Published: November 10, 2025
Cold weather driving introduces risks that standard tires cannot overcome. Peerless traction chains provide an additional safety layer when conditions demand it, but misuse or improper installation can create hazards rather than prevent them.
The real risk: Overconfidence without understanding limitations
Why drivers become overconfident with traction chains installed
Drivers often become overconfident when traction chains are installed, assuming that enhanced grip means they can drive at normal speeds on snow and ice. This assumption is dangerous. Traction chains are a winter safety tool, but they function within specific speed and application parameters. Exceeding these limits creates a false sense of security that leads to risky driving behavior and vehicle damage.
Speed limits are safety boundaries, not suggestions
Traction chains are warranted for speeds up to 30 miles per hour (48 kilometers per hour). This is not a suggestion. This is a hard safety limit based on physics and vehicle design.
Speed is your most critical safety limit
Traction chains are designed and warranted for speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Operating above this speed voids warranty and creates physical danger.
The physics of centrifugal force and wheel well clearance
As your vehicle’s speed increases, the rotating tire exerts centrifugal force that causes the chain or cable to expand outward. Wheel wells have minimal clearance by design. When chains expand, they contact suspension components, brake systems, and vehicle body sections, often causing thousands of dollars in damage.
Potential for total loss of vehicle control
Chain failure at higher speeds can result in chains striking your vehicle’s undercarriage, creating control hazards and potential loss of steering or braking capability.
Vehicle compatibility must be verified before purchase
Not every vehicle is designed for aftermarket traction chains
Not every vehicle is designed to work with aftermarket traction chains. Some manufacturers prohibit their use entirely.
How to verify vehicle compatibility
Before purchasing or installing chains, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Look for the tire chains section, typically found in the index. Follow what your manual says. If it prohibits chains, do not use them.
Why manufacturers specify these restrictions
Manufacturers specify restrictions because their vehicles lack sufficient wheel well clearance or because they recommend proprietary systems instead.
Installation errors create safety hazards
Proper installation is critical to safety
Chains that are installed incorrectly can slip during operation, causing loss of traction at the exact moment you need it most.
Pre-installation verification steps
Before driving, verify that chains are snug and properly tensioned. For front-wheel drive vehicles, turn wheels all the way to the left and right to ensure chains will clear all components and body work when the car is in motion.
Auto-tensioning reduces installation risk
Auto-tensioning systems help reduce installation risk by automatically maintaining proper tension as the tire rotates and snow compaction occurs.
Pre-use inspection protocol
Inspect chains before each use in winter conditions. Look for bent links, damaged connections, and proper latch function. Damaged components can fail during driving, potentially creating steering or braking issues.
Clearance issues: A leading cause of damage
Know your wheel well clearance before purchasing
Do not assume your vehicle has adequate clearance. Pre-fit your chains to your tire and ensure that you have enough clearance for the chains to operate properly.
Specific clearance requirements for SAE Class S tire chains
SAE Class S tire chains are designed for vehicles with limited wheel well clearances, requiring a minimum tread face clearance of 1.46 inches (37 m) and a minimum sidewall clearance of 0.59 inches (15 mm).
Overview of SAE Class S tire chains
SAE Class S tire chains are specifically designed for vehicles that have restricted wheel
well clearances, such as many modern passenger cars and some SUVs. These chains provide enhanced traction on snow and ice, making them essential for safe winter driving in challenging conditions.
Alloy wheel and protruding wheel warnings
If you have alloy wheels or wheels that protrude beyond the tire sidewall, exercise caution against using traction products that require a rubber tightener.
Myths about modern vehicle systems
Myth: ABS systems eliminate the need for traction chains
Many people think anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are an alternative to traction devices. This is incorrect. ABS is a great advantage in helping drivers maintain vehicle control, but its only purpose is to manage the vehicle’s available traction more efficiently than a conventional braking system. It does not create traction where none exists.
Myth: Four-wheel drive provides four-wheel stop
Although four-wheel drive vehicles have a greater ability to GO than vehicles with a conventional drive system, they do not have any greater ability to STOP on slippery roads. Traction chains are equally important for all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles as they are for conventional drive systems.
Stay safe this season by verifying compatibility and selecting the right system
Read more frequently asked questions about Peerless traction chain
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