Cable Tire Chains

Tire chains are extremely important for vehicles during winter season as it protects the traction of these vehicles from heavy snowfall and ice on roads. Various parts of America experience moderate to heavy snowfall in winter, which keeps on accumulating on the roads. Snow hardens to ice and makes roads slippery and dangerous to drive on.

Various types of cable tire chains are specified for different vehicles such as those for passenger cars, single light trucks, heavy trucks, and special police and emergency vehicles. It is suggested that customers may select an appropriate tire chain according to their preference, choice and need of their vehicle. A type of tire chain used is cable tire chain. Metal straps of this particular kind of tire chain are lined parallel to each other and look similar to cables that are lined paralleled to each other. Hence the names cable tire chains.

Cable tire chain is a compound laid rope consisting of many ropes and layers of different strands laid collectively into one rope. Another type is side cable in which a stranded cable is used to complete one full circumference along the sidewalls of the tire. Stranded cables are wrapped or covered in order to provide greater resistance to abrasive wear and tear. It could either be a spring wire, a high- carbon steel wire or nylon wire of type 6 or 12. Traction reinforcement sleeves covering the cable from side connector enclose the wrapped or covered cable.

Cross cable length from inside including fasteners held in the same plane are within a tolerance level of minus 1/8 inch to plus 1/8 inch of the specified length indicated by the chain manufacturers' specifications. Side cable length is within the tolerance of minus1/8 inch to plus ½ inch of the length indicated by specifications mentioned by chain manufacturers.

Truck Tire Chains

Truck tire chains can be purchased for everything from a pickup truck to an 18-wheeler. Drivers can find a chain to fit just about any need, spanning every size and style, and desired performance.

Single highway truck chains are recommended for highway use on trucks, buses, and RVs. For trucks that see more off road action than highway time, single V-Bar reinforced traction chains are recommended. This type of chain is available for light trucks, heavy trucks, busses, and RVs.

Of course, studded truck tire chains are always a good choice for off-roading. Drivers should first make sure that studs are legal in their state. If they are, studded cross chains provide one of the best options for off-road traction. Single studded truck tire chains can be purchased in 6, 7, or 8 mm. Dual triple studded tire chains are also available in 6, 7, or 8 mm.

For dual tires that are more accustomed to highway driving, dual triple truck, bus, and RV chains are recommended. The V-Bar is also available for dual tires. For vehicles with minimal clearance between dual wheels, dual mount chains are built without a center chain.

Finally, wide base chains are available for vehicles that have minimal clearance between wide base tires. Whether driving a light truck, heavy duty truck, bus, or RV, truck tire chains are available for every condition.

Tractor Tire Chains

Many parts of the country experience harsh winter conditions every year. Snowy, icy, and slushy conditions make driving hard, especially for vehicles such as tractors that have to drive in off-road conditions. Tire chains make driving in these types of conditions easier for tractors and other vehicles, and will greatly improve traction and performance.

Sometimes off-road vehicles such as tractors also need to use tire chains on a daily basis to help with rough field conditions. If you are considering buying tractor tires chains, you should know which types are available and which conditions they are best suited for.

Tire chains are attached to the front and rear tires to aid in stability, traction, and handling. They make maneuvering a tractor easier and help to stop a tractor from getting stuck in winter weather conditions as well in the everyday conditions of many fields and other off-road areas. They can also be used in extremely muddy and rough terrain to help the tractor move debris and perform other tasks.

Two-Link And Four-Link Spacing

There are a few different types of tire chains that offer a varying degree of protection against inclement weather and rough terrain. Tractor tire chains come in two link spacing, four link spacing, and some have optional V-bars. Four link spacing is farther apart than two link spacing and provides traction and stability on many types of driving conditions. Two link spacing is closer together than four link spacing and provides even more traction and stability than four link spacing. The added links in two link spaced chains make them a good choice for even the most severe driving conditions.

V-Bar

The optional V-Bar adds even more stability on ice, hills, and other hard packed conditions. A V-Bar is available for both types of chains but should only be used off-road conditions as they can damage paved roads. These types of tire chains are designed to aid in winter weather conditions such as ice and snow. They can be useful in other conditions such as mud, hills, and on steep grades, but there are other options for tackling these special conditions.

Installing tire chains is usually a simple process. You slide the chain behind the tire and connect each link together. You then have to make sure the chain is straightened and tight by pulling the tension chain through the chain's locking mechanism.

Duo-Group Cross

You can also use duo-group cross tractor tire chains to help with traction and stability in a variety of normal off-road conditions. This type of chain does not connect in the middle of the tire across the tread and will help with farm work on tractors with tires that have very deep tread and in hilly conditions. This type of chain is great for every day use on tractors that have to maneuver rough conditions on a daily basis. If your tractor often gets stuck or has a hard time managing rough conditions, this type of tire chain may be just what you need. Remember you can not use them on paved roads.

Snow Tire Chains

If you live in an area where the road is covered by snow most of the year, you may be required to have snow tire chains on your vehicle. What are they? They are special tire equipment that increases one's traction ability as they are driving.

In many states they are illegal, since they can cause harm to the roads. Yet, in other states they are necessary for a safe commute. For this reason you need to acquire as much knowledge as you can about them, so you can be fully aware of what is involved in installing and using them.

What Type Of Vehicle Do You Have?

So, what's the first thing you should know about snow tires chains? Basically, you should be aware that their specific placement will depend on the type of vehicle you have. These are available for: front wheel drives, rear wheel drives and four wheel drives. If you have a front wheel drive, the snow tire chains must be placed on the two front tires. For rear wheel drives, snow tire chains must be placed on the tires in the back-end of the vehicle. Finally, four wheel drives require two pairs of snow tire chains on all of the wheels, both front and rear.

Checkpoints

What does a person do if their vehicle lacks the proper front wheel, rear wheel or four wheel drive tires? If they live in a state that requires snow tire chains, they can get them professionally fitted at special checkpoints. In fact, as they are getting their cars checked, they may legally have to take advantage of such a service. But since it's usually at the checkpoint station, it shouldn't be too inconvenient. However, it should be noted that drivers are charged a fee for the service.

Installing Them Yourself

For everyone else installing snow tire chains shouldn't be too difficult. Instructions on how to install the chains should be provided from the store selling them. If they can't be found there, drivers can always look up suggestions on the Internet on the easiest way to install them. Usually, the process involves manipulating lever locks while draping the chain over the tire. Some sites offering free installation instructions will provide pictures to further assist in the process.

Of course, if you find that you're still having difficulty installing them, you can try and get a mechanic to do it or see if your state's checkpoint station can qualify you for their installation service.

Speed Limit

Once you have installed snow tire chains, expect your driving experience to be different. Yes, you will notice you have incredible traction but on the downside you will also be limited when it comes to speed. Indeed, don't expect to go 60 miles per hour when you have them. You will instead be going at around 30 miles per hour, (which for many areas is the actual speed limit for vehicles with snow tire chains).