Tire chains placed on _____ improve traction for downhill braking.

Tire chains placed on _____ improve traction for downhill braking.

• A. the steer axle
• B. the trailer wheels
• C. any retreaded tires
• D. the drive tires

Answer: (B)

When you’re braking downhill on a slick surface, you want the tire chains on the tires that actually provide the braking force—the drive tires. Chains on the drive tires grip the road better, converting the braking effort into real deceleration and reducing wheel slip. Chains on the steer tires mainly help with steering, not braking, and may not improve stopping performance. Chains on the trailer wheels aren’t as helpful because the tractor’s drive tires do most of the slowing, and adding chains there offers less benefit and can complicate handling. So, tire chains should be placed on the drive tires to maximize downhill braking traction.

When you’re braking downhill on a slick surface, you want the tire chains on the tires that actually provide the braking force—the drive tires. Chains on the drive tires grip the road better, converting the braking effort into real deceleration and reducing wheel slip. Chains on the steer tires mainly help with steering, not braking, and may not improve stopping performance. Chains on the trailer wheels aren’t as helpful because the tractor’s drive tires do most of the slowing, and adding chains there offers less benefit and can complicate handling. So, tire chains should be placed on the drive tires to maximize downhill braking traction.