Properly using tire chains is crucial for navigating treacherous winter driving conditions, providing essential traction on slippery surfaces. Knowing when and how to deploy them effectively ensures safety for you and others on the road.
Based on essential auto safety guidelines, here's a breakdown of the key situations and procedures for using tire chains.
When to Use Tire Chains
Tire chains are specifically designed for driving on roads covered in snow or ice, drastically improving grip where standard tires cannot.
Ideal Road Conditions
- Use chains when there is a layer of fully compacted snow or ice. These are the conditions where tire chains provide maximum benefit by biting into the frozen surface, offering necessary traction for accelerating, braking, and steering.
When to Avoid Chains
- Do not use chains where roads have been cleared. Driving with chains on bare pavement can cause significant damage. This includes damage to the road surface, rapid wear and potential breakage of the chains, and potential harm to your vehicle's tires, wheels, and suspension components.
How to Use Tire Chains Effectively
Preparation and correct installation are vital for the effective and safe use of tire chains.
Key Practices for Using Chains
Follow these steps to ensure your tire chains are used correctly:
- Practice Before You Go: Do practice taking them on and off before you go. Familiarize yourself with the installation process in a comfortable environment so you can manage it efficiently in cold, potentially adverse conditions on the road.
- Ensure Proper Fit: Do have the right chains for your wheel size. Tire chains are specific to tire dimensions. Using the wrong size can lead to improper fit, ineffective traction, and potential damage to your vehicle. Check your vehicle's manual and the chain packaging to confirm compatibility.
- Stop to Adjust: Do stop to adjust if they become loose. After installing chains and driving a short distance (usually a few hundred feet), pull over safely to check their tension. Chains can loosen slightly after initial installation. Retightening them ensures they stay properly seated and functional, preventing them from flapping or causing damage.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can maximize the safety benefits of tire chains when facing severe winter driving conditions.
