Three (R3): Chains are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.
NOTE: According to California guidelines, R1 and R2 are the most common conditions because the highway is usually closed to traffic before an R3 condition is imposed.
When highway signs indicate tire chains are required, a driver will usually have about one mile between the "Chains Required" signs and the passage checkpoint. However, these control areas can shift rapidly from place to place because of changing weather and road conditions.
After initial chain installation, all of the tire chains should be retightened after the vehicle has been slowly driven forward or backward at least 15 feet. Failure to do so may allow the chains to remain loose, risking damage to the vehicle and reducing chain life.
Accelerate or decelerate slowly. Avoid spinning or locking the wheels.
Limit the vehicle’s speeds to within the recommended range provided by the tire chain manufacturer.
If a cross chain should fail, stop immediately and make necessary repairs. Do not drive with a broken chain.
Remove the chains as soon as the vehicle reaches clear roads. When removing chains, drive beyond the signs reading "End Chain Control" to a pull-off area where you can safely remove them.
The one and only,
Miss Piggy
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