Tire Chains

Tire Manufacturers

2009-08-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

Tire Manufacturers

Car And Truck Tire Chains

2009-08-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

Car And Truck Tire Chains

Tire

2009-08-09T04:20:00.000-07:00

Tire

Diamond Grip Tire Chains

2009-08-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Diamond Grip Tire Chains

Tire Chains Picture

2009-08-07T00:29:00.000-07:00

Tire Chains Picture,atv tire chains,tire chains accessories

Tires For Winter

2009-08-04T00:03:00.000-07:00

Choosing Tires For Winter Driving

Next, mount the appropriate mud and snow tires on your vehicle to help guard against the slickness of winter roads, these tires can be used anywhere as long as they do not have metal studs on them.

If you live in an area where ice is common in the winter, be sure to use the metal-stud tires that are available and keep your other tires(if they are in good condition) for the end of winter season as these metal stud tires are only allowed during the winter season and are banned in 10 states.

Another key to remember is to make sure that all of the snow tires you equip your vehicle with are of the same size, type and tread. This is particularly important if your vehicle is front wheel drive where using mismatched rear wheels may result in a loss of traction when braking on the icy roads of winter.

When choosing tires be aware that equipping your vehicle with oversized tires that are larger than those recommended by the manufacturer make result in difficulty steering and can rub the fender wells or suspension underneath.

As a rule, snow tires are manufactured with large empty areas in their tread so that they will have more traction on snow than normal tires where regular all season type tires are more concerned with marrying a quiet ride with a modicum of traction.

Installing tire chains can increase traction as much as 200%. Again, make sure that these chains are of the right size and type for your particular tire as the wrong chains can cause the tires to fail.

Automatic Tire Chains

2009-08-03T02:07:00.000-07:00

A Look at Automatic Tire Chains

With technology always advancing, it is no wonder that automatic tire chains have made their way into the tire chain market. These tire chains take away the pain of attaching tire chains in wintry or wet conditions, and can save drivers a lot of time.

Automatic tire chains can be used on pickup trucks, RVs, mobile homes, trucks, and buses, and they offer the traction of a single set of conventional snow chains at the touch of the button, which means an end to stopping and getting out of the vehicle.

To install automatic tire chains, drivers mount an electric switch to their dashboard, which provides 12 volts to an air solenoid mounted on the vehicle's frame rail. Compressed air is then supplied from either the vehicle's onboard air system or a 12-volt compressor kit. When the dashboard switch is activated, the solenoid opens, thus allowing compressed air to enter the air cylinder and lower the chain wheel so that it contacts the inside of the tire. The friction between the tire and the rubber-covered chain wheel then causes the chain wheel to rotate, which creates enough centrifugal force to wave the chains out in front of the tire.

Chain is spaced at 60-degree intervals in sixth lengths on the chain wheel. This guarantees that there are always two chains between the tire and the road service, regardless of whether the driver is accelerating or decelerating. The traction is obtained both in forward and reverse. When the dashboard switch is turned off, the solenoid exhausts the air, and the chain wheels are brought back to their resting position.

Automatic tire chains are a great new technology for anyone who wants tire chains -- but does not want the inconvenience of getting out of their car and installing the chains in adverse weather conditions.

Skidder Tire Chains

2009-08-02T00:42:00.000-07:00

Buying Skidder Tire Chains

Anyone involved in the forestry or logging business knows a thing or two about skidder tire chains. Skidders, those heavy, four-wheel tractors used to haul logs - especially over rugged terrain, are an extremely useful tool for getting logs from one location to another. Because the landscape around loggers tends to be more harsh than most drivers are used to, special skidder tires provide extra traction.

Of course, when skidder tires aren't enough, skidder tire chains can provide the extra traction necessary to get through any job. Running upwards of $1,000, skidder tire chains are available in several different varieties. With grapple skidders, most loggers prefer to use heavier skidder tire chains because of the horsepower. For the forwarders, which don't have a lot of clearance, the same result can be achieved with lighter tire chains.

As with other tire chains, the golden rule for getting the best performance is to keep them tight. If the skidder tire chains are too loose, they wear out. Of course, some loggers experience the other extreme - they put the tire chains on so tight that the tires wear out right in the center. Once you've got your tire chains on, remember to rotate them every 800 or 1,000 hours, as tire chains wear down just as tires do. When looking for new skidder tire chains, the ideal time to buy is when purchasing new tires. Not only does this ensure a better fit, but it also allows for easy installation to ensure that the chains fit the tire properly.

By purchasing the right tire chains for your skidder tires and taking good care of the chains, loggers can get years of use out of a product that can cut deep into pocketbooks.

Snow Tire Chain

2009-08-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

How is Snow Tire Chain Important ?

Snow Tire Chains

2009-05-01T03:41:00.001-07:00

Getting Ready For Winter

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).

Additionally, you will still need to be cautious in areas where there are rocks, roots or other hidden obstacles. If you hit these hard enough, you could damage your snow tire chains. This is even more reason why you will need to drive slowly, especially when traveling in areas where the road is underdeveloped.

Cable Tire Chains

2009-04-18T00:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-16T00:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-14T21:30:00.000-07:00

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).

How is Snow Tire Chain Important ?

2009-03-14T05:29:00.000-07:00

It is recommended that the drivers should drive cautiously in winters. Snow and ice can spell problem, especially for those drivers who do not have experience driving in such conditions, or those who fail to prepare themselves. One of the most essential features of winter car preparation is Tire Care. The most important feature of Tire Care in winter is a Tire Chain.

The basic rule of tire chains is to make certain that they can really be used on your vehicle. This actually means dragging out the old car owner's manual. After it is made sure that tire chains are secure for your truck or car, check with local law enforcement officers to make sure that chains are legal in your state. When you have actually thought of using snow tire chains, ensure that it actually fits to your car tires.

Tire chains should be pre-fit long before going out into the snow. Drivers should carefully follow the directions of installing their tire chains, which should be applied as tightly as possible by hand. When installing the chains, tires should be at normal rise and no collapsing of the tires for an easier application process. After putting the tire chains on all four tires, drive about one-quarter of a mile, then stop and retighten. The speed while driving with snow chains should be approximately 30 miles per hour. Go slowly in the beginning to get used to how snow chains change the way your vehicle handles. Snow chains should only be used in the area where they are required. Do not put them on early or leave them on after you are clear of snow and ice.

There are many types of snow tire chains for the car. Few types of snow tire chains are:

•Cable chains - They are very economical and light in weight. They are often galvanized with steel rollers for increasing grip on vehicles with limited disaster approval.

•Twist Link Chains – They are economical for the vehicles with nominal approval.

•Highway Chains – They are normally made up of all steel with a twist link design. These chains are designed for vehicles with non-restricted wheel and fine clearance. The heavier chains provide extra gripping power and stability.

•Snow Grip Chains – These chains are best for the winter weather. These chains provide better gripping and a smooth drive. The square link design in this kind of chain provides better standing, stopping, and cornering than any other straight ladder design.

•Road King Chain – These chains provide a square link design with a ‘Y’ model chain. These chains offer a relaxed but a bit forceful ride with not much sound and shaking.

•V-Bar Snow tire chain – These chains provide forceful gripping for snow removal and emergency vehicles. These chains should not be used on the vehicles with limited wheel well clearance.

Regardless of the brand or style of snow tire chains used, winter drivers should ensure that the chains are the properly fitted and are correctly installed in order to offer the best safety to the drivers and passengers.

Choosing the Right Tractor Tire Chains

2009-03-14T05:27:00.000-07:00

Tractor tire chains come in many of the same models, styles, and designs as other tire chains. Depending on the size and brand of the tractor and tractor wheel, a variety of tire chains can be found.

Like most other types of tire chains, there are many different options available in tractor tire chains. The most popular choice, and the most widely recommended, is two-link spacing with an optional V-Bar. Two link spacing means that there is a cross chain every second side chain link. Basically, it has twice as many cross chains as the four-link spacing, which only has a cross chain every fourth side chain link. The extra chains provide for a more steady, smooth ride and more steering control. The optional V-Bar chains are extremely helpful on ice, hills, and other hard-packed conditions. While V-Bar chains are available in both two- and four-link spacing, they should not be used on pavement since they can damage the surface of the road.

Kubota Tractor tire chains are available in the basic two- and four-link chains. Kubota recommends using tire chains and wheel weights in icy conditions. Even when using tire chains, drivers should still drive at a speed slow enough to maintain complete control of the tractor at all times.

For farm tractors, dealers recommend duo-group cross tire chains. These chains are not connected in the middle, so the pattern does not fall between the tread bars. Duo-group cross chains are recommended for field work, deep tread, off road use, and hilly conditions, making them the perfect choice for farm tractor tire chains

Choosing the Right Tractor Tire Chains

2009-02-19T11:55:00.000-08:00

Chain Law!

2009-01-19T12:01:00.000-08:00

Winter often means snow-covered and icy roads. Experienced truckers know that the lighter the load, the less traction the tires have. But even trucks hauling heavy loads can lose traction in the snow and ice. That’s why many states will put chain law into effect. Chain law requires truckers to put tire chains on their tires in order to gain more traction. Usually, when chains are required for trucks, cars are also required to use chains or snow tires.

Chain law is publicized by road signs and state road condition portals- websites, road condition hotlines, and the like. You’ll usually only see chain law go into effect on mountain passes, but states can require chains on any roadway that encounters dangerous winter travel conditions.

Some states require that truckers carry the minimum required chains through the winter months, even if they aren’t planning to chain up. Many states may allow cables instead of chains, but most will require truckers to carry chains. Cables are generally frowned on for being less effective.

California Chain Law

Road Conditions: 800-427-7623 (in state) or 916-445-7623(out of state)
Cal-Trans: 916-654-5741
California Chain-up Requirements

California does not require truckers to carry chains during certain times of the year. However, when trucks enter a posted “chains required” area, they must be carrying chains. And when chain law is in effect, truckers cannot proceed without chains on their tires. Cal-Trans will set up “truck screening” areas when chains are required to make sure that truckers are carrying the minimum required chains, so that if they need to use chains, they will be able to install them.

Generally, California requires 5-axle trucks to have chains on all tires on the main drive axle, two tires on the other drive axle, and one tire on each side of the trailer- any axle.

California has three Chain Conditions they enforce.

R-1 Chain Law:
Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle.

R-2 Chain Law:
Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles under 6,500 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on all four wheels. Chains for one set of drive wheels must be carried by four wheel-drive vehicles using snow tires.

Truck Tires

2008-12-04T04:32:00.000-08:00

Selection of proper truck tire gives a comfortable ride and reduces the wear and tear on the tire drive mechanism, brakes and suspension parts. Three major tire companies who design and manufacture truck tire for wide range of applications on different and difficult terrains are Mickey Thomson, Super Swamper and Pro com.

Mickey Thomson Truck tire
Mickey Thomson truck tire manufactured by Mickey Thomson Tire Company was founded in the year 1963. Design, development production and distribution of tire and wheel for all applications are the main business of the company. Cooper Tire & Rubber Company which is also in tire business having the head quarters at Ohio, USA acquired Mickey Thomson in the year 2003. The company's major brand name is "Baja" and the specific products under this brand are named on the basis of the type of the tire, such as Baja claw non radial, radial Baja claw, Baja belted and Baja radial MTZ.

Super Swamper truck tire
Interco Tire Corporation located at Louisiana is the manufacturer of Super Swamper Truck Tires. Over three generations, the Interco Tire Company through its sustained focus on design and development has evolved as a leader in developing and manufacturing high performance tires for four wheel drive trucks and all terrain vehicle applications. Super Swamper TSL Bogger, Super Swamper TSL/SX, Super Swamper radial TSL are some of the popular tires manufactured by this company.

PRO Com truck tire
Pro com tire are manufactured by Pro Competition Tire Company located at Ohio, USA. This Company is owned by Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, which also owns the Mickey Thomson tires. The pro com tire brand carry the general name pro com and the specific products under this name are branded based on the application of the tire. The specific brands are ProComp All Terrain, ProComp Mud Terrain, ProComp X-Terrain and Procomp Xtreme A/T.

When Should I Buy Used Tires For My Car?

2008-12-02T00:20:00.000-08:00

Taking care of our automobiles is a very important and expensive enterprise. One aspect of that care is buying tires when necessary. While it can be easy to ignore this particular maintenance issue, letting tires deteriorate or grow bald to save a dime can be a costly error.

If money is a true concern, the fugal can save by purchasing used tires. Although these tires may not have the longevity of new ones, they are safe and can be found rather easily if you know where to look.

When to Buy

Government regulations stipulate that tires have to be replaced when they have become dangerously worn. What constitutes wear?

Well, if the things are bald or showing rot from non-use, then one wouldn't have a doubt as to the tires unsuitable nature. Problem is, some wear is not so easily discernible.

Experts in the field advise placing the head of a dime in a crack in the tire. If you can do this, it will indicate the tire needs to be replaced. Another thing to look for is potential rubber degradation. The lowest part of the tire is the place where most tires show wear first. Check this area periodically to look for places that are staring to lose their tread or show steel.

Where to Buy

Many people have begun to buy used tires online which can be a bit foolhardy.
You can of course buy them online if you want to, but one should really look at tire purchase as a hands-on thing, as car tires are too important to leave to chance. If you have to buy used rubber, buy where you can physically inspect what you're getting.
One can find used tires at local automotive chains, discount and regular local tire shops. Again, this is the safest bet for obtaining quality used tires.

Longevity of Used Tires

The question of how long tires may last, whether used or new, can depend on a number of variables.

Even the best of tires, for example, won't last long if you are prone to speeding or skidding on pavement, gravel or asphalt. Severe climates and atmospheric conditions can also affect the life of the tire.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration acknowledges that tire maintenance and rotation will increase the longevity of the tires, but the heaviest factors of consideration will always be how often the car is driven.

In many cases, with great care, most may last between 30,000-50,000 miles.

Tire care and maintenance

Used tires can be maintained and kept to government regulation by keeping them inflated, checking them routinely for leaks, and wiping the tires down with soap and water. The latter is very important because you will be able to check for cracks, leaks and wear.

Now, in regards to tire inflation, you should know that it is possible to both over inflate and under inflate your tires. Manufacturers usually have specified instructions for how often their tires should be inflated. If the tires are used, you may have to call the manufacturer or ask the seller about these particular specifications.

The lifespan of a tire decreases when they are not inflated the way they should be. Buy a usable tire gauge and check for leaks as often as you can.

The Value of Transportation

Vehicles are essential to our livelihoods and independence, so we mustn't take any aspect of auto care for granted.

If you wish to purchase used tires, make sure they are reliable and the right kind for the make and model of your car. Observing these tips alongside other simple tire care rules will keep you and your car safe and on the road for a good long while!

Tire Safety-From The Ground Up

2008-12-02T00:10:00.000-08:00

The iron chains hugged the tires as the cars drove over knee-deep snow in Rocky IV as Rocky went to Russia to avenge his friend's death in the boxing ring. The chains cut through the snow giving the car the necessary grip to move forward.

We may not give much importance to the car tires while we spend a lot of time thinking about the mileage, safety features and the make, but the fact remains that the tires grip the road on which you vehicle runs and the type of car tire, its quality and the air pressure within it matters a lot in the safety of your vehicle.

They say no crash is an accident. Remember many accidents can be avoided if cars use the correct tire suitable for the particular vehicle. It is said that a number of car accidents caused these days are because of wrong tires and the compensation that one has to pay to the victim or the deductions that one gets from his or her insurance money is because of the wrong tires. A pair of wrong tire may lead to the skidding of your car, may affect the stability of your car on the road and can severely affect the safety of the vehicle in bad weather conditions.

The factors that you must consider while buying the tires of your car whether it is a new car or a pre-owned one are as follows:

The tires must match the make of the car.

The tires must be appropriate for the weather conditions, extreme snow, heat or rainfall.

The tires must be in good condition.

All signs of wear and tear in the tires of a pre-owned vehicle must be thoroughly examined.

You must always maintain the correct tire pressure. Wrong air pressure may lead to wobbling of your car or a flat tire in a freeway.

Remember appropriate car tires can bring down your insurance premium drastically. Accidents that are attributed to wrong tires lead to less insurance payments and the owner has to compensate. Choosing a tire that even if is in a higher price range, but if ends up saving the lives of people on the street or your own, is probably a wiser decision.

If in doubt discuss with your car manufacturer, with your garage people and with your insurance people and learn more about the kind of tire, the tread and the make that is suitable for your vehicle. The safety begins with the first contact that your vehicle has with the road and it is the only contact that it has with the road; the tires. The safer the tires are, the better their conditions are, greater is the safety of the vehicle on the road. It will also safe you a lot on insurance, payments, premiums and later on reimbursements, etc post an accident.

To ensure safety of your vehicle and your own choose the correct tire right away and you won't regret that.

New Tire Chains

2008-12-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

When you are making decisions about your car or motorcycle, one of the first things to choose is the correct tire for your driving conditions. While this decision is important year round, it is of extreme importance during the winter months when weather turns cold and snow and ice can be very common. Having the wrong tire in these situations can be a question of life and death. But thankfully choosing the right tire is not difficult, if you follow certain steps.

The first step in choosing the correct winter tire is to see what sort of tire, that is, what size and types of tires, your car's manufacturer has recommended for your car. You can find this information in the owner's manual that came with your car. Then head to your local tire dealer and purchase snow or mud tires appropriate to your car and have them installed. Tires like these, ones without metal studs manufactured into them, help your vehicle handle slick winter roads and can be used on public highways.

If you live in an area with an extreme climate, where tires with metal studs are allowed during the height of the winter months, you will likely have to purchase two sets of tires. The first set, as outlined above, that has no metal studs, and a second set, which does have metal studs, for the iciest parts of the year. Later in the winter season, you will likely have to change your tires back to the rubber tires, since in most areas metal stud tires are only allowed during the coldest months. Check your local regulations in any case, since metal stud tires are banned in 10 states.

Tractor tire chains

2008-12-01T22:31:00.000-08:00

Tractor tire chains come in many of the same models, styles, and designs as other tire chains. Depending on the size and brand of the tractor and tractor wheel, a variety of tire chains can be found.

Like most other types of tire chains, there are many different options available in tractor tire chains. The most popular choice, and the most widely recommended, is two-link spacing with an optional V-Bar. Two link spacing means that there is a cross chain every second side chain link.

Basically, it has twice as many cross chains as the four-link spacing, which only has a cross chain every fourth side chain link. The extra chains provide for a more steady, smooth ride and more steering control. The optional V-Bar chains are extremely helpful on ice, hills, and other hard-packed conditions. While V-Bar chains are available in both two- and four-link spacing, they should not be used on pavement since they can damage the surface of the road.

Kubota Tractor tire chains are available in the basic two- and four-link chains. Kubota recommends using tire chains and wheel weights in icy conditions. Even when using tire chains, drivers should still drive at a speed slow enough to maintain complete control of the tractor at all times.

For farm tractors, dealers recommend duo-group cross tire chains. These chains are not connected in the middle, so the pattern does not fall between the tread bars. Duo-group cross chains are recommended for field work, deep tread, off road use, and hilly conditions, making them the perfect choice for farm tractor tire chains

experience with snow

2008-11-20T23:39:00.000-08:00

I don’t have much experience with snow. Growing in up sunny Las Vegas, I became an expert blackjack player and a connoisseur of local ‘entertainers’, but topics such as winter preparedness always escaped me. But all this changed when I was invited on a winter trip to the mountains with my friend Bob.

Bob had word that the abominable snowman had been sighted in a little known wooded area and he was determined to investigate. So we packed up our skis and other supplies in my old 1958 Edsel Amblewagon and hit the road.

As we drove, Bob gave me the lowdown on the elusive snowman:

“Everyone who has tried to track him has been unsuccessful because they’ve tried to hunt him. They forget that he’s part human and therefore his humanity must be appealed to. I’ll first befriend him.”

“Then what?” I asked.

“Well, when I’ve gained his trust, I’ll throw this bag over his head, knock him out with a rock , and sell him to the circus!”

After a long drive, we reached the spot and set up camp. Unfortunately, a storm was moving in and within an hour snow began to fall thick and fast. Despite this, Bob set out into the woods to stalk his quarry. An hour passed, then 24, then 48. I knew I had to do something to find my friend so I drove out onto the icy roads. My trusty Edsel was no match for the winter conditions, and soon I was sliding around like a hockey puck.

I jammed hard on the accelerator, but only succeed only in drifting off the road and into a snow bank. It seemed I was done for. But then, I heard noises of approach. Two figures came out of the gloomy forest and slowly walked toward my car. I grabbed my tire iron and prepared for a confrontation.

But my fear was unfounded. It was Bob and the abominable snowman! I greeted them.

“Hey Bob! Hey Snowman!”

“Hey man what’s up”, said the snowman, smiling in a friendly way.

Luckily the AS was an expert in putting chains on vehicles, having lived so long in frozen conditions. He enlightened me on several topics including the proper way of fastening the speed hooks and how to add rubber fasteners to increase the lifespan of the chains.

We were soon on our way back to civilization with our new friend.

Snow chains

2008-11-01T22:19:00.000-07:00

Snow chains, or tire chains, are devices which are affixed to the tires of vehicles to provide superior traction when driving through snow and ice. Snow chains are usually attached to the drive wheels of a vehicle (e.g. the front wheels on a front-wheel drive car), though all four wheels should be chained to provide extra stability. Some owner's manuals for four-wheel drive cars specify that two specific wheels can be chained, leaving the other two unchained if necessary.

Snow chains are sold as paired sets of two. You should buy chains that match your tire size (tire width and radius numbers can be found printed on the tire).

A set of chains are placed on the wheels that are connected to the drive train in order to gain traction in icy, snowy or muddy conditions.

Front Wheel Drive Vehicles: Most passenger cars are front wheel powered vehicles, so the snow chains would be placed on the two front tires. (Though all four wheels should be chained to provide extra stability as long as the vehicle's owner's manual does not indicate chains cannot be used on all four wheels.)

Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles: Pickup trucks, older cars and sporty cars are usually rear wheeled drive so the chains are placed on the rear tires. (Though all four wheels should be chained to provide extra stability as long as the vehicle's owner's manual does not indicate chains cannot be used on all four wheels.)

Four Wheel Drive Vehicles: Four wheel vehicles can use two pairs of chains to cover all four wheels. With only one pair of chains they are often put on the rear wheels, but can be placed on the front wheels instead for the added steering and braking benefit. (All four wheels should be chained to provide extra stability as long as the vehicle's owner's manual does not indicate chains cannot be used on all four wheels.)

In snowy conditions, transportation authorities often require snow chains to be fitted on vehicles that lack four-wheel drive and proper tires. These requirements are usually enforced by checkpoints, before which eligible drivers must have snow-chains fitted on their cars. Near such checkpoints, chains can often be fitted professionally for a fee. Snow chains limit the speed of the automobile to approximately 30 mph (50 km/h), and reduce fuel efficiency.