Use Snow Chains To Your Advantage
FIND THE SIZE OF THE TIRE
You will be able to find numbers and characters on the side of the tires. On most modern tires, the tire size will look like this: P205/70R14,this example indicates that the tire is 205mm wide, has an aspect ratio of 70% and is mounted on a wheel whose diameter is 14 inches. Understanding these numbers are especially important for you to find the suitable safety chains for your tires.
THE EXACT TIRES TO CHAIN UP
The vehicles drive tires are the tires on which tire chains should be installed. If you have a front-wheel drive vehicle then to chain up two front tires will be enough, and if your car is rear-wheel drive then obviously you should chain two rear tires. If you’re not sure which type of drive system you have, you only have to check out the vehicle manual. If you have a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle, and you only intend to chain up two tires, always check the owner’s manual for advice on which axle to chain up. If you want maximum safety and reliability on your 4MATIC vehicle, put tire chains on all four tires.
When you’re driving under normal condition, the traction on all wheels are about the same, creating a feeling of “normal” control during braking, acceleration and cornering. Under snow and ice conditions this balance is destroyed. If only front tires get chained up, the rear of the vehicle can swing during braking and driving. If snow chains are only installed on the rear tires, the steering ability of the vehicle is limited. To get this balance back, the vehicle should be completely equipped with snow chains. Since all tire chains are sold in pairs, if you want to cover both axles on the vehicle, you must purchase two pairs. Remember there are truck tire chain and car tire chains , the car tire chains are smaller in size and cheaper on price than truck tire chains.