Diamond tire chains are your typical types of chains that are constructed with metal chain links that form a diamond pattern. Depending on the amount of snow you encounter, you can change the angle of those diamond shapes in order to increase traction. All of these diamond shapes combined make a metal mesh that surrounds the entirety of the tire and thus increases traction.
Standard diamond tire chains aren’t the easiest ones to mount and take off because they typically don’t always come with self-centering technologies. On the other hand, the benefit of a diamond tire chain is that it offers a higher contact surface with the ground and thus gives you more traction than most other types of chains.
This makes these perfect for areas covered with lots of snow throughout the year.
Cable tire chains represent a more streamlined, lighter, and easier-to-live-with version of the regular diamond tire chain. Even though cable tire chains also create a surrounding area around the tire, they don’t cover the entirety of the tire as effectively as a diamond chain does. Therefore, these chains use smaller links and thinner cables which make it a lot easier to mount and live with these chains.
The drawbacks are that these chains aren’t as effective at providing traction as diamond chains are. This means that these are typically being used for casuals and those who rarely wander into snow-covered areas. They are physically smaller which means that you can always keep them in your trunk without taking any space at all.
What Are Alternative Tire Chains?Alternative tire chains are not chains per se which means that these try to mimic the effects of a chain without being a chain at all.
Even though chains do provide the best traction out of all these possible solutions, they can often be awkward and difficult to install. On the other hand, alternative fabric-made solutions can provide you with decent traction while also being really easy to live with and operate.
Other solutions include even smaller devices that only run through a small surface area of the tire. These do offer better traction but are the easiest to live with, install and take off. Because they are so ergonomic and logical, they can be found across many cars in North America.
Preparation is the key to always having the right tool for the job. Because tire chains can easily damage your tires, your suspension, and even the roads you go over, you need to pick the perfect chain for your car and your driving environment. Investing in a rugged toolbox is also a good idea as you want to be able to organize and keep your chains so they can’t damage anything and can also last a long time.
Tire chains are made to fit specific tire sizes which means that you need to match your tire size with the size of the chain. Some modern chains can even fit different tire sizes, but these do require additional effort to set up properly and typically cost more money in the process. Be sure to familiarize yourself with tire sizing which can easily be seen on the tire sidewall.
You can also write down the tire size code and give it to the clerk at a tire chain store so you don’t have to worry about picking the wrong size. It is imperative for you to go over your owner’s manual and see if there are any limitations or restrictions for your car as far as tire chains are concerned. Different cars come with different wheel well clearance so be sure to be extra careful in that regard.
The Society of Automotive Engineers has come up with a system with which we can classify different types of chains in order not to make a mistake while buying them. These classes are separated by the minimum clearance they need in order to be safe and usable. The first class is called “Class S” which refers to cars with smaller wheel well clearances.
This Class is also separated into two groups, first one is Class S A with a minimum clearance of 37mm (1.46”) while Class S B is rated at 15mm (0.59”) between the top of the wheel well and the top of the tire. The second class is “Class U” which also comes with a Class U A iteration with a minimum of 50 mm (1.97”) and a Class U B iteration with a minimum of 23mm (0.91”).
The last class is “Class W” which follows the same principle.
Class W A is measured at a minimum of 63.5mm (2.50”) while Class W B is measured at a minimum of 38mm (1.50”). There are also many chains out there that aren’t certified with these classes which should be avoided if you don’t have enough experience to know regardless.
Tire chains are surprisingly advanced these days which means that they can come with all sorts of features that can help you handle chains a lot easier. Entry-level chains typically don’t come with anything special, besides maybe being able to fit different tire sizes.
More advanced chains come with features such as auto-adjustment in which the chain adjusts itself in place, quick-release mechanisms, drape over tire mechanisms, special titanium-made chains, assisted tensioning, and other similar solutions which make tire chain handling a lot easier but also increase the price by quite a bit.
There is always a possibility that you can damage both your tires and your wheels while carrying chains and there really isn’t a way how you can completely protect your tires.
For starters, always use tire chains while driving on a significant amount of snow. Don’t drive your chains in places where the ground isn’t completely covered by snow as road contact can damage your tires and your chains as well.
You should also keep in mind that tire chains aren’t rated for speeds exceeding 20-30mph in most cases. There are heavy-duty chains out there that are rated for higher speeds, but this will increase the chances of damaging your tires and wheels either way. Always double-check your tire chain fitment and always buy the correct chain size for your tires.
A good idea would always be to buy a separate set of cheap, yet adequate rims on which you can mount your winter tires on. This way you can safely store your shiny, good-looking wheels while your cheap (yet adequate) rims take all the beating.
Yes, different states have different regulations in regards to tire chains which means that you have to have tire chains in some states, but not in all of them.
Some warmer states such as California don’t require snow chains, but signs will be posted on certain roads where snow chains are a necessity.
The state of New York requires you to have tire chains whenever a snow emergency has been declared. If you want to know more about your state and all the specifics and special guidelines, click here.
At the end of our “Tire Chains Cost” article, we can easily say that entry-level chains cost between $60-80 for a common small passenger car. More advanced tire chains with special features can easily cost upwards of $200 or even $300. Larger cars with larger tires require larger chains which inevitably cost more money as well.
No matter which tire chain you go for, you need to be sure that it is the right tool for the job. Always double-check all the laws and regulations about tire chains in your state and never use tire chains when they aren’t needed.
Car chains are sold in pairs (2 chains) and will cover two tires. Compare ChainsNOTE: Do you have an SUV or Pickup Truck? Click here to find chains. Look through our selection of tire chains and find the ones that work best for your needs and budget. Car tire chains are a safe, economical, and easy solution to your winter weather driving needs. We offer a variety of different styles of tire chains for cars, designed to suit every purpose and budget. Don't wait until the bad weather hits, be prepared ahead of the storm. Note: When traveling on certain roads during the winter months, some states, such as Colorado, require car chains to be either mounted or carried in the vehicle. Contact An ExpertIf you need help determining the correct fitment for your car tire chains, please call our experts at 866-437-5883. Tell them your tire size, make and model of your car, and the chain style you are interested in. They will ensure that you get the correct tire chains to fit your car's tires. Best Selling Car ChainsLadder Style - Tire CablesFor AffordabilityCheck Price Tire cables offer an economical and lightweight alternative to standard link chains. They're typically easier to install and therefore typically a better option for first time users. The low profile steel rollers allow increased tire-to-road contact, resulting in better stability, plus a considerable reduction in noise and vibration. Thus, a smoother and more comfortable ride. Expect less durability and grip than a chain alternative.
Ladder Style - Square Link ChainsFor Superior GripCheck Price The square link chain design provides superior grip and traction on snow and ice, but create a rougher ride than rounded links. Made from high quality steel and are fast and easy to install.
Browse SelectionWhat our customers say about us
Ordering from Tire Chains 'R' UsWe have been selling tire chains for over 20 years, priding ourselves on having the lowest prices, fastest shipping, and best customer service. All our tire chains are packaged and shipped from our warehouse in Iowa. Our goal is to provide everything you need on our website, from information on how to install chains to selling the chains themselves. That way, you'll spend less time wondering what chains you need or installing your tire chains. All our car chains are sold in pairs and in most cases are pre-fitted for your tire size. |
Pewag products are suitable for a wide range of tire types and sizes. Thanks to modern technology, the company designs and manufactures chains that guarantee maximum safety and comfort in all weather conditions, thus ensuring safety on the road. Better grip on snow and ice increases flotation on the road and shortens the braking distance. nine0005
Pewag chains can be used not only in winter. Wheel chains are used while driving on clay, sand, and also on scree. Soldiers and rescuers rely on the proven quality of Pewag snow chains, even off-road.
Our chains comply with the ÖNORM V 5117 standard and, depending on the link thickness, are suitable for use in small and narrow wheel arches as well as on wheels with aluminum rims. For vehicles with a small clearance between the wheel and the car body, snow chains with small links 7 or 9 are suitablemm, which are also produced by Pewag.
Our snow chain configurator will help you choose the right model for tires for cars, trucks, tractors, lawn mowers and other equipment. The required spare parts can be found in the dedicated section.
In our product range, you will always find the right snow chains for your tire and rim size, tire type (summer or winter) and vehicle type. Usually, the wheel diameter and tire width, as well as the size of the rim, are the determining factors when choosing snow chains. In addition, in many modern cars, the distance between the wheel and the body is very small. When choosing the right chain for larger tires, it is also important to consider the specific manufacturer (Michelin, Continental, Pirelli and others).
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Use the search for in the menu bar or use the snow chain configurator on this page.
Electric vehicles will also need snow chains for driving in winter, you can find the chains you need for them by searching on our website. However, the use of snow chains is not limited to winter. They can also come in handy in the summer on particularly muddy roads or in the woods.
Our chains are sold in pairs (2 per pack). They are installed on the left and right side of the car. Two snow chains (one pair) are usually enough for a completely reliable grip even on all-wheel drive vehicles.
Depending on the type of snow chain, it may be necessary to install one or two stops correctly in order to install it on the vehicle. For a snug fit, the chain must be tightened, this is done taking into account the design of the tension system (manual, automatic or semi-automatic).
Some chains (for example, in the Pewag Snox or Servo model lines) are tensioned automatically, so an additional limiter is not required after the initial installation. nine0005
Our product pages feature installation videos for each product as well as helpful installation instructions. In addition, before the trip, we recommend that you try to install snow chains yourself once in order to be well prepared in case of an emergency.
They improve road grip and shorten the braking distance. They are also able to prevent side slip on slopes. That is why, in most countries of the Alpine mountain region, the legislation obliges motorists to always carry snow chains with them or to install them in special weather conditions (for example, in icy conditions, as well as at low temperatures), depending on the type of vehicle. In Austria, new snow chains are additionally certified (ÖNORM V 5117), which guarantees the quality of the snow chains.
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We also offer a range of suitable accessories for all our products in case they become partially damaged or out of shape due to heavy use. You will find them under the "Spare Parts" category in the products section.
In view of the fact that winter or even studded tires are almost universally used in Russia in winter, snow chains are not widely used. Except, maybe, areas of complete impassability.
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Whereas in Europe, on the contrary, few people use studded tires. And when traveling to ski resorts, on some roads you may encounter a mandatory requirement to use snow chains.
You will be informed about this by the corresponding road sign. And the fact that you can have winter tires installed will not matter. So for peace of mind, it's better to have chains in the trunk.
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New vehicles are often offered with different wheel/tyre sizes. Some of them may not be suitable for fitting snow chains.
The problem is that installing chains adds a few centimeters to the width and diameter of the tires. This means that with some wheel/tire combinations, the snow chains will hit the body, suspension or parts of the braking system, which can lead to serious consequences. nine0005
Circuits can also interfere with the correct operation of electronic sensors mounted on the steering wheel.
The vehicle manual must clearly state which wheel size the manufacturer allows snow chains to be used with.
If the chains cannot be used with the wheels installed on your machine, then your only option is to buy a second set of wheels/tyres.
You should only use snow chains where the road surface is completely covered by compacted snow or ice.
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If signs require the use of snow chains, they must be fitted to all vehicles. Including those equipped with both winter and studded tires.
If you attempt to use the chains on a road that has been cleared of snow, you risk damaging the road surface and the vehicle. If you damage the road surface, you may face a large fine.
Therefore, as soon as you reach a section of the road free of snow or ice, you must select a level place and remove the chains. nine0005
It can be quite inconvenient to install or remove chains, for example when the wheel arches are filled with snow and your gloved hands are wet and cold.
So when you buy chains, don't just throw them in the trunk and forget about them. The practice of installing them at home when the weather is warm and dry, and you feel much more confident when you have all the necessary tools at hand, will help to cope with them in more difficult weather conditions.
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At least one pair must be used on the drive wheels. But two pairs are better, especially if you spend a lot of time in conditions where snow chains are a must.
As a general guide:
As a general rule, traction control (a system that controls the amount of slip on the vehicle's drive wheels to prevent them from spinning during acceleration) should be disabled when snow chains are used.
It is important to drive carefully with snow chains fitted. For cars with chains, different countries have their own speed limits.
If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact our staff at 866-437-5883 and we would be more than happy to assist you.
