What should I know about using snow cables?

What should I know about using snow cables?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
While your SUV is equipped with tires capable of handling both mud and snow, if you live in an area where significant wintertime snow accumulates, you’ll probably want to invest in a set of snow cables (not chains – it’s not recommended to use tire chains on your vehicle). Here’s what you need to know about cables and using them:

Only use Class S cables.
Don’t drive over 30 MPH with the cables installed.
If the you hear the cables banging or scrubbing, tighten them.
Do not drive on cables any longer than necessary. Remove them as soon as possible.
Drive with a lighter load when using cables.
Drive with increased caution.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

This car is excellent in snow. It is easy to back up because of the windows, I can see all around me. The escape is very dependable, this is my second one and have never had any mechanical problems even though my first one had over 100,000 miles on it. Love my 2012 ford escape!
Ideally, you should put tire chains on all four tires for all types of vehicles. By using four tire chains, you`ll be able to obtain the best possible traction and balance. Problems can occur by only chaining one axle.
Chains and Cables Serve the Same Purpose

Snow chains and cables both add traction to car tires so they can get better traction in heavy snow conditions. Although they work best in different conditions, it`s a good idea to have either one in your car or garage all the time.

Identify the Correct Tires.

If your vehicle is front-wheel drive, the chains go on the front. If it`s rear-wheel drive, chains go on the back. If it`s all-wheel drive, please check your owner`s manual.

Snow cables are lighter weight and easier to install. They`re also less likely to damage your vehicle if one of the cables breaks. They don`t have the same speed limitations, but they aren`t as durable as snow chains. If you only need them occasionally, then they`re a great choice.
Legally, it is only necessary to have snow chains for one axle when travelling in mountain areas. However, when driving a 4 x 4 some drivers prefer to use 4 chains (two sets). Although in most conditions a single set of chains will provide enough traction, there are significant benefits with using two sets.
With infrequent use and care they can last several years. They are not the best option for more frequent use or areas that get a lot of snow and ice. A lot of factors will affect the life of any chains including road conditions and vehicle weight so an exact life span is not calculable.
Typically, snow deeper than 4 inches will reduce effectiveness, and at 6 inches or deeper, they become ineffective. Also, in deep mud they will be ineffective. Even if slippery conditions as such indicate slower speed, when the automatic tire chains are engaged, driving speed is limited to 35mph.
On a 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle, the chains or cables are generally used on the rear wheels.
If you`re driving an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle, typically your chains will go on the front tires to boost traction when steering, but always double-check your owner`s manual because those folks probably know your car better than we do.
The Used 2012 Ford Escape comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed automatic.
All Escapes are available with front- and all-wheel drive. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual, six-speed automatic, and a CVT. For 2012 the Ford Escape still comes standard with eco-friendly soy-based seats, and safety features like traction control, roll stability control and side curtain airbags.
The best Ford model year: 2010 Ford Escape

This car has performed exceptionally well in crash tests, offers exceptional performance, and has several unique and cutting-edge technological features. Whether you have the standard Escape or the Hybrid Escape, you`ll get bang for your buck when it comes to fuel economy.

 For less than ideal road conditions such as snow or ice covered roads. This mode lowers throttle response, adjusts transmission shift points, and optimizes vehicle stability controls to help mitigate wheel spin and maintain vehicle control when driving in winter conditions.
The slippery mode also adapts to ice and water, and a deep snow mode keeps the crossover under control in more intense situations, making the Ford Escape good in the snow.
It performs well in the snow as well, handling mountain pass travel with all wheel drive no need for chains. A great running, good size SUV that our family loves! Our ford escape!

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

What should I know about using snow cables?
ANSWER : While your SUV is equipped with tires capable of handling both mud and snow, if you live in an area where significant wintertime snow accumulates, you’ll probably want to invest in a set of snow cables (not chains – it’s not recommended to use tire chains on your vehicle). Here’s what you need to know about cables and using them:

Only use Class S cables.
Don’t drive over 30 MPH with the cables installed.
If the you hear the cables banging or scrubbing, tighten them.
Do not drive on cables any longer than necessary. Remove them as soon as possible.
Drive with a lighter load when using cables.
Drive with increased caution.

Read Full Q/A … : What should I know about using snow cables?

Is it safe to use snow cables that are for wheels that are 1" smaller.
ANSWER : Hello. You definitely should not use them. That one inch of difference will allow the cables to come loose which can cause some serious damage to the vehicle. You need to use the cables that are made for your exact tire size.

Read Full Q/A … : What should I know about using snow cables?

Need advice on buying a used Jeep for commuting
ANSWER : I have had a couple of Jeeps in the past and can say that the Wrangler is no different to any other vehicle on the road when it comes to reliability. Any vehicle needs normal maintenance and the Jeep is no different. Depending on the year and options of the Jeep, different maintenance will be required to keep it going. If you plan on using it as a daily driver and off-road on the weekends, then you will have more maintenance to fix things that the off-road use will wear out faster than on the commuting use. Regardless, a certified mechanic from YourMechanic can come to your home or office to provide a pre-purchase inspection on any used car you might be interested in.

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I want to make a solar panel charged phone and I wanted to know what I can use to store the energy made by the solar panels.
ANSWER : You can get one or more of the battery storage units that can be hooked to a phone to recharge a phone so you an use it. They can be hooked up to a USB charge port on your small converter hooked up to your solar panels.

Read Full Q/A … : What should I know about using snow cables?

Issues with clutch cable on a newly installed clutch/flywheel.
ANSWER : Hi there. If the cable was loose before you changed the clutch out and is loose after the clutch was changed out, then the cable is stretched. I recommend replacing the clutch cable and adjusting it to the correct pedal height. If you need further assistance with your clutch cable replacement, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

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My shifter cable bushing broke can you fix this with out changing the cable?
ANSWER : As long as the shift cable end is not damaged and can hold a new bushing then a new bushing can be installed. Most models have an aftermarket bushing on the market. The dealer in most cases do not make a replacement bushing. You would need to check at aftermarket parts stores to see if they stock the bushings. Some come in a multi bushing kit with different sizes to fit many models.

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removing/installing shift cable through firewall hole
ANSWER : It can be tricky, especially as the cable is usually buried amidst other components. The best approach is use the steps in the car manual because that way you do not have to improvise. However, if the manual is not accessible, you can request cable replacement by a trained professional and he or she will have that documentation at hand. The recommended service is shift cable replacement. If you request that service, the responding certified mechanic will get the cable replacement taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

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Transmission Leak from TV cable? (Kick down cable)
ANSWER : Hello.

The first thing I would do is check the transmission fluid properly. With the engine running and the vehicle in park, check the transmission dipstick to see where the fluid level is out. If you overfilled the transmission and caused it to leak, but the leak seems to have slowed down over time then that means the excessive fluid has leaked and leveled out. It may be possible that the solenoid or kick down cable are still leaking, however an inspection would be required to determine the extent and location of the leak. I would recommend continuously checking the vehicle’s fluid level, and looking under the car to see if the leaks appear to be getting larger, smaller, or are gone altogether.

Read Full Q/A … : What should I know about using snow cables?

Eric smoalih

I am a certified master technician with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and I have been working as an auto mechanic for over 15 years. I am passionate about my work, and I take great pride in helping people keep their cars running smoothly.