Abstract: A pneumatic tire is provided with a central tread area circumferential groove extended thereabout and a skid chain consisting of a link chain section having opposite ends and a generally cylindrical expansion spring semi-permanently interposed between and connected to the skid chain section opposite ends, the link chain section and expansion spring being seatingly received within the groove with the convolutions of the normally closed convolution expansion spring being slightly spaced apart and the link chain section having a generally square cross sectional shape including rounded corners to enable the final segment of the link chain section to be placed within or removed from the groove to be "rolled" over the associated side area of the outer peripheral tread area of the tire.