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Automatic Chains: the strength of traditional chains with added comfort
The König Automatic snow chains family represents the evolution of the brand heritage towards modern times, with a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
When snow chains are needed and need to be mounted, it’s quite common that users want to have their mission accomplished in the shortest time possible and in the most comforable way.
Snow chains are intended to wrap the entire tyre tread and provide the level of traction that tyres can’t offer. To allow the chain reaching its working position, the vehicle needs to be moved to set the part of the wheel which is touching the ground free in order to establish the complete tensioning of the chain on all the entire tyre surface.
With the König automatic snow chains, products are designed to reach autonomously the proper tensioning level while driving, avoiding the second vehicle stop and subsequent manual retension.
Easy and comfortable, that’s how König describes the Automatic snow chains family. Just take a look at how they work
PRODUCT DESIGN
Common product design features
König ATC
The König ATC device is based on an elastic cord running on a system of pulleys located inside the tensioning device getting connected by the end user to the Micro-Adjust cable.As soon as the wheel rotates, the elastic recalls the Micro-Adjust cable and put the chain under tension. The more the vehicle is driven, the more the chain gets properly tightened.
Contrary to other automatic tensioning systems on the market, the König ATC working geometry is transverse versus the wheel, allowing not only a proper tensioning but also centering and balancing the chain while driving. 1 of 4
König Micro-Adjust
The micro-adjustability allows König snow chains to reach a hyper-precise tensioning level according to the different tyre sizes, tyre profiles and wheel combinations.The micro-adjustability function on traditional fitting snow chains is represented by the Micro-Adjust and locking devices paired together: the trigger of the locking device controls the sliding of the Micro-Adjust plastic cones and locks with approx 8mm snaps.
The Micro-Adjust technology provides an easy-to-handle and effective tensioning solution, 3 time more precise than the conventional tensioning chains. 2 of 4
Adjusting links
Adjusting links are connected to the front closing hook and they allow the front side of the chain to get smaller or larger to allow a more precise snow chain fit on different tyre sizes, profiles and wear levels.
3 of 4Nylon bumpers for Wheel-Shield Level 1
The König Wheel-Shield Level 1 offers a full alloy wheel protection from the typical scratches of unprotected snow chains. All the components which might get in touch with the rim are manufactured in or covered by anti-scratch composite material.Additionally side hooks are covered by a specific set of nylon bumpers which detatch side elements from the rim profile. 4 of 4
Different products = different cross-sections
According to the product, cross-sections can have different designs (simple, double traction bar, triple traction bar) and thicknesses (9mm, 10mm, 12mm, 16mm)
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Traditional fitting system with flexible cable (ground-up system)
The ground-up fitting system is based on the flexible cable sliding on the ground behind the wheel, allowing all the chain parts get connected without moving the vehicle.
1 of 1fitting process
How are Automatic snow chains mounted?
UNIQUE SELLING POINTS
Common features of the König automatic snow chains
Design based on the inner flexible cable
One of the main components of the König Automatic snow chains is the flexible cable which is designed to gain position on the inner side of the wheel, resulting not visibile when the snow chain is mounted on the wheel.
The flexible cable has the key function to allow the chain to slide on the ground, behind the tyre, during the earlier fitting operations and the connection and subsequent positioning of the inner side of the chain.
The König ATC Device
The name “ATC” is the acronym of “Automatic Tensioning and Centering” and it describes how the automatic tensioning works on König snow chains.
The device is based on the elastic properties of a linear bungee crossing the wheel and connecting the upper side chain with the lower one. When not in use, the elastic is stored into the tensioning box while, when active, it’s connected to the Micro-Adjust device through a specific link-to-hook connection.
The König Micro-Adjust means superior tensioning precision
A good tensioning system is not sufficient to deliver if not combined with a precise adjustment mechanism.
Wheel-Shield Level 1
When your vehicle comes with nice looking alloys then you do not want them to get scratched.
König strives to get the complete customer satisfaction and has addressed the alloy wheel protection topic with the Wheel-Shield system, a mix of design and technical solutions keeping your beloved wheels protected from the eventual scratches caused by unproperly fitted snow chains.
The concept behind the Wheel-Shield originates from the very basic chain size design: while guaranteeing the compatibility with muliple tyre sizes, each König snow chain is designed to favour the positioning of the chain on the tyre with respect to the rim.
The König Automatic snow chains come with the Wheel-Shield Level 1: additionally to the precise sizing allowing the side chain elements to stay on the tyre sidewall, all the components which might get in touch with the rim are manufactured in or covered by anti-scratch composite material.
Compact PE packaging
There’s an old saying “In the small barrel there is good wine” and this perfectly fits the Automatic snow chains packaging philosophy.
Thanks to the flexible cable, as the name says, the chain can be easily folded on itself when not used allowing a very compact packaging size.
Passenger cars automatic chains are packed into smaller plastic boxes which are taking the smaller room possible in the trunk.
SUV, Vans and Motorhome snow chains are packed in slightly larger boxes due to the larger chain dimensions.
Extended product range
Whether if you’re driving a passenger car, a crossover, a SUV, a Van or Motorhome, there’s a König automatic chain specifically designed for your needs.
Scroll below to find the König snow chains for the different vehicle categories and user preferences.
THE PRODUCT RANGE
Find out the König automatic snow chain fitting your needs
König XG-12 Pro
check if it fits your vehicles
Consumer snow chains configurator
The König snow chains configurator supports the selection of the most recommended snow chains for your needs, taking in consideration the vehicle, the tyre size and the eventual restrictions generated by the combination of these two.
The configurator results are based on internal tests which are regularly conducted on vehicles and tyres to ensure the best fitment is provided. If your vehicle or tyre size (or both) are not shown on our configurators, please get in touch with our service through our contact form.