By now most drivers that have vehicles equipped with the Onspots have had the opportunity to use the system this year. Winter weather conditions have already hit in many areas of the world adding to an already demanding position for commercial drivers.
The first snow/ice storm of the season is always a relearning process especially for those who drive a vehicle equipped with the added benefit of Onspot automatic tire chains. Whether a person is new to the system or is a veteran the first engagement of the chains can fill a driver with both fascination and excitement. Many people are always amazed by the convenience and traction this simple system provides and it all comes down to maintenance.
Did you know that maintenance starts long before the winter season? In fact, depending on what is done with the system during the off season determines the maintenance involved. Overall there are three proven methods to properly maintaining the system.
#1. One way to maintain the your Onspot is to simply remove the chain unit assemblies leaving behind only the mounting bracket and all associated hardware attached to the vehicle. In this case you can “bench” the system checking all components, greasing pivot points, and making any adjustments or replace parts as needed.
#2. The second method to maintenance the system is to just remove the chain wheels. This easy process involves the removal of one nut/bolt and pulling the fuse to the system so the system cannot be operated. This will take the weight of the chain wheel (on average 10 to 12 lbs.) from the end of the arms saving unnecessary wear and tear on the arm pivot points.
#3. A third way to maintain the Onspot is to simply leave the system on all year. In this case it is important to engage the system from time to time even in the off season which will keep the system “exercised”.
There is a fourth method recently started by our customers and is becoming increasing popular and that is to replace the chain wheel with a blank wheel.
This blank wheel method involves the removal of the chain wheel and replacing it with a wheel that does not have a chain plate bolted to it. This process combines both the second and third method of maintenance and has two main advantages. One is that you now can leave the system on all year and activate it at any time. This allows you to observe the operation of the system, checking the angles and height of operation. The second is the weight of the chain plate is gone and so is the sound of the chains.
To learn more about proper maintenance of the Onspot system follow the link below……
