Winterizing tires is an age-old process that vehicle owners have been performing on their tires since automobiles were invented. One of the most common ways of winterizing tires to avoid auto repair is tire chains or tire chaining.
Tire chaining is a relatively simple process. Snow chains that look like nets are attached to the front tires of a front-wheel drive vehicle or all the tires of a four-wheel drive vehicle. Snow chains are generally sold in pairs and must be purchased according to tire size.
Snow chains are extremely useful in winter weather conditions. When driving on snow and ice, chainless tires can slip and have difficulty finding traction. Once a vehicle owner puts chains on his tires, he will notice that the car will handle better in extreme conditions. The tires will immediately find traction.
There are some common mistakes when it comes to snow chain installation and maintenance. Most vehicle owners don’t understand that the tire chain will not work well if it is not properly attached. The chain should be checked from time to time to make sure it is tight. If it is too loose, it could come off and damage your vehicle or wrap around its axle. Loose chains can cause you to need to repair your car.
Also, a common misunderstanding involves driving speed. When your car is equipped with tire chains or snow chains, you should not drive faster than 30 mph. The maximum speed that tire chains can handle varies from product to product. However, it is important to know that there is a maximum speed to follow when you have tire chains. For example, you will need to avoid highway speeds.
Owners should also avoid driving on dry roads with snow chains. Of course, it’s not entirely possible to avoid driving on dry roads altogether. It is simply ideal to use the chains only if you are going to be driving predominantly on wet, snowy and icy roads.
Research the different forms of tire chains. There are many different types, from diamond and link chains to a type of fabric called a snowsock that fits over the tire. Do some research to find out which style is best for your vehicle and the climate in which you will be driving. The traditional snow chain may not be the best option for you.
Tire chains aren’t the only way to avoid winter car repairs. There are other options when it comes to winterizing your tires for driving in heavy snow or driving during inclement weather. You may have snow tires installed on your vehicle. Snow tires are tires with deep or heavy grooves built into the tire. These tires generally have better traction than regular tires because the deep grooves allow the tire to grip the snow.
It is important to consider winterizing your tires as a way to avoid car repair. When you can make your vehicle safer during the snowy months, you’ll avoid mechanic bills in the spring.
