Don’t Let The Weather Keep You Snowed In. Snow Chains Keep You On The Road
If you've never lived in or traveled to an area that has a lot of snow, chances are you're knowledge of snow chains is limited. A type of traction device, tire chains help enable you're vehicle to drive through snow and ice with minimal skidding and slipping as well as take off and brake with less skid than if you were simply using regular or all weather tires. Because the chances are great that you've had little experience with snow chains (otherwise you would not need to read this), we'll provide you with some usage and installation tips that could prove to be very valuable to you.
Snow Chains Installation Process
If you have more than one vehicle that will be driving in the snow or ice, be prepared to have a set for each vehicle. Snow chains are typically sold in pairs and are specific to the tire size on the vehicle you'll be putting them on as well as the vehicle make itself. Seasoned snow chain owners keep their chains in the trunk or back of the car just in case a snap snow storm comes up. Snow chains can be installed any time and you'll often see people on the side of the road putting them on.
Putting snow chains on your car is very simple. This is what you'll be doing:
First: Locate the lever which will hold the chains on the tire
Second: Wrap the snow chains around the tire. Make sure the outside edge is in line with the middle of the tire
Third: The clasp one end of the chain is secured to the other end with a clasp
Some chains are self tensioning and self adjusting. These are among the easiest chains to use as a person can typically get both chains on the tires and be back in the car in 5-minutes or less.
You may be inclined to hire a tire specialist or service technician to install your chains. That's fine if you feel you can't do it. However, it's a good idea to learn the basic installation yourself in case you get stuck in a storm.
Safety Tips
1. Read the installation instructions and watch the online videos regarding your snow chains. Best to do this before they are needed!
2. Practice installing them and removing them.
3. Don't bother with a space in the garage for them. Simply put the snow chain case in your trunk
4. When it does snow, pay close attention to your speed and don't go over 30 miles per hour
5. Pay attention to local snow chain laws. Many places don't allow snow chains on roads where snow and ice aren't present. This is because they can ruin the asphalt. Find out the laws in your area by speaking with someone familiar with the laws such as the highway patrol or local police department.
It will make you feel extremely confident if you practice driving with snow chains on the car before you have to get out on the highway. After your first snow, as long as there is snow on the ground. Just practice going up and down your street. Remember not to drive too quickly and practice going forward, backing up and pay attention to braking. Again, you don't want to damage the road, so make sure there is snow or ice on the road. It takes a little time to learn how to safely brake the vehicle, so start very slow.
If you've ever been a spectator to people driving in the snow and on ice, you no doubt remember all the slipping, sliding, and rear ending that occurs. The most wonderful benefit of driving with snow chains is, this helps eliminate you being one of those poor drivers. You'll notice right away the control you'll have over the vehicle. Both with driving & maneuvering as well as braking.
In the years that Darinn Anderson has owned his small equipment shop, he's helped pair scores of locals with equipment that's perfect for their needs. He's found, that snow chains aren't much different. Once people know how they work, they're more comfortable using them. Don't stay homebound just because it's snowing outside, quickly find snow chains perfect for your car.

