Getting stuck in the snow and ice is a fact of life in wintery environments. For those without the luxury of four-wheel drive, there are a few precautions that go a long way toward minimizing the chance of getting stranded. For instance, studded snow tires make a world of difference on any vehicle. But short of that, every winter traveler should at least pack a set of tire chains somewhere in their vehicle in case of an emergency. Any of the following popular styles offer a bit of insurance against the hazards of winter travel.
Snake the self-adjusting chain around the tire, attach the cables, and move forward one turn of the tire to automatically adjust the chain’s tension. The ratchet system of a self-tightening chain takes up slack in the cable on the first couple of wheel rotations to ensure a proper fit every time.
For passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks with limited clearance above the tread or against the sidewall, a pair of low-profile chains will provide the bite to get your vehicle out of a slippery situation without the risk of abrading the wheel well or the tire itself.
Tire blocks and pads are not meant for driving; they are simply an aid to getting a car out of spin mode. The beauty of a block is it is less cumbersome than a full set of chains, and often one block per tire is all that is necessary to pull the vehicle back onto stable terrain. Then remove the block and off you go!
