Even heavy equipment is not exempt from the hassles that the winter season brings each year. A truck tire chain is a very useful accessory, especially for those who frequently travel on roads covered with ice or snow. The months of December to March are the normal months of the year when almost all parts of the country will experience low temperatures that could cause ice and snow accumulation on the roads.

the need for chains

Even if a business is located in an area where the roads generally do not have much snow or ice buildup, there may still be times when it is impossible to avoid driving on snow-covered roads. Also, if the company offers services that include heavy equipment such as dump trucks and other types of heavy trucks, it is important to know when and where the chains can be used.

A classic example of heavy equipment that may be needed during the winter season is bucket trucks, as they often need to service lines on power poles in a snow covered area. Tires are the most important part of the vehicle that the operator should be concerned about. These heavy metal links, when attached to the tires, will help the truck get to the job site without getting stuck on snow or ice covered roads and will also help stabilize it on the job site while working. Another example is trucks with a trailer that could get stuck in the middle of the road and, even worse, the trailer could choke and block the entire road. In any case, these are scenarios that everyone in this business wants to avoid.

specs

There are specifications available for chains for any truck tire you purchase. The size must correspond exactly to the current ones to facilitate installation and prevent the chains from moving around the tire or coming loose and damaging trailer parts. Also, by purchasing ones that are specifically designed for this, they will fit the tire perfectly, thus eliminating the need for any extra tensioning devices. Catalogs can also be consulted, when available, to verify listings for the specific size that the tires are designed for.

Use time

When the road you are driving on is icy and/or snowy and has a sign saying “Chaining Area”, this basically indicates that now is the time to put the tires in the proper gear. It is important to note that different states have different laws that have been put in place regarding snow chains, and depending on each particular state, regulations must be strictly adhered to with regard to allowable installation and positioning. Many times there are patrol cars assigned to patrol the highways to make sure that the vehicles comply with the laws of each state.

location of use

The states of California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington have more comprehensive or more specific and sometimes more complicated laws when it comes to putting winter gear on your tires. Other states, such as Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming, do not have such laws in place or at least allow you to carry a certain amount. . of winter gear for your wheels that you can use, if necessary. They may also have laws that are implemented only when necessary.

Since jurisdiction varies from state to state regarding the actual standard for tire chains, it’s helpful to check with a state official, visit the particular state’s website, or better yet, call that state’s DOT before travel within that state.

additional thoughts

It is annoying and inevitable that cold and miserable outdoor temperatures cannot be avoided. This is especially true when it becomes necessary to install chains on the wheels. It cannot be forgotten that chains can be the most useful piece of equipment possible to ensure that commercial driving can continue and be carried out safely. Without this equipment, driving could become very difficult, if not impossible. Having chains on hand and ready for all commercial trucks provides the advantage of safe travel. Buying the right type will help increase tire traction without having to worry about tire or vehicle damage.

We hope the above information and thoughts have been helpful in knowing when and where to use truck chains. I hope your winter driving remains safe!