Big-rig vehicles and winter conditions with slippery, snowy terrain do not mix nicely. You may attach snow chains to your tires as a driver to provide you with the much-needed stability and traction on snowy roads. For additional details, continue reading:
How to Install Snow Chains on Semi Tires in Steps
Of course, every truck and chain is somewhat unique. As a result, you may need to adjust certain procedures to suit your particular requirements. The process for attaching chains to your semi is as follows:
- Park your car in a secure area away from traffic.
- Chains may be removed from the storage bag.
- Chains should be laid out with the hooks pointing upward.
- Remove hooks and blow snow from the chain’s surface.
- While removing any residual snow from the chains, drape the chains over the tires. The tensioners should be open, and the hooks should always be facing out.
- Relate the chains. You will probably need to crawl beneath the vehicle to do this.
- Make sure there are the same links on the tire’s exterior and interior by counting the links. The chains will not spin properly if there is an imbalance, so remove the chains and restart the operation.
- To tighten the chains, advance the vehicle.
- Utilize a tensioning tool to tighten chains. Allow the chain and tires to be separated by about one finger.
When to Put Tire Chains
Chains are not essential unless winter and the roads are coated in ice and snow. If there are no such circumstances, adding chains to your vehicle might endanger it. Remember that certain mountain routes have “chain regulations” that mandate that all trucks have chains fitted before driving. To assist you in getting your vehicle unstuck in the rain, you may also attach chains.
How to Drive a Vehicle with Tire Chains
Driving slowly is the name of the game when you have chains on your tires. With chains, most trucks can not move faster than 30 mph. You must take into account the chains’ extra weight. Your truck’s weight may increase by around 1,000 pounds if it can accommodate up to six chains. Because they are significantly lighter than chains, some choose snow socks as a substitute. Snow socks do not adhere to the chain requirements specified for certain high routes.
Various Tire Chain Types
There are several chain options available for truck tires. Here are several examples:
- Singles: One tire will be covered by this kind of chain.
- Doubles: This kind of tire chain will encircle approximately two tires.
- Triples: To connect, this chain will wrap around two tires and align in the center. This is designed to be used with duals and aids in securing them.
Tire Chain Removal Procedure
Remove your tire chains whenever you reach dry or wet pavement that is not covered with snow. Remove your chains by stopping in a secure area away from oncoming traffic. When you have got them out of the way, put them back in your vehicle, so you may use them the next time you need to securely go from point A to point B.
Snow chains are not a truck driver’s most glamorous or enjoyable part. To prevent becoming stranded or sliding all over the road, it is crucial to have chains on hand if you often travel through hilly regions or other places that get severe snowfall.