Customer Review :
Tales from My Little Mountain : Thule K-Summit Low-Profile Passenger Car Snow Chain, Size K23 (Sold in pairs) : parts of the wheel of a car
First I would like to say that for those of you suggesting I get "real tire chains"... I have 2 pair that I've managed to get onto my tires exactly... never. If you'd like to buy 2 pair of 17" snow chains cheap just leave me a message, you can have 'em. "Real tire chains" might be great for some people, but if I can't get them on and off my car quickly and easily, they are useless to me.
I live 1400 feet up a 2 and a half mile dirt/gravel road that stays ice and snow covered for weeks after there is no snow anywhere else in our county. I am a small business owner, so if I can't get to work, I don't get paid, simple as that. I needed a product that was easy for a 40+ year old woman to get on and off by herself 6 days a week.
For the last 3 winters I have been using Spikes-Spiders, which I actually think is a fairly good product as well, but after being put thru the rigors of mountain life, many of the plastic components of the Spikes-Spiders were beginning to break and needed replacement, so I began looking for an alternative. These chains by Thule seem to be a great alternative so far.
I have a 2006 Saturn Vue AWD. I'll admit that fitting these chains the first time was a little tricky, but I was having to unlearn what I was expecting from the Spikes-Spiders. They did fall off the first time I used them, but I realized I had reversed a component while trying to make sure I had the right lug adapter on, so it wasn't a fault of engineering but a simple mistake that was easily corrected ...while I was halfway up my mountain. You can't fix an adjustment to regular tire chains unless your car is completely level, which mine most certainly was not. I'm going to suggest the some of the people who are reporting that the chains fell off their tires may very well have made the same easy to make mistake.
Otherwise, the instructions seemed very straight-forward and now that I've done it a few times (I only got them 5 days ago) I can put these on and get them off in a matter of minutes. The Spikes-Spiders were easier to put on and took less time, but these chains are also much more aggressive in traction control, so I feel it is a good trade-off.
Although I can't attest to the durability of this product yet, I'm pretty confident that the sturdier construction (in comparison to my old Spikes-Spiders) will have them last for me at least as long as my old "Snap-On" chains. Considering the price I got the K-Summits for here on Amazon (more then $200 LESS then the Spikes-Spiders), I feel these will be money well spent. They are easy and they work.
Thule K-Summit Low-Profile Passenger Car Snow Chain, Size K23 (Sold in pairs) parts of the wheel of a car |
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Product Brand : Thule
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Model : K-Summit K23 |
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Thule K-Summit Low-Profile Passenger Car Snow Chain, Size K23 (Sold in pairs)
parts of the wheel of a car
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The K-Summit is the ultimate snow chain on the market today. The K-Summit is uniquely designed to ride on only the external surfaces of the tire so you don't need to worry about clearance issues on the inside of the tire or interference with ABS braking, suspension or steering components. The K-Summit is also one of the easiest chains to install in three easy steps. You simply lay the chain on the tire, attach it to one of the bolts, activate the ratchet and you're done. The chain automatically self-tightens and self-centers itself as you drive away. You don't need to keep other components mounted to the wheel over the winter like other chains. The K-Summit was produced in Italy and the craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident. It is made of special alloy plates and strengthening ribs along with zinc-plated pins and hard metal core rivets all designed for maximum grip, endurance, reliability and resistance to abrasion and laceration. The geometric design of the arms and the high toughness of the material won't allow the chain to come off the tire, even in extreme conditions. In addition the innovative ratchet system has a force multiplier of nine times so it allows effortless fitting and a safety lever to avoid accidental openings..../ Thule K-Summit Low-Profile Passenger Car Snow Chain, Size K23 (Sold in pairs) / parts of the wheel of a car
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When the winter comes, Thule has the snow chains that get you there safely, easily and in style. Thule, known worldwide as a manufacturer of highly innovative automotive racks and accessories, is proud to offer the new K-Summit--their most advanced consumer snow chain. The K-Summit has been specially designed to fit a wide variety of passenger tires, and can even be safely used on vehicles with limited wheel clearance. Tested in the Italian Alps, this line of snow chains is surefooted, safe and remarkably easy to install and remove. To make sure you find the right chains for your tires, check the Thule K- Summit Snow Chain Fitment Guide and find your tire size.
Superior Engineering and Design
Thule snow chains are hand-made in Italy and are constructed of durable, hardened Manganese Nickel Alloy Steel. This type of steel has a tight molecular structure that provides added strength in cold conditions. The K-Summit features reduced-clearance, D-shaped links that provide exceptional traction and guarantee long product life. All chain components are meticulously tested and measured to ensure an exact fit that will not damage critical wheel components. K-Summit snow chains utilize a steel spring system that automatically adjusts itself for a perfect fit, even through varying degrees of tire wear. Aerospace plastic plates, zinc-plated steel pins and hardened metal-core rivets have been used throughout the chain to provide maximum durability and safety. Additionally, the color-coded assembly points make mounting easy in all lighting conditions.
Thule K-Summit - The Chain That Goes Where Others Can't
Thule has specially designed the K-Summit to fit a wide variety of passenger tires and wheel applications. Not only are they well-suited to standard passenger vehicles, they also fit specialty and customized vehicles that have very tight wheel tolerances. Its components have been constructed to provide excellent snow and ice traction, all while keeping mechanical components, electronic devices and the vehicle's body free from chain interference or damage. K-Summit chains are easy to install and don't require any components to be permanently mounted on the wheel during winter months. The quick, 3-step process minimizes the amount of time you're exposed to the elements. To install the chain, simply lay two of the traction plates on the tire tread, attach the central unit to one lug nut with the included ergonomic tool, and activate the ratchet system. The chain will automatically self-adjust and tighten as you drive away. High-strength materials and an advanced geometric design keep the chain from slipping off of the tire, even in extreme conditions. K-Summit snow chains include 17mm and 19mm lug nut adapters,and 21mm adapters are available on request.
How to Choose a Snow Chain that Fits Perfectly
To choose the right snow chain you must follow a few simple criteria. First, check your vehicle’s maintenance or owner’s manual to verify it contains no warnings advising against the fitting of snow chains on your particular vehicle. Once verified, take careful note of the three measurements on the side of the tire. The first number indicates the width, the second gives you the aspect ratio (sidewall height as percentage of width) and the third denotes the diameter of the wheel expressed in inches. Then click on the Thule K-Summit Snow Chain Fitment Guide to choose the most suitable model and size for your vehicle.
.../ Thule K-Summit Low-Profile Passenger Car Snow Chain, Size K23 (Sold in pairs) / parts of the wheel of a car
When the winter comes, Thule has the snow chains that get you there safely, easily and in style. Thule, known worldwide as a manufacturer of highly innovative automotive racks and accessories, is proud to offer the new K-Summit--their most advanced consumer snow chain. The K-Summit has been specially designed to fit a wide variety of passenger tires, and can even be safely used on vehicles with limited wheel clearance. Tested in the Italian Alps, this line of snow chains is surefooted, safe and remarkably easy to install and remove. To make sure you find the right chains for your tires, check the Thule K- Summit Snow Chain Fitment Guide and find your tire size.
Low-profile design will not harm components. |
Easy 3-step installation: 1. Lay the chain on the tread pattern. 2. Attach the chain to one lug nut or bolt. 3. Activate the ratchet system, and you're off. |
Superior Engineering and Design
Thule snow chains are hand-made in Italy and are constructed of durable, hardened Manganese Nickel Alloy Steel. This type of steel has a tight molecular structure that provides added strength in cold conditions. The K-Summit features reduced-clearance, D-shaped links that provide exceptional traction and guarantee long product life. All chain components are meticulously tested and measured to ensure an exact fit that will not damage critical wheel components. K-Summit snow chains utilize a steel spring system that automatically adjusts itself for a perfect fit, even through varying degrees of tire wear. Aerospace plastic plates, zinc-plated steel pins and hardened metal-core rivets have been used throughout the chain to provide maximum durability and safety. Additionally, the color-coded assembly points make mounting easy in all lighting conditions.
Thule K-Summit - The Chain That Goes Where Others Can't
Thule has specially designed the K-Summit to fit a wide variety of passenger tires and wheel applications. Not only are they well-suited to standard passenger vehicles, they also fit specialty and customized vehicles that have very tight wheel tolerances. Its components have been constructed to provide excellent snow and ice traction, all while keeping mechanical components, electronic devices and the vehicle's body free from chain interference or damage. K-Summit chains are easy to install and don't require any components to be permanently mounted on the wheel during winter months. The quick, 3-step process minimizes the amount of time you're exposed to the elements. To install the chain, simply lay two of the traction plates on the tire tread, attach the central unit to one lug nut with the included ergonomic tool, and activate the ratchet system. The chain will automatically self-adjust and tighten as you drive away. High-strength materials and an advanced geometric design keep the chain from slipping off of the tire, even in extreme conditions. K-Summit snow chains include 17mm and 19mm lug nut adapters,and 21mm adapters are available on request.
Tire size location. |
How to Choose a Snow Chain that Fits Perfectly
To choose the right snow chain you must follow a few simple criteria. First, check your vehicle’s maintenance or owner’s manual to verify it contains no warnings advising against the fitting of snow chains on your particular vehicle. Once verified, take careful note of the three measurements on the side of the tire. The first number indicates the width, the second gives you the aspect ratio (sidewall height as percentage of width) and the third denotes the diameter of the wheel expressed in inches. Then click on the Thule K-Summit Snow Chain Fitment Guide to choose the most suitable model and size for your vehicle.
.../ Thule K-Summit Low-Profile Passenger Car Snow Chain, Size K23 (Sold in pairs) / parts of the wheel of a car
- Unique external-only fit provides total alloy rim protection and eliminates mechanical interference with ABS, braking, steering or suspension components
- Patented self-tensioning and self-centering system automatically tightens the chains as you drive away
- Easy, 3-step installation process minimizes your exposure to the elements
- Ice-breaker reinforcements provide outstanding traction on icy roads
- Hand-made in Italy to exacting specifications for maximum grip and extended chain life