How to find tire size for snow chains

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What Size Of Tire Chains Do You Need? | CarShtuff

Tire chains can improve your vehicle’s traction in ice and snow. But what size of tire chains do you need for your tires? Well, the answers are right here.

Are tire chains universal? Can you use any tire chain that you come across? What size of tire chains should you purchase for your vehicle?

Tire chains are designed to fit different tire sizes. Therefore, the size you should buy will depend on your vehicle’s tire size. The tire size is usually indicated on the tire’s sidewall, looking something like 175/65R/14. You will then buy tire chains that correspond to this number.

If you are in the market for tire chains, you may be wondering which size to choose for your tires. Well, this guide has all the information that you need. In this article, we will share tips for choosing the right size of tire chains for your tires.

We are committed to publishing well-researched, informative, helpful and high-quality articles. And we have an editorial team of seasoned professionals, drawn from various fields and industries, to enable us to meet this goal. Therefore, you can be assured you are getting your information from a trustworthy source.

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When winter comes around, most drivers will swap their all-season or summer tires with their set of winter tires. But, as much as winter tires may provide you with some much-needed traction, it may not be enough, especially if you live in areas that experience dense, heavy snowing during the winter months.

And this is where tire chains come in. Tire chains will bite deep into heavy snow, ice, and slush, thus providing your vehicle with that extra traction it needs to pull through while ensuring you arrive safely at your destination.

However, if you’ve never purchased a set of tire chains before, you may be wondering about which size to choose for your tires. Well, this article will walk you through everything that you need to know about tire chains as well as how to choose the right size for your vehicle.

So, what exactly are tire chains? Well, tire chains are more of a chain system, which has been designed to cover your vehicle’s wheel or tire setup. When properly installed, this chain system will help to enhance your vehicle’s grip and traction in snowy conditions.

Also, tire chains can help your vehicle to navigate through frozen surfaces such as ice-covered roads.  So, if you live in a mountainous region or any area that experiences heavy snowing or ice-covered roads during the winter months, then tire chains will come in handy.

Also, some states may require drivers to install them in case inclement weather makes it unsafe or dangerous to drive using the ordinary tire and wheel setup. Some of the states where drivers may be required to install tire chains on their vehicles include Colorado, Oregon, Nevada, Washington, and California. Usually, road signs will be put up requiring drivers of certain vehicles to carry tire chains and when to use them.

When shopping for tire chains for your vehicle, you will come across numerous designs out there. For instance, you may come across a particular design, which usually covers the tread pattern of the tire. This one is usually mounted to the wheel. Another design wraps around the tires. This design is usually fastened using tensioners.

Tire chains usually wrap around tires’ tread. However, they latch on the tires tightly, thus preventing any slippage. When installed on the wheel set-up, they will grip the road, thus enabling the tires to deliver better traction in snowy conditions and frozen surfaces. In short, they will give your vehicle enhanced traction and better handling in inclement weather.

Apart from enhancing a vehicle’s grip and traction on snowy and frozen surfaces, tire chains can also help to minimize wheel spin. Wheel spin usually occurs when the force supplied to the tire’s tread through the engine is bigger than the available tread-to-surface friction. As a result, the tire will lose friction, resulting in wheel spin.

However, while tire chains will significantly boost your vehicle’s grip and traction when driving in snowy and icy conditions, they usually come with various restrictions, depending on the state. For instance, in some areas, drivers are not allowed to exceed certain speed limits when using tire chains.

Just like tires, tire chains come in different sizes. These different sizes are designed to fit the different sizes of tires out there. So, when it comes to buying tire chains, you need to make sure you choose the right size. And to ensure you choose the right size, you will first need to determine your tire sizes. Here are the steps to follow.

First, you will need to take a closer look at the side of your tires. Here, you will see a collection of some letters and numbers.

Second, you should identify and note down the first three numbers on the tire that have been grouped. These numbers usually follow a particular letter. If you are driving a passenger vehicle, then the three letters will follow the letter P, which denotes a passenger vehicle tire. The three numbers indicate the tire’s width in millimeters.

Third, note down the two numbers before the R and after the dash. These two numbers will indicate the tire’s width to height ratio.

Fourth, locate and note down the two numbers after the R. In most tires, these two numbers will represent the wheel diameter, which is usually indicated in inches.

Fifth, write down all these numbers together, separated by slashes or dashes. The numbers you’ve written down should resemble something like this 175/65R/14, depending on your tire sizes.

You will then visit a local auto supply store, hardware store or any other place where they may be selling tires and present this piece of paper. The store attendant will then retrieve the right tire chains according to your tire sizes.

After purchasing a set of tire chains based on your tire sizes, you can now proceed to install them. And, you don’t need complex tools or skills to install them. You only need the chains. Usually, tire chains come with mounting instructions on how to do it. So, you should encounter any issues with this process.

However, before you proceed to install the chains, you should first check your vehicle’s wheel drive. If your vehicle is a front-wheel drive, then you should install the tire chains on the front wheels. On the other hand, if your vehicle is rear-wheel drive, then you will install the tire chains on the rear wheels.

And if you happen to have an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle, you can install the chains on either the front, rear or all wheels.

After you’ve finished installing the tire chains, you should check they have been properly installed before you start driving. All the chains should run straight and tight around the tire sides. They shouldn’t be loose or misaligned. If you notice such an issue, you should first fix it before you start driving.

From there, you should then drive for around 100 feet at the side of the road. You should then check again whether there’s anything loose or they are misaligned. And if everything looks good, then you are ready to hit the road.

A reliable set of tire chains will come in handy during the months. They will help to boost your vehicle’s grip and traction on snow-covered roads and frozen surfaces. You just need to ensure you purchase the right size, depending on your tire size.

Articles about technical information and characteristics of tires

Passability of the car on a snowy or icy road does not always depend on the installed rubber. There are sections of roads that will be too tough for studded sets or tires with tenacious Velcro. A winch, a shovel or prepared tires will help to overcome such places by car. In a situation where there is nowhere to wait for help, special anti-skid equipment for wheels will help out. Among the popular accessories are chains and bracelets that improve the maneuverability of any car. nine0003

Which is better: anti-skid chains or bracelets

You can increase the patency of standard wheels by installing additional systems on the tread. Properly selected lugs increase the car's traction on ice and snow, which makes it easy to overcome difficult obstacles even on mono-wheel drive vehicles. Anti-slip chains and bracelets are suitable for vehicles with any ground clearance and wheel radius. Thanks to deep penetration into the ground and high contact pressure, special equipment ensures confident progress of the machine on any road. nine0003

It is wrong to choose which anti-skid accessory is better and better, because they are installed to improve flotation. Chains and car bracelets - a set with a pronounced tread that is correctly used on driving wheels. They must be selected taking into account the size of the wheel, the width of the tread and the diameter of the tire.

Despite their similar qualities, chains and anti-skid bracelets are used in different road conditions. Since the chains have a complex fastening mechanism, cover the entire area of ​​the tire, and are also assembled from hard or soft materials, it is customary to install them on a car before long off-road trips. They allow you to comfortably move on an icy track, loose snow or soil. The only restriction is in the speed of movement, which is reduced to 50 km / h. nine0003

Anti-skid bracelets should be chosen by car enthusiasts who drive mainly on cleared roads and only occasionally overcome difficult sections of the road. Such a kit has a removable mechanism, which is convenient to use one-time - put and remove the accessory immediately after going off-road. They show themselves better at short distances, are not suitable for long trips, as they lead to vibration on the steering wheel, an increase in fuel consumption.

Circuit features

The structure, which consists of many chains woven into a single network, completely covers the wheel. It is attached to the cuffs in the form of elastic straps. The straps do not deform the disc and securely fix the chains. Off-road products are assembled from metal alloys, as well as reinforced plastic links. This range allows you to choose a model for the operating conditions:

• Rigid metal structures. It is convenient to use chains of such an assembly in icy areas. Their metal spikes are suitable for riding on steep slopes. They demonstrate excellent flotation in mud, loose snow or ice. However, they are best operated at speeds up to 40 km / h. nine0022
• Flexible plastic constructions. Motorists use them when traveling through snowdrifts, snow slurry. The model is additionally equipped with rubber lugs that increase the contact patch. Soft chains are suitable for road trips at speeds up to 70 km/h.

To select chains with good traction and grip, decide which hitch structure is right for you. Popular ways of weaving a short flight of stairs and a rhombus. The first model is not recommended to be installed on the drive axle. It provides good traction, however, due to the uneven pattern, it makes the wheels twitch when slipping. Rhombus is better suited for comfortable rides. It provides a smooth ride of the machine and good handling. nine0003

The size of the chain link affects the grip, life and wear of the tire. Narrow chains deform tires less, but behave worse off-road. The large link provides a good grip. However, it will not work all the time to use it - the rubber will quickly become unusable.

Winter tires

• novelty

  Winter

  Tires Goodyear UltraGrip Cargo

  Studs:

  no

  Diameter:

  15 / 16 / 17

• Winter Drive Protection Sound Comfort

  Rating:

  4.5

  Tires Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2

  Studs:

  no

  Diameter:

  15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19

• Winter Drive Protection Sound Comfort

  Rating:

  4.5

  Tires Goodyear UltraGrip Ice SUV

  Studs:

  no

  Diameter:

  16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21

• Winter Drive protection

  Rating:

  4. 5

  Tires Goodyear UltraGrip Ice +

  Studs:

  no

  Diameter:

  15 / 16 / 17

• novelty

  Winter Drive protection

  Tires Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

  Studs:

  yes

  Diameter:

  16 / 17 / 18 / 19

• Winter Drive Protection Run On Flat

  Rating:

  4.5

  Tires Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen-1

  Studs:

  no

  Diameter:

  16 / 17 / 18 / 20 / 21

• Winter Drive Protection Run On Flat

  Rating:

  4

  Tires Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 2

  Studs:

  no

  Diameter:

  16 / 17 / 21

• novelty nine0002 Winter Drive protection

  Tires Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2+

  Studs:

  no

  Diameter:

  17 / 19 / 20

Features of anti-skid bracelets

The design of the bracelet consists of a working base and a belt with a locking mechanism that securely fastens the tapes to the wheel. The working part is superimposed on the protector, the straps are passed between the spokes of the disk, fixed on the fasteners. If you do not make mistakes and connect the parts correctly, the pads will not damage the suspension, improve the car's patency. nine0003

The anti-skid strap is mounted as a set on the drive axle. The number of belts is selected personally, reaches from 3 to 12 pieces. As a working part, a plastic and metal base is used. You don't need to remove the wheel to properly install the kit. The mechanism is suitable for passenger cars, SUVs and specialized vehicles.

It should be borne in mind that using such pads regularly is not entirely correct, since constant axle loads, vibration from belts, lead to a quick failure of the differential. Therefore, based on safety considerations, an anti-skid bracelet should only be installed to overcome an obstacle. nine0003

Comparison of chains and anti-skid bracelets

How to put each of the designs on the wheel, we have discussed above. Due to the characteristics of the tread and the method of attachment, chains are more difficult to set. However, their elasticity allows you to use the kit during the entire route. The anti-skid bracelet is easier to install, but is designed for short trips, so there will be more locking cycles. The price of chains and bracelets depends on the number of grips in the set, the dimensions of the wheels. Models that are identical in terms of parameters have a similar cost. nine0003

An important difference that affects the service life is elasticity. Since the chains have more range, motorists can choose hard or soft kits, based on the specifics of operation. Flexible tuning will ensure good traction in all conditions. The anti-skid bracelet is inferior in these parameters, so you should not choose them for traveling long distances.

Conclusion

When deciding what to choose for yourself - chains or friction bracelets, consider the operational potential of the models. For regular off-road trips, uneven surfaces or loose snow, you need to choose chain kits. If you mainly move on cleared roads, and additional assistance is occasionally required, then the choice can be stopped on bracelets. They will help out at a critical moment. nine0003

Author of the article: Goodyear Team

Instructions for fitting snow chains on tires, warranty conditions

Snow chains must be correctly fitted to the wheel and tensioned. Otherwise, the service life of the product will be significantly reduced, the risk of injury during use will increase, and the manufacturer's warranty will be void.

We unpack new chains, spread them on a flat surface, remove twisted knots. The fastening rings of the jumpers of the ladder (honeycomb or rhombus) must be directed into the inside of the chain. Tension "G" - we have a shaped lock on the outside of the wheel, a hook or a screw carabiner inside. nine0003

If the chain is twisted, the sidewall becomes shorter, incorrect wear and damage to the bar may occur during operation.

Option 1: we run over the straightened chain with a wheel, then we put the chain on the tire, evenly distributing and aligning the chain bridges over the tread.

Option 2: put on and unfold the chain on the tire, slowly move the vehicle so that the chain passes under the wheel and it becomes possible to connect the side chains. nine0003

Option 3: hang the wheel, put the chain on the wheel and evenly distribute it on the tread.

When the vehicle runs over the chains, make sure that the tension lock and the hook (screw carabiner) that connect the side chains do not get under the wheel! They can deform and damage the tire.

We bring the ends of the side chains together to determine the most suitable links to connect and evenly tension the inner and outer side chains.

We connect the ends of the inner side chain with a hook or a screw carabiner (depending on the configuration) into links that are optimal for the required tension, fix the hook (carabiner).

We thread the tension “L” - shaped lock into the chain link, which is in the same parallel with the lock. With the effort of the hand, we stretch the chains and fix the lock in a special ring. We check the tension of the chains, if necessary, move the lock to the next link and again tighten and fix.

We pass a chain through the rings located outside the wheel for additional tension, having previously removed the screw carabiner from it. Next, we make a control tension and fix it with a carabiner on any link of the side chain. nine0003

The additional tension chain is not available in all configurations.

We drive with the chains installed for 100~200 meters and check the tension of the chains, if necessary, we re-tension, repeating the operations indicated in paragraphs 4-6.

During operation, we regularly check the condition of the chains, if the chains become loose, we re-tension them.

The chain must be moved by hand on the wheel tread. Excessive tension will lead to rapid wear of the tire, stretching and increased contamination of the chains during operation. nine0003

Remove chains in reverse order.

Removed snow chains must be cleaned of snow or dirt, dried well and treated with special agents to prevent rust. Damaged chain links, if this is not a warranty case, should be replaced or repaired.

Chains must be stored in a dry place.

1. All operations with the vehicle must be carried out in strict accordance with the safety regulations established by the company! nine0022
2. Please note that the size of the chain corresponds to the parameters of the new wheel. When using chains only on worn tires, mechanical removal of excess links is allowed.
3. Snow chains are marked on the packaging with information about the tire size for which the chains are intended.

on snow chains is not applicable in the following cases:

1. Misuse of chains. nine0022
2. Use of chains on bars for which they are not intended.
3. Making changes to the design of circuits without the consent of the manufacturer.
4. Failure to follow the instructions for putting on the chains.
5. Damage to chains during transport or storage.

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