Security Chain Company Z-579 Z-Chain Extreme Performance Cable Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2 Review

I've been using the Z-chains since they were introduced, which seems like at least 15 years. Used them on two Audis (90 and A4), an Acura TSX and most recently a 2007 Toyota Prius.

I find these useful for the purpose they are designed for: as a temporary traction device designed to be used for short periods and at low speeds to get you through a rough section and then to be removed. Driving with them for long stretches is not a good idea, nor is fast driving, driving on pavement, etc.

They are pretty ideal for California mountains where the frequent requirement for chains has a lot to do with the cluelessness of the local drivers about operating in snow and the complete lack of regular safety inspections for vehicles (meaning that among other things, completely bald tires are quite common). These chains offer just what most local drivers need to feel reasonably confident and to avoid accidents. Carrying them will satisfy the CHP if they stop you to check. I grew up on an infrequently-plowed icy hilltop in Connecticut and have rarely found a real need for them at this end of the country, but have used them 1-3 times a year pretty consistently, either because the officer insisted or because in my opinion the roads were icy enough to justify an additional traction device. In those circumstances, they've done the trick but I would have preferred studded snow tires.

When using any chains, basic rules need to be followed: speed under 30mph, and pretty much do everything in slow motion. Accellerate, brake, turn and do everything else slowly and gradually or you will risk chain breakage. If you go with this "slow motion" approach, these things significantly increase traction on slick snow and icy surfaces, moderately improve it on soft snow surfaces and should not make things that much worse on sections where you are on pavement. They will, however, make things a lot noisier.

The primary benefits of these chains when compared to many other designs are twofold: the diagonal crossmembers tend not to be an issue for ABS systems and are somewhat quieter than other designs, and the installation is somewhat simpler than designs that use rubber tensioners.

The downsides are that these generate less traction than heavier chains; the installation, while simpler, is more prone to failure and requires at least one retensioning (I have always made a point to stop and retension twice); the force required to properly tension them can be difficult to muster with your bare hands in the cold; and finally, the clearance they require is less than offered by many recent vehicles.This last issue can be a major problem for many of today's cars. They require at least 15mm (about 5/8") on all sides of the tire and that's assuming you've got them on perfectly and as tight as possible. Many of today's vehicles just don't offer that much space. I would be especially careful using these with any vehicles that are delivered with "sport suspension" or similar packages. See my note about the Super Z6 chain below and check your owners manual! Some vehicles simply don't have space for any chains, cables or other traction devices and need to be left home in the snow.

I would not recommend these as a solution if you live and drive full-time in snow country. You're just going to beat up your hands during the frequent installations, beat up your tires during use, and possibly beat up the wheels and wheel wells as well. The right solution to that problem is dedicated winter tires, 4WD or a combination of the two.

A final note: For my most recent vehicle I've switched to the Super-Z6 model, also by SCC. That model uses a rubber tensioner to hold the chains on, which adds an extra step to the installation procedure but in my experience makes it easier and avoids the need for retensioning. A key benefit of that model is that it requires only 6mm (1/4") of clearance around the tire to be used safely, which is more and more important on modern, tight-clearance vehicles.

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Product Description:
For more than a decade Z-Chain has been the winter traction product choice for police, fire, ambulance and other professional fleets throughout North America. Z-Chain's fast installation, aggressive traction performance and extreme durability simply out-class all other options. But the best just keep getting better. Automotive evolution never stops and winter traction products must keep up .Z-Chain's rigid inside "hoop" has been replaced with a semi-rigid steel cable, making it possible to roll them up and store them in a much smaller space.Z-Chain has always met S.A.E. Class "S" requirements for passenger vehicles with limited clearance around the drive tires. Now the inner cross member connectors and side cable fastening system have been redesigned to operate in even smaller spaces.

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