Winter driving can be a challenge, especially when the roads are slippery and covered in snow and ice. One of the ways to make winter driving safer is to install anti-skid chains on your vehicle’s tires. Anti-skid chains, also known as snow chains, can improve traction and prevent skidding on snowy and icy roads. However, choosing the right size and type of anti-skid chains is important for ensuring their effectiveness and your safety on the road. In this article, we will discuss how to choose the right size and type of anti-skid chains for your vehicle.
Size
The first step in choosing the right anti-skid chains is to determine the size of your vehicle’s tires. You can find the tire size information on the sidewall of the tire. The tire size is usually expressed in a combination of numbers and letters, such as “205/55R16”. The first number indicates the width of the tire in millimeters, the second number is the aspect ratio of the height to the width, and the last number is the diameter of the wheel in inches.
Once you have determined your tire size, you need to find anti-skid chains that are compatible with your tire size. Anti-skid chains come in different sizes and are designed to fit specific tire sizes. Most manufacturers provide a compatibility chart that lists the tire sizes that are compatible with their anti-skid chains. Make sure to choose the right size of anti-skid chains to ensure a proper fit and optimal performance.
Type
There are different types of anti-skid chains available on the market. The most common types are ladder-style chains and diamond-style chains. Ladder-style chains have a simple design and consist of a series of parallel metal links that run across the tire tread. Diamond-style chains, on the other hand, have a more complex design and consist of interlocking metal links that form a diamond pattern across the tire tread.
The type of anti-skid chains you choose depends on your driving conditions and preferences. Ladder-style chains are suitable for light to moderate snow and ice conditions and provide good traction and a smooth ride. Diamond-style chains, on the other hand, are more effective in heavy snow and ice conditions and provide better traction and stability.
In addition to ladder-style and diamond-style chains, there are also other types of anti-skid chains available, such as cable chains, which are made of steel cables, and textile chains, which are made of fabric materials.
Installation
Once you have chosen the right size and type of anti-skid chains, it’s important to know how to install them properly. Installing anti-skid chains can be a difficult and time-consuming task, especially if you are not familiar with the process. It’s important to read the instructions carefully and follow them step by step.
Before installing the anti-skid chains, make sure to check the tire pressure and remove any snow and ice from the tire tread. Lay out the chains on the ground and make sure they are untangled and ready to be installed. Drive your vehicle forward a few feet and then stop to install the chains on the drive wheels. Secure the chains tightly and check them for proper fit and tension.
It’s important to note that anti-skid chains should only be used on snowy and icy roads and should be removed when driving on dry roads. Driving with anti-skid chains on dry roads can damage the tires and the road surface.
Conclusion
Choosing the right size and type of anti-skid chains is crucial for ensuring your safety on the road during winter driving conditions. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can choose the right anti-skid chains for your vehicle and install them properly. Remember to drive cautiously and adjust your driving behavior to the road conditions, even with anti-skid chains installed on your tires.
