The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-04-03
TIRE CHAINS PROVE
ESSENTIAL TO SAFETY

Many years ago tire manufacturers
ADVISED against the use of chains on
tires. This propaganda was in connec-
ton with their efforts to make a nom
in competition with other tires. THAT
Day has passed, however, as the actual
nonskid properties could not be demon-
strated sufficiently to make it an actual
fSe Situation asset St Ths trade knows
the old mistaken propaganda about the
injuries chains do to tires still Is buzz
zing around unseen, like a prohibition
Organiser. It Is only fair to say. how
ever, that this propaganda was di-
r9cted at q type of chain that was an
chored or fastened in such a way that
the cross chains always bore on the
same spot on the tire, and in the course
Of time did injure the tread and weaken
facturers did not take into considera-
ton the fact that the creepiug type of
chain not only did not injure the tire,
but when used all the time when they
were necessary, actually saved the tire
from injury.
There are two main facts regarding
skidding that are apparent to anyone
who drives. One is that car skidding
Sideways on the rear wheels slides over
the smooth surface to a point where
the surface is rougher and the tires be-
gin to take hold. The skid, however,
does not stop Immediately at the first
rough spot but due to momentum and
the weight Of the car, grinds the rubber
over the rough spot certain distance,
which has the effect of a rasp being
used on the tires. This is particularly
the case when the wheels are locked
1t 10 q well-known engineering fact
that railway cars with steel wheels rum
ming even on CLASSY surface rail will,
If theswheels should be suddenly braked
Whilehthe train Is in motion, flatten a
spot on that steel wheel in a short time.
SO much so that the eventual pounding
OF this abrasion will finally split the
steel wheel. 1t is easy TO imagine the
effect on rubber tire under the same
action. on road surface, when the car
Is braked suddenly when travelling in a
forward direction. The wheels lock
instantly but the momentum and weight
of the car drag the hot rubber along on
one spot on the rear wheels. The plac-
ing OF hand on this spot Immediately
after will convince one that this does
hurt the tire. With chain equipment and
common-sense driving the car cannot
even start to skid and this grinding of
the tires is impossible whether the
pavement Is slippery asphalt or ice.
Point two in favor Of chains is that
the forward action of car under wet
or slippery conditions produces a SINH
lar grind around the whole surface Of
the tire when the wheels without chains
spin In trying for traction for starting
position. Al
Considering the physical results of
skidding on tires, it is doubtful whether
many tire company officials really be-
lleve that the creeping type % chain
that automatically and constantly
changes its position in any way Injuries
the tire. When they study the facts
in the case, they probably will be will
ing to concede that much of the propa-
ganda against chains does not apply to
the creeping type" Everyone recog-
nizes the fact that chains will abso-
lutely prevent slipping or skidding,
but a lot of transformation has been
spread that they injure tires. Most
things can be used in a way to pro
duce harm of some kind but the proper
application of the creeping type Of
does not warrant the wild statements
frequently made about their Injurious
effect on tires.
Dealers who are advising their GUS
toners from the standpoint Of service
as to how to take care of tires and get
service from them should make the
owner clear on this chain question
Occasionally tire comes to light show
ing evident marks of chains on the
tread. 1t Is invariably found that this
is the result of the chain being fastened
so that 1t stays in one position on the
tire with the creeping eliminated. IL is
part of the dealers business to show
the owner how properly to attach these
chains.
The main point to be remembered Is
that the Creeping type" of chains not
only do not injure tires but are actual
protectors under conditions where skids
and slides are to be expected.-Weed.