Snow Tire Chains: Which One's The Fastest And Simplest To Install?

As any veteran of a snowy winter climate will tell you, snow tire chains are vital if you want to be able to drive from place to place without slipping and sliding. Many people dread the time of year when snow starts to fall, as it means the time has come to install snow chains for the season. But, installing these chains on your tires need not be a hassle. There are several types of chains that you can choose from to suit your needs, and several of them are quite easy to put on.

The Latest: Cable Chain

The newest type of snow tire chain is called a cable chain. These chains are not made out of the standard links, but of a thin steel aircraft cable. On these cables, rather like beads on a necklace, are strung traction coils made out of alloy steel. The result is a much smoother ride and even better traction, plus all of the safety of the traditional type of tire chain.

The great thing about this variety of chain is that no matter what you drive, be it a sleek sports car or a big brute of a truck, the chains will fit. This makes it easy for those who have literally had to park their smaller cars in the garage for the winter season, and use alternate transportation in inclement weather. Plus, these chains are small and quite lightweight, making both installation and storage a breeze.

Snow tire chains made of this strong yet light cable also come in more than one pattern. These patterns are:

• Radial Cable Chain
• Z-Type Cable Chain

The radial cable chain is made of cable and has a pattern that is reminiscent of a ladder. It is the closest in design to the type of chain that has been in use on passenger cars and trucks for years.

The Z-Type cable chain is pretty much self-explanatory in design. It has a "Z" shaped pattern that lies across the tread of the tire in a zig zag pattern. Road tests have shown that the "Z" pattern is superior when used during wet and icy weather. The pattern of this chain is such that the metal has more contact with the surface of the road. This allows for better traction and handling and a much smoother ride when traveling at the low speed necessary when using snow chains.

The Simplest To Use: Shur Grip Z

For those who have difficulty putting on and taking off snow tire chains, there is a practical solution. Called "Shur Grip Z" this type of chain is one of the fastest and simplest to use. It has a specially designed fastener which allows for complete ease of use by anyone. This ease of use does tend to cost a bit more, but since the Shur Grip is constructed from higher grade materials than regular chains, you can expect it to last longer.

Make sure when purchasing snow tire chains that you are buying a quality product that comes with a manufacturer's warranty. Don't try to save money by purchasing a generic product, for if you do, you'll be lucky if the chains last through the winter months. A careful eye when deciding on which chains to buy will ensure that you make it through the season's ice and snow safely.