Tire Chains
Winter chains for more control
The winter can be an extremely unpredictable, treacherous time to be a driver on many North American roads. Snow and ice can cause your car to slip and slide, putting you in the path of oncoming cars, or worse, pedestrians. Many people choose to winterize their cars, replacing their tires with snow tires and their fluids with winter-resistant formulas, but if you live in an area where snow tires just won’t cut it, you may want to consider keeping tire chains in your vehicle.
Car tire chains provide an extra bit of traction that can really help out when you need to go uphill in icy weather. They dig into ice and snow, preventing tires from slipping. You may not need tire chains unless you have a large vehicle or you live in a mountainous area, but they can also be beneficial in areas with frequent slick road conditions. Signage will likely be posted in these areas, encouraging drivers to use tire chains.
There are different types of snow tire chains available on the market. Diamond tire chains are known by their distinctive diamond pattern that wraps around your tire. Single tire chains look like a ladder, with two rails and cross links between them.
When it comes to choosing tire chains, go for the ones that fit the type of weather you will experience in the winter. Chains are available in different degrees to handle increasingly bad driving conditions.
For many, snow tires are enough to handle winter driving, but in mountainous regions, it’s often the law or is strongly recommended that bigger vehicles use snow chains. If this is the case in your area, make chains part of your car’s winterization and stay safe this winter. Make sure you see a mechanic who can properly install your chains if you’re not sure which ones are right for you.
Why Are Tire Chains Essential for Winter Driving?
- They provide added traction to winter tires by digging into the ice on the road.
- They allow you to drive without slipping and sliding due to harsh weather conditions and icy, hilly roads.
Things to Consider When Buying Tire Chains
- What kind of chains will you need for your vehicle?
- How much are you willing to spend on chains?
- Are chains required in your area?
Top Winter Tire Brands
- Sno Hog tire chains
- Goodyear tire chains
