What are automatic tire chains? +

Our automatic snow chains work at the flip of a switch and have been designed to give you traction on ice and snow pack. The ROTOGRIP® system provides excellent traction at low speeds due to the adjustable mounting system and unique chain wheel types. With replaceable contact rings, easy installation, and superior design for traveling in winter conditions.

Will automatic tire chains work in deep snow? +

Automatic tire chains were designed to give you traction on ice and snowpack at the flip of a switch. The speed of the vehicle causes the chains on the chain wheel to lift by centrifugal force; the weight of the chain determines the speed at which they lift and go under the tire. RUD Rotogrip chain wheels use a smaller chain which will lift at 3 to 4 MPH, and up to speeds of 30 MPH. The wheel has a flat surface that contacts the drive tire so that it has more surface area for less slippage. The chain wheel touches the drive tire around 4 inches above the ground; thus if the snow is less than 4 inches, they will perform as they should. If the snow depth is greater than 4 inches, the snow will stop the chains from lifting and going under the tire. Automatic chain systems will correctly function if the snow is light and powdery, but if the snow is heavy and wet, it may stop the chains from lifting and going under the tire. In mountain driving, you may not encounter ice until you reach the higher elevations, but with the flip of a switch, you will be ready for the icy conditions. Automatic chains save time because you will no longer need to stop to install and remove the tire chain wraps, thus preventing the potential hazard of being struck by other drivers while outside of your vehicle.

Will automatic tire chains work in mud? +

No, automatic tire chains were designed for use on ice and packed snow only. We would suggest that you use traditional tire chains to help with better traction in mud.

Will automatic tire chains tear up tires? +

If installed correctly, automatic chains will function with ease; they work best when the chain wheel location is centered on the drive tire. The vehicle drives over the chain if the chain wheel has been set up correctly and this reduces the wear on the chain wheel and drive tire; this is one of the superior features of RUD’s automatic chain mounting. For adjustability, RUD uses a mounting tube which allows us to move the chain wheel forward, or back to locate the chain wheel correctly.

Are the chains noisy while in use? +

Automatic tire chains can be felt under the tires when used on ice and snowpack, but the noise that they produce is low. When you reach dry pavement, the noise level will increase slightly; retract the chains when this occurs.

Can Rotogrip be used for cars or SUVs? +

Rotogrip can be used on 3/4 ton pickups and up, including ambulances. Not enough clearance is allowed for automatic snow chain use on cars and SUVs.

What sets Rotogrip apart from other automatic tire chain systems? +

RUD's wheels are not color coded because it works in reverse as well as they do in forward, and at lower speeds! If you have any questions or concerns about RUD Rotogrip chains, please contact a RUD representative for the correct information.

What is the speed that I can use automatic tire chains? +

The chains are designed to run safely up to speeds of 30MPH, and if used correctly, they have been tested extensively and will not break. Rotogrip chain systems are the safest means of traction on ice and snow pack that are available today, and the results are seen by users worldwide. Deploying the chains at high rates of speed is the only way to break the chain links. The chains should be deployed and retracted at 10 MPH or less.

How do I contact customer service or technical support? +

For more information please visit our Contact page or call us at 800-553-7993.