How to choose chains on wheels

Snow chains are needed to improve the wheel movement. Thus, the controllability of cars in off-road or snow-covered areas improves. As a result, the risk of an emergency is minimized.

Immediately pay attention to some of the shortcomings that must be taken into account before you buy snow chains. With the constant use of such mechanisms, the tire tread wears out faster, the load on the transmission increases, the driving speed is limited.

Chains are not intended for permanent use: only for a while if you need to overcome a difficult section.

Usage Tips

Strictly follow the speed guidelines: do not exceed the specified parameter. Avoid sudden braking and sharp turns. Do everything smoothly: you do not need to accelerate sharply immediately. So you extend the life of the chains.

Track tire pressure levels: if not enough, correct the situation with a compressor. If you feel that a failure has occurred and you need to repair the chain, then it is better to do it right away, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the wheel.

View of snow chains

Let's look at the main types of structures that in the future will help you choose the most suitable:

• Snow chains are standard models. They have high traction parameters, they serve for a long time and are reliable in use.
• Anti-skid belts are easier to operate, easier to maintain and easier to maintain. And if a break occurs, it does not affect the wheel. But they have low traction capabilities and wear faster.
• Anti-skid bracelets are similar in design to belts, but they have a longer service life, which makes them reliable.
• Cars-ideal for off-road.

Selecting the type of devices is necessary depending on your desires and the tasks you set for the chains.

Class: what happens and what to choose

Snow chains differ from each other depending on the material they are made of. Focusing on this parameter, we can distinguish two classes:

• Soft: suitable for overcoming difficult-to-reach areas, for example, with loose snow. They wear faster and do not improve the permeability of cars on icy areas. Speed ​​up to 80 km./H is allowed.
• Tough fit for off-road and mountainous terrain. They influence the tire tread wear rate. Speed ​​up to 40 km./H is allowed.

It is important to consider the frequency of use of the chains, on which it depends how fast the tires will wear out.

For hard chains, hardened steel is used-it is a reliable material that has the highest resistance to impact. Sometimes these models are made of titanium, but they are already much more expensive.

Soft targets are made of plastic, rubber or polyurethane.

Figure: what happens

• Ladder is the easiest and most affordable option, which, by the way, gives a good traction. Among the disadvantages of such devices: jerks during the rotation of the wheel, which leads to damage to the transmission, suspension and steering components. Used for rectilinear motion.
• Diamond-show themselves well with side skids, does not have a large load on the transmission and suspension. Ideal for trucks and other large vehicles.
• Honeycombs-provide improved off-road car throughput at the expense of a complex area.

Each of the options has its pros and cons, which one to choose depends on your preferences and desires.

Thickness and diameter of links

The performance characteristics of the circuits depend on these parameters: the thicker they are, the more reliable and durable the design is. But even here there are nuances: a thick chain wears tire tread faster. In addition, it is more difficult to install. This option is definitely not suitable for cars that have a small under-wheel space.

For passenger cars and SUVs, constructions with links in the range of 3.5-6 mm are used., for large vehicles-6-19 mm.

Please note: if you plan to overcome the snow-covered and mud areas, it is better to choose chains for wheels with large links, for the passage of the icy road, structures with small links are used.

Tire size

One of the main parameters is the choice of snow chains-the width and diameter of the tire itself. The manufacturer indicates on the packaging the tire size for which the specific model or special code is intended.

It is important to consider the distance between the tire and the wheel arch. If you focus on this parameter, then you can select these types of devices:

• S-designed for cars with a short distance. The most versatile and used option.
• U-ordinary chains with middle sub-wheel space.
• W-for large vehicles.

Number in set

Snow chains are sold in different configurations: 2, 4 and 6 pieces. Most often, they are mounted only on the drive axle-this is an ideal option for driving on “easy” off-road or with rare use. The exception are all-wheel drive cars. If there are only 2 chains in the kit, then install them only on the front axle. chains for wheels in Odessa, Kharkov and Kiev at 130.com.ua with delivery in Ukraine.

Our video reviews will help you when choosing snow chains

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