Highway 30 Towing wants to educate our customers today on what snow chains are and why they are important. Wikipedia defines snow chains as “devices fitted to the tires of vehicles to provide maximum traction when driving through the snow and ice.” Snow chains attach to the drive wheels of a vehicle to help provide better traction when you are stuck in the snow or mud. Snow chains help your tires grip the snow and also help prevent skidding. Snow chains come in a variety of materials, patterns, and strengths. When you go to purchase snow chains for your vehicle they are usually sold in pairs. You will want to make sure you are purchasing the correct snow chain for your tire. You will need the tire diameter and tread width available when you make your purchase.
 

First Snow Chains

Harry D. Weed invented snow chains in 1904. Before this drivers would wrap rope or even vines to their tires to increase their traction on muddy or snowy roads. In the early 1900’s roads were muddy on a regular basis depending on where you lived. Car owners frequently only drove their cars during the summer months because of all of the mud. Harry D. Weed wanted cars to be able to be utilized throughout the year so he invented snow chains.
 

Should You Buy Snow Chains?

When you are purchasing snow chains you will want to think about what type of chain you want, what size of snow chain will best suit your needs, the clearance both at the back of the wheel and between the tread and the wheel arch of your vehicle. When you purchase snow chains we recommend that you try them on when you bring them home to make sure that they are truly the right fit. Nothing would be worse than thinking you were prepared with snow chains just to find out you bought the wrong size.
 

When to Use Snow Chains

Once you have purchased your snow chains you will want to keep them in the trunk of your car. We also recommend that you practice putting them on a few different times just so that you know how to do it before you need them. Snow chains should be used if there is a layer of snow or ice on the road. If you use snow chains on bare pavement you can cause damage to the tires and the road. When you do have chains on you should not drive more than 30 miles per hour.
 

Towing, Roadside Assistance & Cash for Cars in Cassia, Gooding, Jerome & Twin Falls Counties in Magic Valley, Idaho & Jackpot, Northern Nevada

We hope that these tips on snow chains help you travel safely this winter! If you find yourself on the side of the road needing chains or any other roadside service give Highway 30 Towing a call and we will come out and get you all taken care as fast as we can.