Limited Clearance
Issues

Traction products not only have to fit the tire, but they must also fit within the space provided around the tires.

Some owner’s manuals state that certain tire sizes do not provide enough clearance to accomodate winter traction products. Frequently, car manufacturers make these statements because a vehicle has less clearance available than Class “S" requires. The fact is, many of these vehicles can use one of our winter traction products. Trying to measure the nearest obstruction under your vehicle could prove tricky. To insure that you have adequate clearance to operate any traction device they must be pre-fitted and driven a short distance. Start slowly, if you hear any contact (a ticking sound), stop and remove the chains immediately. Regardless of the type of traction product you use, do not exceed 30 mph.

S.A.E. Clearance requirements and traction product comparison

S.A.E.J1232-1980 Definition:
 

The minimum clearances specified must be maintained around fenders, braces, suspension parts, strut housings, splash pans and fule/brake lines. Tire size must be known to select a traction product of correct fit. For passenger car, pick-up and SUV owners it is important to check the owner’s manual. The restricted wheel well clearances in most of today’s vehicles will require Class “S” products. Consumers must refer to their owner’s manual for information pertaining to their vehicle.

 
Class S Chart
 
 

Clearance Definitions:

Class “S” is the Society of Automotive Engineers’ (SAE) definition for the least amount of space that should be provided around the drive tires of any vehicle to accommodate the use of a winter traction product. These different classes incorporate two different measurements; from the tread face of the tire to the nearest obstruction, and from the inside sidewall of the tire to the nearest obstruction.
 

S.A.E. Class S:

Cable chains or link chains for vehicles with restricted clearances.
 

S.A.E. Class U:

Regular tire chains for vehicles with non-restricted wheel well clearances.
 

Products that MEET Class S requirements:

 

Products that EXCEED Class S requirements:

 
Quik Grip link chain profile
Type P & RP

Treadface: 1.97” / 50mm (X)
Sidewall: 0.91″ / 23mm (Y)

 
Class “S” Link Type PL, Z-Chain, Super Z LT, Super Z8 and all the product listed below

Treadface: 1.46′ / 37mm (X)
Sidewall: 0.59″ / 15mm (Y)

 
Radial Chain, Z Passenger Chain Profile

Treadface: 1.00′ / 25mm (X)
Sidewall: 0.43″ / 11mm (Y)

 
Super Z6, SuperSox

Treadface: 1.20” / 31mm (X)
Sidewall: 0.25″ / 6.3mm (Y)