When considering the snow chains for your vehicle, it is important to look at your owner’s manual. This will give you direction on what axle to put the chains on and how many chains are optimal for your vehicle. In general, traction devices should be installed on your drive axle. For all-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive, either axle will work fine. For the best results, putting chains on all four tires improves steering, braking and overall grip and traction. It is important to pay attention to any prohibitions in your owner’s manual. These additional tips for using traction devices can help you steer clear of trouble:
- Keep speeds below thirty mph
- Avoid driving on bare roads
- Learn proper installation techniques
- Avoid hard braking
Proper fitment and installation is essential. Be sure to follow to the installation instructions that come with your chains.
Why You Should Have an Extra Pair Snow Chains
In dangerous conditions, snow chains become essential to your safety, not to mention at times a legal requirement on certain roadways. For these reasons, it makes good sense to carry an extra set or two. It is possible the chains could come off, hampering your ability to make it over a mountain pass or to negotiate hilly, curvy roadways covered in snow and ice. There is also the potential of damage to a connecting component that makes the chains unstable or unusable. Carrying an extra set of chains and additional hardware for your vehicle has several benefits:
- Gives peace of mind and confidence
- Protects against equipment breakdown
- Meets legal requirements
- Increases your safety
When the snow starts falling hard, you never know exactly what is going to happen. Being prepared for any and all situations makes carrying extra chains the smart approach. Always buy quality chains that are made by reputable manufacturers such as Quality Chain Corp.
How To Know What Size Snow Chains You Need for Your Vehicle
Chains or other traction devices that are too small for your tires simply will not fit. You will never get them on your tires. Chains that are too large will have extra slack; they are more likely to fall off and they could even cause damage to your undercarriage. Again, check your owner’s manual for tire specifications and sizes. When buying traction devices online, you can enter the make, model, year and engine size and the tool will show you what chains work best with your vehicle. Precise fitment results in better performance and keeps you safe on the road even over mountain passes.
Once you have your tire system squared away, you should spend some time on general winter preparation. Free battery charging at America’s #1 battery destination makes sure your battery will make it through the winter. You don’t want to get stranded on a lonely road in the middle of the night in sub-freezing temperatures. If your battery is old, replace with a new one that will start your car on the coldest mornings. Inspect all vital components such as wiper blades and lights for wear and tear, and be sure to check vital fluids. Quality automotive products can make a big difference in winter conditions.
