Tire and cable chains: Chains not normally needed in Canada, often not permitted on rental cars
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Revision as of 14:18, 16 March 2014
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=== Tire and cable chains ===
=== Tire and cable chains ===
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In the most difficult winter conditions winter tires may not be enough. Especially in mountains and on less maintained roads chains or cables should be considered. Note however that for instance in Finland, Norway and Sweden, on public roads good quality winter tires are generally sufficient for light vehicles. Chains is not an alternative to good quality winter tires for longer distances.
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In the most difficult winter conditions winter tires may not be enough. Especially in mountains and on less maintained roads chains or cables should be considered. Note however that for instance in Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Canada, on public roads good quality winter tires are generally sufficient for light vehicles. Chains are not an alternative to good quality winter tires for longer distances. Rental car companies may not permit you to put chains on their vehicles, because improperly-attached chains may damage the vehicle's paint or dent the body.
Tire chains give better traction than cables, but are more difficult to install and remove. Know your tire size (e.g. P195/60R-15) before purchasing. When needed, install on the drive wheels (i.e. front for front-wheel-drive, rear for rear-wheel-drive). If unsure about drive wheels, every rear-wheel-drive vehicle has a black sphere-shaped thing (the differential) on its rear axle between the tires. Note that 4WD/All-WD vehicles will have one there also. For 4WD/All-WD usually the front is best, but check owner's manual. Only use chains in snow or icy conditions, and remove them as soon as they're no longer needed. Don't even try them on for size on a hard, bare surface such as concrete. They might spin out and damage the chains, concrete, and/or wheel well of the vehicle, and possibly injure someone.
Tire chains give better traction than cables, but are more difficult to install and remove. Know your tire size (e.g. P195/60R-15) before purchasing. When needed, install on the drive wheels (i.e. front for front-wheel-drive, rear for rear-wheel-drive). If unsure about drive wheels, every rear-wheel-drive vehicle has a black sphere-shaped thing (the differential) on its rear axle between the tires. Note that 4WD/All-WD vehicles will have one there also. For 4WD/All-WD usually the front is best, but check owner's manual. Only use chains in snow or icy conditions, and remove them as soon as they're no longer needed. Don't even try them on for size on a hard, bare surface such as concrete. They might spin out and damage the chains, concrete, and/or wheel well of the vehicle, and possibly injure someone.