What are snow chains used for?
Snow chains offer exceptional traction in extreme conditions, such as deep snow or icy inclines, making them ideal for off-road and mountainous driving. Snow Chains vs Snow Tires Many manufacturers don’t recommend driving above 30 mph with snow chains installed, so they aren’t ideal for everyday use on passenger vehicles. If you drive with them on dry roads, they can also damage your tires or car.For decades, metallic snow chains remained the standard, particularly in mountainous regions. However, their design came with several drawbacks: heavy weight, difficult installation, high noise levels, and the risk of damaging roads, tires, and vehicle components.Recommended maximum speeds in the owners’ manual of the chains – generally 30 to 50 km/h (20 to 30 mph) – maximum. Driving on dry roads with chains for extended periods of time. Driving on dry roads with chains can cause a vehicle to slide when braking. Driving on dry roads with chains will rapidly wear the chains.The maximum recommended speed is 30mph. A gentle driving style is essential when using snow chains. Excessive acceleration and hard braking will put too much pressure on snow chains and may cause them to snap.Chains of the wrong size or which are improperly installed can damage your vehicle’s brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Therefore, when installing snow chains, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and mount them as tightly possible. Drive slowly with chains installed, staying under 30 km/h (20 mph).
What type of snow chains are best?
Heavy-duty link chains are the top pick for frequent travel on ice or unplowed roads, but cable chains can be a more convenient option for light to moderate snowfall. The larger the vehicle and longer the journey the wiser it is to choose a chain over a sock because chains give more traction and are harder wearing (i. The same applies if it’s icy – socks do not perform well on ice.
When should you not use snow chains?
There are situations where snow chains should not be used. Use the checklist below and the referenced guides to keep your vehicle, chains, and roads safe. Dry or clear roads: Avoid chains on bare pavement—they can wear out quickly and affect handling. See why not to use chains on dry pavement. Front-wheel drive vehicles should put chains on the front tires. This is because the front tires are responsible for steering and braking. If the front tires lose traction, it can be difficult to steer and stop the vehicle. Rear-wheel drive vehicles should put chains on the rear tires.Fit snow chains Even if chains were not required when you entered the parking area, you should fit them after you park, as conditions can change quickly. It’s easier to do this straight away, while the weather is clear.Here are some general guidelines: Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) Vehicles: For most 2WD vehicles, it is recommended to use tire chains on both of the drive wheels. This typically means putting chains on the two front tires for front-wheel-drive vehicles and on the two rear tires for rear-wheel-drive vehicles.Tire chains are typically not required on all 4 wheels. Front-wheel-drive vehicles must put snow chains on their front tires, and rear-wheel-drive vehicles must put them on their rear axle.Snow chains will not cause damage if they are mounted correctly on the majority of wheel types. However, larger-diameter alloy wheels may sustain some superficial damage depending on the brand of chains you fit.
Is it worth buying snow chains?
They provide increased traction. Deep snow and ice may cause tires to slip, but chains bite into this slick surface, allowing for better control. Snow chains are generally less expensive than snow tires and are a one-time purchase. Matching the right tires to the right season When the seasonal temperature falls below 7 °C (46 °F), it’s time to switch to winter tires. Winter tires perform well in all cold weather conditions, ranging from snow and ice to wet and cold dry roads.The 7 7 rule for tires provides a simple temperature guideline for timing your seasonal tire changes. Install winter tires when daily temperatures drop to 7°C (45°F) or below for seven consecutive days. Remove them in spring after seven straight days above 7°C.Thus, as temperatures start to consistently drop below 45°F, if you’re planning to use a winter tire, it’s time to change over. Accordingly, many people in the US have long used a rule of thumb of using winter or snow tires from Thanksgiving to Tax Day – basically, November to April.While a set of all-season tires can offer some traction in light snow and the occasional winter storm, they’re not designed for deep snow, ice, and cold weather (when temperatures stay below ~45º F).If you leave them on too late, your winter tires will degrade quickly. So, when is the right time to swap? The rule of thumb is 7-for-7: wait until there are seven consistent days at 7 degrees Celsius.
Is it hard to install snow chains?
Putting snow chains on your vehicle is not the easiest thing to do, but once you’ve done it for the first time, the mystery will be gone & you’ll be able to bore everybody down the pub with your new-found skill. The chain packaging will state which tires it fits, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice in the shop. The number of snow chains you need depends on your vehicle’s drivetrain. For most vehicles, fitting snow chains to just the drive wheels is sufficient. For front-wheel-drive cars, this means two chains on the front tyres, while rear-wheel-drive vehicles require two chains on the rear tyres.Snow tires are a vital safety feature for winter driving and can be more effective than chains in many conditions. They provide better handling and shorter stopping distances on cold, snowy, or icy roads, ensuring you have the control you need when it matters most.What about tyre chains? Even with winter tyres, you’ll still need to employ chains.
Do snow chains work on ice?
Snow chains, or tire chains, are devices fitted to the tires of vehicles to provide increased traction when driving through snow and ice. Because winter tires are made specifically for snow, ice, and slushy conditions, driving year-round on snow tires is not recommended: Snow tires have an aggressive tread not designed for added mileage. All season tires are made to endure warmer temperatures and therefore last longer.With only two winter tyres, you’ll experience an imbalance in grip levels between your front and rear wheels, which could cause you to lose control of your car. If you only run winter tyres on your front wheels in wintery conditions, the rear-end of your car will have less grip in wet or icy conditions.When driving in winter conditions, including ice and snow, staying in control and on the road is the top priority that starts with equal traction on all four tires. Installing snow tires on just the front or back of your vehicle won’t do the job, and could put you and your family in danger.