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Tire Chains: Choosing the Best for Your Vehicle

Tire Chains | January 25, 2018

At Western Equipment, we know that with winter comes a lot of challenges, especially when it comes to driving conditions. That is why we carry a selection of tire chains from some of the best brands on the market, including TRYGG, Fram, and Laclede. If you are in the market for new tire chains but are unsure which brand will work best for you, our team has put together some helpful information for choosing the best tire chains in order to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Tire Chains

The first step in choosing the best tire chains for your specific needs is determining the which type of tire chain will work best. Here are some of the different types of tire chains available and the benefits they offer.

V-Bar Tire Chains

V-bar tire chains are a ladder style chain, making them ideal for pickup trucks and SUVs, as well as for off-roading. This type of tire chain features “V” shaped links that act as ice picks in order to provide extreme traction, even on ice.

Square Link Tire Chains

Square link tire chains are made from strong, hardened alloy steel, and are designed to create more metal-on-asphalt contact for better traction in icy and snowy conditions. This type of ladder style tire chain is available in a wide range of sizes, making it ideal for all types of vehicles.

Studded Tire Chains

Studded tire chains, which are made from manufactured from case hardened alloy steel, feature robotically fused studs for ultimate off-road traction.

Other Things to Consider Before You Buy

Some of the other things that you should consider before buying tire chains include:

Size

One of the most important considerations is making sure that your new tire chains are the appropriate size for your tires. Chains that are too big can end up banging against the vehicle’s surface and will be unable to provide the traction you require, while chains that are too small will not fit your tires at all.

Installation

When shopping for new tire chains, it is always a good idea to make sure that you understand how to install them. Tire chains should be easy to assemble and install, and should come with comprehensive instructions from the manufacturer.

Price

A lot of people tend to focus on price as their deciding factor, and while price is important, you should avoid being tempted to buy a product simply because it is cheaper than other options. The main focus of purchasing new tire chains should always be quality over price.

Durability

One of the most important things to look for in tire chains is their level of durability. Tire chains that are durable will remain in tip-top condition for years to come, even when used frequently. Purchasing tire chains that offer low durability are often a waste of money and can potentially put your safety at risk.

If you would like to learn more about choosing the best tire chains, or if you are interested in one of our products or services, please contact Western Equipment at the location nearest you or by filling out a contact form on our website.