What is Anti-Scratch Traction Aid?
The Anti-Scratch Traction Aid (ASTA) system was developed as a product to enhance tire traction while also protecting surfaces - including drive ways, sidewalks, lawns, etc.
What are the advantages of the ASTA system?
While most conventional chains can tear up or scratch paved surfaces and lawns, ASTA rubber bars will provide traction while preserving your surfaces. You can drive around on driveways, sidewalks, lawns, etc without scratching them. You can also park your lawn tractor in your garage or shed without removing the chains or worrying that they will damage the floor.
Do the ASTA chains provide as much traction as conventional chains?
You will find that the ASTA chains actually improve traction in many conditions because of the better traction qualities of rubber (why are our tires made of rubber instead of steel in the first place?). ASTA chains can also be used year round in mud and wet grass with much less surface damage than conventional chains. The only conditions that ASTA chains have been known to struggle with is deep, heavy, wet snow. See our customer feedback for an experience with this.
How long have these chains been in development?
The Anti-Scratch Traction Aid was originally developed in 1987. In 1997, Hemler Manufacturing bought the product and continued to develop it and enlarge the client base. In 2008 they began retailing the product online. Before that, all chains were sold wholesale to dealers who then sold them to customers. You can find a list of these dealers on the dealers page. In 2010, the product rights and development equipment were purchased by J. Esh Manufacturing. We continue to work hard to make a quality product that will fit your needs as a customer.
Can I speak with someone at ASTA traction?
We would love to hear from you. You can call us or send us an email. You'll find the phone numbers and a contact form on the contact page.
Can I contact other people who use the ASTA system?
Since it's inception in 1987, ASTA Traction has been providing tire chains to many happy customers. If you would like to speak to a third party about our product, check out our dealer list. Before 2008, all ASTA products were sold by dealers only, so that's a good place to look for referrals.
How do I purchase these chains?
Start on our tire chains page. On the right side of the page you will see a list of available tire sizes and the price for a set of chains for that size. Simply choose your tire size from the drop down menu near the bottom left corner of the page, select how many sets you need, and click the "buy now" button.
Is it safe to buy ASTA chains online?
ASTA Traction is very concerned about your security, and we have taken every precaution to make your transaction safe and painless. Your checkout process is secured VIA SSL, the industry standard for data encryption. What this means is that hackers will not be able to steel your personal information while it's being sent to the online server from this site. If you prefer, you can call us at (717) 983-0123 and we will process your payment for you directly through our merchant account.
How can I pay for my chains?
We accept Visa, American Express, Discover, and Mastercard. Your information is protected by industry standard 128 bit SSL encryption. In other words, your credit card information is coded so that no one can steal it while it is en route between your computer and ours. You can also send us a check or money order; however, your purchase will not ship until payment is received. You will be provided with a mailing address when your order is complete.
What types of payment do you accept?
We accept personal check or money order as well as all major credit cards including Visa, American Express, Mastercard, and Discover.
How do I find my tire size?
Your tire size is printed on the side of the tire. We have also put together a short video to help you find you tire size.
How long will it take for my chains to arrive?
Delivery time will vary somewhat depending on when you order your tire. If you order during our off season, we will usually ship it within two business days. During the fall and winter months, we usually ship within five days, but it may take up to seven days to fill your order. Your order will arrive 3 to 5 business days after it is shipped, depending on your location.
How do I install my tire chains?
Installation instructions can be found on our tire installation page.
