Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/42057
SMART DRIVING MAX KVIDERA Chain up Help protect your tires by knowing when and how to use chains during winter C haining up is one chore that often requires you to work in the worst weather. If you run through Western mountain passes or on Northern routes in winter, you'll probably be confronted with installing chains. To prepare yourself for chaining in wintry conditions, carry a few pieces of equipment to keep yourself safe, recommends Eric Sullwold, busi- ness development manager for chain manufacturer Pewag Inc. Get a reflec- tive vest that can be seen in whiteout conditions or at night. Carry a stur- dy flashlight or battery-powered lan- tern. Also, pack a good pair of gloves, CHAINING LAWS Chaining laws vary widely across the country. Florida, Maine, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, Vermont and the District of Columbia do not have chain laws. Many states simply specify chains are permissible. In California, truckers are advised to have chains in bad weather. Only one set of chains is required no matter how many axles. Tire chains on trailers may be staggered, and chains on tag axles aren't required. Colorado requires truckers to carry chains beginning Sept. 1, the earli- est in the nation. The state also says that "signs along the roadway will indicate 30 TRUCKERS NEWS OCTOBER 2011 when a vehicle must be chained." In Nevada, vehicles will be stopped if not equipped with chains on at least two driving wheels and two braking wheels on each trailer. New York requires chains when a "snow emer- gency has been declared." In Oregon, chains are required when condi- tions demand and signs are posted. Pennsylvania requires chains of not fewer than five cross chains and that don't project more than an inch from the wheel's surface. Utah advises drivers to carry one set for the drive axle from Nov. 1 to March 31. Washington posts "chains required" signs and requires "suf- ficient tire chains" on certain routes from Nov. 1 to April 1. The number of required chains depends on the number of axles and vehicle configuration. coveralls and a rain jacket or parka to protect you from wind and snow. Ideally, pick a place far off the roadway, such as a chaining area or rest area that is well-lit and has ad- equate space. Look for level ground to keep from sliding on ice. Truckers often will procrastinate and think they can make it to the next pullout before chaining. Find a safe area and do it as soon as you can when condi- tions worsen, Sullwold says. When applying chains, most truckers simply drape them over the top of the tire. Make sure the latch is on the outside of the tire and the connecting C-hook is on the inside, Chaining up in clear, dry weather may not be an option when driving in Western mountain ranges. away from the tire. Move the truck forward or back- ward slightly to get as much of the chain under the tire as possible. Fasten the two ends, connecting the C-hook first, and then the latch side. When you slide the link on and pull it down to fasten the latch, it will tighten the chain more. Many chains have tightening cams along the side chain. The cam is a half-moon-shaped disk you tighten with a key that cinches the chain tighter. You might choose a rubber tightener, which is a rub- ber O-ring with metal hooks that continued on page 80 COURTESY OF PEWAG INC.