Apr 11
24

Do tire chains need to be on all 4 tires on my Explorer?

5 Comments

I live in the Ohio "snow belt" and would like to get tire chains on my Explorer with 4X4 auto, low and high. Can I just put them on the rear tires when needed or do they need to be put on all four. I’d like to save a little money if I can. Thanks

You need the same traction, whether it is chains, winter tires, or all-season tires. Put chains on the rear only, and it will throw you out of control the first time you turn the wheel. Put them only on the front, it will throw you out of control the first time you hit the brake.
Invest in tires made for winter.
Chains are NEVER used in cities except by emergency services members that have to get to work during a storm before the plows are out.
I have been driving 43 years, and NEVER used chains. I live outside Winnipeg, previously lived in Saskatoon, previous in Edmonton, all places in winter country.

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Posted in Tire Chain by admin 5 Comments

5 Responses to "Do tire chains need to be on all 4 tires on my Explorer?"

  • Tristannnnn!! says:
    April 25, 2011 at 2:30 am

    everyone ask those questions….
    u need on all four.

    if u put them on rear side, u will lose traction when making a turn.
    ur front will be drifting-ish.
    and u wont be able to make safe turn.

    u can have 2 on rear, if all u want to do is go straight,
    References :

  • pardynathan says:
    April 25, 2011 at 2:50 am

    Well, what is it MAINLY?, front wheel or rear wheel, either/or you can put them on the main tires. But I would suggest if your going to invest in chains, I wouldn’t skimp on how many chains you put on your vehicle, it’s a safety concern, and when your talking safely, skimping on something is NEVER a good idea.
    References :

  • MR HENRY S says:
    April 25, 2011 at 3:36 am

    The idea of chains is to assist the drive wheels to drive the vehicle. Chains are only put on the drive wheels of two wheel drive vehicles because it is only the two wheels that are doing the driving. In 4 wheel drive, all four wheels are doing the driving. If you only put chains on two wheels you are defeating the purpose of 4 wheel drive.
    References :

  • Fred C says:
    April 25, 2011 at 4:11 am

    You need the same traction, whether it is chains, winter tires, or all-season tires. Put chains on the rear only, and it will throw you out of control the first time you turn the wheel. Put them only on the front, it will throw you out of control the first time you hit the brake.
    Invest in tires made for winter.
    Chains are NEVER used in cities except by emergency services members that have to get to work during a storm before the plows are out.
    I have been driving 43 years, and NEVER used chains. I live outside Winnipeg, previously lived in Saskatoon, previous in Edmonton, all places in winter country.
    References :

  • Cadillac C says:
    April 25, 2011 at 5:00 am

    On all fours is the norm, however, I owned an Explorer for years and never needed them. I live in a very snowy area of Canada and as long as there is 4 good snow tires on an Explorer, chains should never be needed. Chains are only to get you of of a stuck situation or very deep snow with lots of ice underneath. They can not be used at speeds over 30 MPH and best not over 25MPH or they will break and tear the wheel wells and fenders apart. Slow moving only and then remove them when you are free.
    All season tires will not work either. They lose grip and pliability at 20 to 21 degrees farenheit and are useless. Snow tires stay pliable at the coldest temperatures. Just keep them at full pressure. If you are still worried, get studded tires. Chains are an unnecessary item unless you will be in severe icing conditions with heavy pack snow on top of it.
    References :

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