Snow tire chains.

carcrazy22 · 10-29-04, 07:54

Which brand do you recommend for snow tire chains ? I have 2WD SUV and I had loads of trouble during last winter. Thanks in advance

jaobrien6 · 10-29-04, 10:33

I use the "Diamond Tire Chain" that you can see here: http://www.tirechain.com/CarChains.htm . I've been happy with them. I was able to get them at a local tire store here, if chains are common in your area, you can probably find them locally instead of having to order them. They go on easily, much easier than the ladder style chains that you have to drive over. Since they're actual chain links, they give better traction than the cable chains, and are more durable. However, they are small links, so they will still fit on just about any car. They make an ultra low profile version with a self-tensioning mechanism if you have low clearance between the tire and the suspension components.

John

carcrazy22 · 10-29-04, 08:04

Thanks for he reply. Infact I like it also what you recommened. Have another question - does these chains damage garage floor or concrete driveway (if there's no snow ) ? And how much time it take you to put these chains on all 4 tires ?

BoxsterCharlie · 10-30-04, 08:36

I really hope you're not thinking of using chains on a regular basis. They give you a ride from hell and only last a few hundred miles (if that). And they certainly will chew up anything you drive on.

Sounds like a change of tires is in order. Get a set of winter tires in the narrowest size that will fit your rims. You should be fine.

jaobrien6 · 10-31-04, 07:05

Never drive on chains on dry pavement. It's very bad for the pavement and for the chains. Even worse, it also increases the risk of damage to your car from a broken set of chains. I agree with what BoxsterCharlie said, chains are not a long term solution, and you would probably be better suited to a set of snow tires.

I only use my chains for about 10 miles at a time, the last 5 miles of the drive when going to the ski areas here in Oregon. You stop on the side of the road and put them on at the last possible minute and when coming back down the mountain, you take them off as soon as the snow on the road begins to clear up.

As for how long it takes to install them, I only do two wheels (you don't need chains on your non-drive wheels, really). I'd say it probably takes me less than 10 minutes, and that includes getting them out of the bag, straightening them out, attaching them, driving 10 feet, then tightening them.

Again, if you were thinking of using chains all the time, it sounds like you need snow tires, not chains. Chains are really for short distances only.

John