Automotive snow chains are a kind of removable tread, which when put on the tire significantly increases the patency of the car in poor road conditions. Thanks to this detail, the vehicle is able to move without slipping along a slippery road, and in case of sudden braking it will not go into the ditch. Also,
snow chains on the wheels help the car to get out of the snowdrift, which are often found on the way in the winter. In general, this is an indispensable accessory that will be useful to every motorist. And today we look at this spare part in more detail, find out what the chain is made of on the wheel, and also what types it is divided into.
Production process
As a rule, this spare part is made exclusively of high quality and durable alloys. The whole process of production of a chain is divided into two stages, each of which is controlled and carried out not by a person, but by an automated system. The first stage includes welding, as well as grinding the chain. It can be installed on automobile wheels only when the metal undergoes a heat treatment process (this is the second stage). It consists in strengthening all welds and occurs only in a closed chamber. Also, this stage increases the resistance of the chain to wear, corrosion, and also increases its service life at high loads.
Product types depending on shape
This spare part is divided into two types, which have a pattern in the form of a hexagonal honeycomb (or rhombus), as well as in the form of a short flight of stairs. In addition, the manufacturing company can produce not just a smooth chain on the wheel, which we used to see in stores, but also studded, the metal surface of which has various bends or "spikes". They can easily bite into the ice, thereby pulling the car out of an unpleasant situation.
Soft or hard?Probably all motorists, before buying a chain on a wheel, were faced with the problem of choosing soft or hard products. Now we will clarify the essence of these two details. And let's start with the first type. This chain allows the car to drive at a speed of up to 80 kilometers per hour, and the tires themselves do not wear out their tread prematurely. The second type (hard) differs from the first for the worse - such a product causes great harm to the tread (literally eats it) at a speed of more than 40 kilometers per hour. Although such a chain on the wheel is a reliable assistant for truck owners and SUVs who like to conquer poor conditions and dirt. Another such accessory is useful to all those who often drive their car over rough terrain, where even in dry weather it is impossible to drive more than 35 kilometers per hour.
In conclusion, I would like to note that now almost all world manufacturers produce different chains that are suitable for a particular class of car - passenger cars, trucks, and even special equipment. Therefore, both the owner of a sedan and the owner of a 20-ton tractor or dump truck can increase the cross-country ability and safety of trips in the winter.