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.
The price of tire chains can vary significantly, from one type of product to the next.
Not all tire chains are created equally, just as no two sets of tire chains retail for the exact same price. Generally speaking, most standard-duty car tire chains cost approximately a third less than heavier light truck tire chains. Therefore, vehicle type certainly matters in terms of the overall cost.
Likewise, the price of tire chains also varies based upon the type of ratchet, tensioner, tightener, or adjuster that is used by a particular product. For instance, one can expect to pay more for self-tightening chains, than those that are manually adjusted.
There are also a number of hybrid-style products that prove to be more tire/vehicle friendly, even if they are not as aggressive in terms of tire traction. Some of the most notable of these products include snow socks, such as Autosocks, and non-traditional cable chains. Again, these products are offered at a wide range of prices.
What are the costs of labor?
Labor costs are of little issue for those that intend to install their own tire chains.
However, if you do not feel comfortable installing your tire chains, or would simply rather pay to have your chains installed without contending with the frigid cold, then the associated labor costs are certainly worth considering.
Luckily, most automotive shops and service centers will install customer provided tire chains for only a minimal fee. In most cases, consumers can expect to pay between $25-$50 to have their tire chains installed, while removal typically costs more in the ballpark of $10-$30.
This is where it is important to consider the added value of purchasing easy-to-install tire chains of a self-adjusting nature. While these products might cost more initially, they will likely save money in the long run, over the cost of repeated installation/removal.
What are the costs of parts?As stated above, the cost of tire chains varies based upon the type of product that you wish to purchase.
However, the cost associated with the bulk of these products can generally be lumped into a basic range.
On average, one can expect to pay between $30-$120 for a set of tire chains. Economy tire chains of a lesser to moderate quality account for the lower end of this price spectrum, while heavy-duty chains of a multi-faceted construction tend to fall toward the top tier of this price range. This is especially true of those products that are self adjusting or ratcheting in nature.
Though the specific price range mentioned above covers a rather large sample size of all tire chains currently on the market, there are a number of outliers that exceed this range in total cost. A motorist can opt for highly specialized tire chains, that offer hassle-free installation, yet cost excessively more than the market average, retailing for as much as $200-$300.
When tallying up the cost of an impending tire chain purchase, it also pays to factor in the exact number of chains that will be required.
Most FWD and RWD vehicles only require a pair of chains, to encompass the tires of the vehicle’s drive axle. However, to gain the full range of benefits from 4-wheel drive use, a total of 4 chains will be required.
It is best to locate a set of tire chains for purchase, prior to the onset of winter weather. This ensures that you are prepared for inclement weather, and prevents being caught off guard. Furthermore, it can be difficult to locate a high-quality set of snow chains in the midst of a winter storm, as many retailers will quickly run out of available stock.
It is important to mention that you should have a bit of basic information on hand, before attempting to purchase a set of tire chains. Specialty traction devices, such as tire chains, come in a number of different sizes, to accommodate the numerous tire sizes associated with passenger cars, vans, SUVs, and light trucks.
For this reason, it is important to have your vehicle’s tire size written down in advance.
It is also important to consider the amount of clearance present between your vehicle’s tires and wheel wells. While this is less of an issue for the standard pickup truck or SUV, passenger vehicles and small sedans often feature limited clearances, requiring low-profile chains.
Aside from purchasing your tire chains in a timely manner, you must also properly time their installation. After all, a set of tire chains do little good setting in your garage floor, as snow begins to fall and road conditions rapidly deteriorate.
Ideally, a set of tire chains should be installed no sooner than just prior to driving on a fresh layer of snow. Tire chains cannot be used during the entirety of the winter season, as winter tires traditionally are. This is due to the fact that tire chains are not intended for use on dry pavement.
The chain link construction of automotive snow tire chains can quickly eat away at a tire’s tread, as well as the paved surface of the road itself. Additionally, the use of this type will lead to the rapid deterioration of even the most heavy-duty of all chains.
Tire chains can be purchased from a wide range of sources, including brick and mortar retail outlets and internet suppliers. However, unlike many automotive accessories, tire chains are not readily offered through new car dealerships. This is due to the fact that most manufacturers now advise against the use of tire chains, in a bid to avoid additional warranty claims.
Under certain circumstances, a dealership can order aftermarket tire chains through one or more of their supply channels. Nonetheless, most chains of this nature will be quite steep in cost, and will most likely incur significant markup over traditional retail. For this reason, consumers can expect to pay between $150-$300 for a set of dealer-ordered tire chains.
Luckily, motorists have a number of additional options at their disposal, when sourcing tire chains for potential purchase. This makes it relatively simple to shop around, in a bid to make the most cost effective buying decision possible.
The following are several of the most noteworthy sources to consider when attempting to purchase a set of snow chains.
True to form, Discount Tire offers almost any tire-related accessory imaginable, including tire chains. According to the company’s website, Discount Tire currently offers Peerless tire chains, ranging in price from $44-$238, with the vast majority of such products selling for $70-$99. Discount Tire also states that they offer chains to feature virtually every model of vehicle.
Tire Chains Cost At Home DepotThough many view Home Depot as their destination of choice for hardware, the retail giant also offers a moderate-sized selection of tire chains. These chains are offered at a price range of $163-$190. However, those driving vehicle’s featuring tires of a less than standard size are likely best to search elsewhere.
Tire Chains Cost At AutozoneAutozone offers one of the most comprehensive lineups of automotive tire chains found anywhere.
The vast majority of these products are economically-priced, and retail for approximately $50-$150. However, it is worth mentioning that Autozone seldom keeps each of these models in stock, making it extremely important to call ahead, well in advance of winter.
Like Autozone, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts offers a wide array of tire chains, for almost every vehice model imaginable. The majority of these products are also priced modestly, in comparison to other retailers. The average cost of these chains generally falls into a range of $45-$140. However, advance planning is of the essence when making a seasonal purchase through O’Reilly’s.
Tire Chains Cost At NAPANapa has garnered quite a reputation as the parts house of choice for professionals over the past several decades. For this reason, it is no surprise that the company offers a number of individual tire chains for purchase, both online and at its numerous retail locations.
The bulk of these offerings falls into an average price range of $100-$200, though some are considerably more expensive.
Though most associate Tractor Supply Company with power tools and farm equipment, the retailer also offers a variety of tire chains for sale. Most of these individual products are priced rather conservatively, providing yet another option for consumers in search of tire chains for occasional use. However, the retailer’s stock of specialty and severe service chains is limited.
Tire Chains Cost At WalmartAs it turns out, the nation’s biggest grocery chain is also a prime retail destination for all of your tire/snow chain needs. Walmart offers a near-endless number of tire chains, and tire chain related-products. Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that these products are offered at rock-bottom prices, with the majority of the retailer’s tire chains costing $100 or less.
If you are currently searching for the best price on tire chains, there is little disputing the fact that Walmart is your best option. The retail giant offers quality tire chains at a phenomenal price, largely due to the fact that they are able to purchase such products in bulk, due to the immense size of their corporation.
Walmart offers Konig, Peerless Security Chain Company, and Auto-Trac brand tire chains, as well as products offered by a number of additional manufacturers. From cable tire chains to heavy-duty SAE-class traction chain assemblies, Walmart offers a little something for every consumer. The company even markets several ATV and off-road specific products.
Additionally, Walmart has been known to run a number of deals from time to time, or offer discounts at checkout when purchasing from Walmart.com. If taken advantage of, this further negates the cost of purchasing a set of quality tire chains for your vehicle.
Autozone also is deserving of an honorable mention in this category, as the retailer offers some industrial grade and specialty chains, at a remarkably reserved price point. If you are seeking out a specialty tire chain that is not easily located by other means, then Autozone should serve as your next stop.
In a certain sense, Autozone is also a better bet when attempting to locate high-end or premium grade tire chains, without having to empty your savings account. While Walmart is perhaps the most economical route, Autozone potentially offers a greater degree of value for the dollar. This is something worth keeping in mind for consumers living in snow-rich northern climates.
How To Avoid Getting Ripped Off When Buying Tire Chains?When buying tire chains, it is important to consider only those that are of quality construction. The best snow chains are often those that are constructed of hearty materials, such as titanium, manganese, or alloy steel.
On the other end of the spectrum are economy chains, which tend to be forged out of hardened steel.
Do not fall into the trap of thinking that the cheapest route will suffice to meet every need when purchasing snow chains, simply due to the fact that gear of this type will be used on a limited basis. While well-intended, this approach often amounts to little more than wasted money.
You must consider the consequences associated with skimping on quality when purchasing tire chains. Since these devices fasten to your tires and revolve at speed while driving, they can cause significant damage to your vehicle in the event of a failure. For this reason, I personally spring for the best tire chains that I can locate, within my budget.
It is also of value to consider the effective warranty associated with any tire chains that you are considering the purchase of. Even the best tire chains are of little value, if not supported by their manufacturer. I would suggest only purchasing tire chains from a reputable manufacturer that offers a clear and concise warranty policy.
In many cases, money can be saved when buying tire chains, simply by making your purchase during the spring of the year. Most retailers liquidate seasonal stock during the offseason, in order to free up space within their warehouses and to create liquid capital for further investment in more seasonally-focused products.
This, in turn, can present quite the bargain for far-sighted consumers, potentially saving you a few dollars for your efforts. While car tire/truck tire chains might be the last thing on your mind during the spring thaw, your wallet will thank you for this level of forward thinking.
Additionally, coupons can often be found for the purchase of tire chains, if you know where to look. Many retailers offer discounts of this type on tire chains and other products intent on enhancing safety during winter driving, in the late fall. For this reason, it literally pays to keep your eyes open for early-season deals of this nature.
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ru In view of the fact that winter or even studded tires are used almost everywhere in Russia in winter, snow chains is not widely used. Except, maybe, areas of complete impassability.
Contents
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 relevant 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. nine0003
New vehicles are often offered with different wheel/tire 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.
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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. nine0003
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.
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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. nine0003
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:
nine0422 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. Reduce speed when cornering and avoid sudden acceleration and braking. nine0003
A few tips for using chains:
