posted on: November 18, 2020 08:00 am

Improve Traction This Winter With Tire Chains

Tire chains provide your fleet with the extra tooth needed to navigate slippery roads safely in winter. Snow tires offer traction, but chains provide driving security on roads that aren’t regularly plowed or salted or where elevation changes can hinder road conditions. Here are some advantages to using tire chains and tips for proper installation.

Advantages Of Tire Chains

Tire chains offer improved traction and safety for commercial fleets and drivers. They offer advantages including:

  • Better handling and acceleration on roadways
  • Improved tire penetration through ice and snow
  • Easy application and removal when you need it

Where Can I Use Tire Chains?

State chain regulations vary, but most states west of the Mississippi River require chains through the winter months and into early spring. Bauer Built’s service area includes several Midwest states with different chain laws:

  • Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska: Tire chains are permitted for safety in ice, snow, and other slippery road conditions.
  • Missouri: Chains are permitted for safety in hazardous road conditions from November 2 to March 31.
  • North Dakota: Metal treads within 1/16 inch beyond the tire tread are permitted October 15 to April 15.
  • South Dakota: Chains are permitted for safe driving in hazardous conditions. The department of transportation has the authority to restrict travel to specific roadways for trucks with tire chains.
  • Wisconsin: Chains are permitted for safety in ice, snow, and other hazardous road conditions but are not permitted where they will cause damage to roadways.

How To Apply Tire Chains

  1. Untangle tire chains with the cross-chain hooks facing upward. Inspect chains for damage or debris.
  2. Drape the chains over the tire evenly from front to back. The cross chains should fall about halfway down the sidewall.
  3. Connect the chain links on the inside of the tire. Match the number of links on the outside of the tire to ensure the cross chains are parallel. This ensures proper chain rotation during operation.
  4. Tighten the tensioners clockwise. You should still be able to fit one or two fingers under the chains after tightening.
  5. Move your truck 10 to 15 feet forward and verify the chains fit snuggly.

Schedule service at Bauer Built Tire & Service for fleet maintenance, or shop our commercial tires.

Categories: Bauer Built Blog, AG, Industrial & OTR Tire Tips, Commercial Tire Tips, Tire Care Tips