When I visit big department stores, I like to stay in the car accessory section for a while to look over what accessory might be useful or what new product I might need for my truck. Last week, I stumbled into the store in my city with an old truck driver who was checking some emergency straps on tire chains and took the opportunity to ask that experienced driver which of these devices was the best aid to get out of a stuck in a snow-covered road. Driving during winter could be difficult; so the best thing you can do is to be prepared and to know which alternatives you can handle.
They have the same operating principle of conventional tire chains but are designed to be used only when the vehicle has got stuck. They do not cover the entire tread of the rim since they are made up of only one or some links and have a strap, usually made of nylon.
To install them you have to pass the strap through the holes in the rim and position the links of the chain centered on the tire tread. Then, you must pull the draw strap tight. You will need to place at least one of them in every drive wheel.
Emergency strap on tire chains must be removed from tires once you get un-stuck. You cannot drive continuously with them placed because you can damage the wheels.
What are ratchet straps?
These implements have the same operating principle of the emergency strap on tire chains, with the difference that they have ratchets, which help to give them a better fit on the tire.
Ratchet strap emergency tire chains improve traction in adverse conditions and you can drive the vehicle with them placed, however, they do not have the robustness of metal chains and can get wear out with the contact with the pavement. They are suitable mainly for ice covered roads.
What other tire traction devices ar available?
There are alternatives such as tire traction mats, which are placed under the spinning tires to give the traction you need. Popular wisdom also has found solutions such as nylon ropes that act as snow cables, and there are people who use the ash from the fireplace placing it between the tire and the slippery surface to provide the necessary grip.
My new friend the truck driver showed me 5 bestsellers. Let’s take a look:
Traction devices, recomended by my new friend. Comparisson review.
1.First product: Tire Chains Ratchet Strap on Emergency Chains.
Item Weight: Not provided by the manufacturer.
Product dimensions: Not provided by the manufacturer.
What cars fit?
It fits the following tire sizes: 245/70-19.5 265/70-19.5 275/70-19.5 285/70-19.5 8-22.5 9-22.5 225/70-22.5
Pros / Cons:
- Excellent traction solution.
- Easy installation and removal.
- Their ratchet tensioner guarantees proper positioning and longer distance of use than most emergencies straps.
- Their use is accepted in all states, but you must use tire chains instead if authorities post “TIRE CHAINS REQUIRED” regulations on roads.
- You must always check clearance before installing them.
- Only to get the vehicle unstuck. Not for continuously driving.
Assigned score: 7/10
2. Second product: TruckClaws II Tire Traction Aid
Item Weight: 8.7 pounds
Product dimensions: 9 x 9 x 6 inches
What cars fit? They are specially designed for light commercial trucks, pickups or SUV.
What cars fit?
They are specially designed for light commercial trucks, pickups or SUV.
Pros / Cons:
- It can get you unstuck quickly. Their ratchet tensioner guarantees proper positioning.
- It offers extender bars to maximize traction but you have to evaluate well if you’ll need to use them before installing
- It’s made of very resistant materials.
- It is expensive compared to other products.
3. Third product:Emergency Strap on for SUV’s and Pick-Up Trucks, Priced per Pair
Item Weight: Not provided by the manufacturer.
Product dimensions: Not provided by the manufacturer.
What cars fit? Fits a range of tire sizes from 215 mm. to 275 mm., and tire tread width from 8.5 inches to 11 inches.
Pros / Cons:
- Excellent traction solution if you’re stuck.
- Easy installation and removal.
- Only to be used for short distances.
- Neither spin the tires nor exceed 5 mph while using them.
- It needs enough clearance in the inner part of the wheel to install them.
- It’s a low-cost alternative.
- Manufacturer recommends using at least one pair per drive tire mounted opposite of each other.
Assigned score: 9/10.
4.Fourth product: Car Emergency Chains All-Season Anti-skid Snow Cables for Emergencies.
Item Weight: 4.75 pounds
Product dimensions: 42.5 x 1.8 x 0.4 inches
What cars fit? For Tire Width 185-295mm/7.2-11.6”
Pros / Cons:
- Made of premium steel and special polyurethane.
- Cold-resistant, no harm to tires, provide a smooth ride, lower noise, and a firm
- Offer high effectiveness in mud, snow, ice, sand or climbing.
- A cheaper alternative to snow chains.
- You can use them for short trips in mountains roads but you have to place them on the four wheels.
- They are fragile compared to conventional emergency straps. Not for use daily during winter.
- Avoid installing them if the road is not covered by snow. Neither uses them in pavement nor on flat roads.
Assigned score: 7/10
5.Fifth product: Trac-Grabber – Snow, Mud and Sand Tire Traction Device for Oversize Trucks / SUVs.
Item Weight: 4.67 pounds
Product dimensions: 10.2 x 5.5 x 4.2 inches
What cars fit? It’s recommended for semi-trucks and large SUVs with off-road tires with more than a 40” girth.
Pros / Cons:
- Effective devices in difficult terrain conditions of snow and mud.
- Easy to install.
- Constructed with very resistant rubber. Reusable and portable. The straps are made of heavy nylon.
- They’re mainly suited to get unstuck. If you drive with them for some miles they could get so tight and it could be difficult to remove them.
- They don’t perform very well on sand.
Assigned score: 8/10
What is the best choice?
The devices with ratchets provide a better fit to the tire, especially if we plan to drive a certain distance with the ratchet straps or chains installed. However, this does not represent a significant difference since we are talking about implements to be used momentarily; in emergency situations. Some of them allow you to drive while you have them in place but they are fragile and deteriorate quickly.
In short, given that the effectiveness is similar between these options the price is a decisive factor, so we will stay with Emergency Strap on for SUV’s and Pick-Up Trucks, which besides a cheaper price, fulfills its objective, it’s durable and it’s also easy to install.
I say goodbye to my friend the truck driver and I am going to pay my new emergency strap on tire chains … A new toy for my semi-truck!
