TYRE INFORMATION
The tyre size is printed on the side of every tyre. It looks something like this: 195/55 R16.
The tyre size is printed on the side of every tyre. It looks something like this: 195/55 R16.
195 is the tyre width across the tread
55 is the tyre profile (or the distance between the wheel rim and the top of the tyre)
R means the tyre is a radial construction
16 is the rim diameter in inches
Once you’ve found your tyre size, use our calculator to find the right size chains for your vehicle.
Please note that each tyre manufacturer uses different moulds for the same numerical tyre size. The variation in these moulds can cause a difference in the dimensions of the same tyre size of up to 7% between brands. The different tread patterns designed by manufacturers for highway and off-road usage also affects sizing. For these reasons, we recommend consulting your vehicle manual before selecting your snow chains.
Tyre Guide
The standard Snowsweat snow chain product range has been designed to fit standard radial road tyres. The heavy duty product range that includes the Icecat and Powdercat snow chains has been designed to fit radial road tyres and all-terrain tyres. Snowsweat Mudcat snow chains have been designed to fit primarily on mud tyres.
Low Profile Tyres
Snowsweat snow chains are not suitable for very low profile tyres. Snowsweat snow chains use a hoop design on the standard product range that needs a reasonable amount of sidewall to prevent them from coming off the wheel. We don’t recommend Snowsweat snow chains on tyres with a sidewall profile less than 40mm. If you are fitting snow chains to tyres with a 40 or 45mm sidewall they must be fitted tightly around the wheel. Make sure you move your vehicle forward two to three car lengths (15m) and re-tension snow chains until they are very tight.
Lowered Vehicles
Snowsweat snow chains are not suitable for vehicles with minimal wheel clearance. To operate effectively there must be enough room around the wheels to safely fit snow chains. We recommend you check your vehicle manual first. If your vehicle has an air ride kit fitted to it, make sure you raise the vehicle to create more wheel clearance when fitting snow chains. If it is a modified vehicle, we recommend you call into your local Repco store for professional advice.
Four Wheel Drive/ Sport Utility
Traditionally snow chains were fitted on the front wheels on many 4WD’s. The older 4WD’s had a beam axle and lockable hubs. Technology has developed significantly since then, with many different traction aids, driving sensors and other features used by vehicle manufacturers today. Many newer 4WD’s and SUV’s have limited clearance around the front wheels due to the suspension configuration or the use of modern technology. If there isn’t sufficient clearance around the front wheels, then snow chains must be fitted to the rear wheels. Doing this may require the driver to select an off-road setting or activate four-wheel drive to gain traction on the rear wheels.
Electric Vehicles and Hybrids
We recommend consulting the vehicle manual for more information on using snow chains first. If you need further assistance, contact your local dealership. If there is enough clearance around the driving wheels, then there should be no problem installing and using snow chains. The owner’s manual or your local dealership will be able to provide more specific information on the capabilities of your vehicle in the snow and in alpine areas.
