Choosing the Right Cable Tire Chains for Your Car

Cable tire chains be useful even if you own a set of winter tires as they provide you with even more traction. It is a good idea to keep them in your trunk during the winter so that you are prepared at all times. There are several different types of tire chains and you will want to make sure that you are making the best choice for your needs.

Cable Tire Chains
The most common option is cable tire chains. They are simple to put on your vehicle and they don't weigh very much. Cable tire chains consist of metal strips, which run horizontally with the tire. The chains are held securely to the tire using rubber fixings, which makes it very simple to install them. In some cases, they may cost more than the other options available but for many people this is worth the investment because they also tend to last longer than other kinds of chains.

Ladder Chains
Another option is to purchase ladder chains. This is an older design but it is also highly effective. Until the growth in popularity of cable tire chains, ladder chains were the most popular option on the market. While they are not still in the number one spot, they are still used very often. They are set up in a ladder shaped design that is laid directly against the tread of the tires. While they are quite effective they still allow the tire to come in direct contact with the ice in the space between the "rungs" of the ladder. For this reason, these kinds of cable tire chains are best for people who will not need to drive for a long time.

Diamond Chains
Drivers who are planning longer drives can take advantage of diamond chains. In this case, the chains are interlocked with one another in a diamond shape. For this reason there are no gaps and the chain is always connected directly with the ice. In addition to this, they are designed in a way that provides a smoother drive.