Understanding SAE Clearance: A Guide to Tire Chains and Winter Traction

As winter approaches and road conditions become more challenging, ensuring your vehicle is equipped for snowy and icy surfaces is crucial. One effective way to enhance traction in winter weather is by using tire chains. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has established a classification system to help users select the appropriate tire chains for their vehicles. In this article, we’ll explore the different SAE classes and delve into essential information about their use.

Definition of SAE Classification

The SAE classification system categorizes tire chains into different classes based on their design and intended use. Here are three key SAE classes:

SAE Class S: Regular, Non-Reinforced Passenger Tire Chains and Cables

• For vehicles with restricted wheel well clearances
• Class S chains are designed for vehicles with limited space around the wheels. These chains provide enhanced traction without the need for significant clearance in the wheel well.

SAE Class U: Regular, Non-Reinforced, and Lug-Reinforced Passenger Tire Chains

• For vehicles with regular, non-restricted wheel well clearances
• Class U chains are suitable for vehicles with standard wheel well clearances. They can be either regular, non-reinforced chains or lug-reinforced chains, offering a versatile solution for various vehicles.

SAE Class W: Passenger Tire Chains Using Light Truck Components

• Includes some light truck chains
• Class W chains incorporate light truck components and may be used on both passenger vehicles and certain light trucks. This class provides a more robust option for vehicles that require additional traction in winter conditions.

Identifying Which Tires Need Tire Chains

When you’re looking to purchase tire chains, you might wonder whether you need them on all your tires. Always install the tire chains on the drive wheels of your vehicle, which are typically the front wheels for front-wheel drive vehicles and the rear wheels for rear-wheel drive vehicles. For even more traction, all your tires can have tire chains.