Definition

Noun A device consisting of a set of linked metal rings or loops, designed to be fitted around a vehicle's tire to provide improved grip on slippery surfaces such as ice or snow.

Usage

Tire chain is a countable noun. It refers to the physical chains placed on tires. The term is typically used in the plural form (tire chains) because they are usually installed on at least two drive wheels of a vehicle. - Primary Usage: Describing the traction devices for vehicles. - Context: Commonly used in contexts related to winter driving, mountain travel, vehicle safety, and transportation regulations.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Before crossing the mountain pass, the truck driver installed tire chains on all the rear wheels.
  • The highway patrol requires all vehicles to carry tire chains during winter storms.
  • Using tire chains can significantly reduce the risk of skidding on icy roads.

Advanced Usage

• "to put on tire chains": The action of fitting the chains onto the tires.
  • We had to stop and put on tire chains as the snow began to fall heavily.
• "to take off tire chains": The action of removing the chains from the tires.
  • You must take off the tire chains once you reach cleared pavement to avoid damaging your tires and the road.

Variants and Related Words

• Snow chain: A synonym for .
• Traction device: A broader category that includes as well as other systems like textile snow socks or cable chains.
• Cable chain: A specific, often lighter, type of traction device made of steel cables instead of traditional link chains.

Synonyms

• Snow chain
• Skid chain (less common)

Related Phrases

• Chain up: A phrasal verb meaning to install tire chains.
  • We need to chain up before we can proceed.
• Chains required: A sign or regulation indicating that vehicles must have tire chains fitted to travel on a particular road.

Noun

1. chain attached to wheels to increase traction on ice or snow