Snow chains, also known as tire chains, are essential tools for drivers who frequently encounter heavy snow and icy road conditions. These devices wrap around the tires of a vehicle to provide maximum traction, allowing the wheels to grip surfaces that would otherwise be too slippery for standard or even winter tires. Understanding how to select, install, and drive with snow chains is a vital skill for ensuring safety during the winter months.
This guide provides a straightforward overview of everything you need to know about snow chains. We will cover the different types available, how to find the correct size for your vehicle, and the step-by-step process for putting them on. By following these practical tips, you can navigate winter weather with confidence and keep yourself and others safe on the road.
When Should You Use Snow Chains?
Snow chains are not intended for use on dry pavement or roads with only a light dusting of snow. Using them on clear roads can damage both your tires and the road surface itself. They are specifically designed for deep snow, packed snow, or thick ice where standard tire treads cannot find purchase.
In many mountainous regions, local authorities may implement “chain requirements” during heavy storms. This means that by law, you must have chains installed on your vehicle to proceed past certain checkpoints. Even if you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, carrying a set of chains is often a legal requirement in these areas during the winter season.
If you feel your vehicle beginning to slide or lose traction despite driving slowly, it is time to pull over safely and install your chains. It is always better to put them on before you get stuck rather than trying to install them while your vehicle is already stranded in a snowbank.
Understanding the Different Types of Snow Chains
There are several varieties of traction aids available, each suited for different vehicles and driving needs. Choosing the right type depends on your car’s clearance and how often you expect to use them.
Link Chains
These are the most traditional form of snow chains, consisting of heavy-duty metal links. They offer the best traction on thick ice and deep snow but require more space between the tire and the vehicle’s wheel well. They are highly durable and long-lasting.
Cable Chains
Instead of thick links, these use steel cables wrapped in metal coils. Cable chains are much thinner than link chains, making them ideal for modern cars with limited “S-clearance” (low space between the tire and the car body). They provide a smoother ride but may not be as durable as link chains.
Snow Socks
Snow socks are made of a high-grip fabric that fits over the tire like a sleeve. They are very easy to install and work well for short distances or emergency situations. However, they wear out quickly if used on roads that are not fully covered in snow.
Automatic Snow Chains
Usually found on commercial vehicles or emergency trucks, these are permanently mounted systems. With the flip of a switch, they deploy small lengths of chain under the tires while the vehicle is moving. These are rarely used for standard passenger cars due to their cost and complexity.
How to Find the Right Size for Your Tires
Snow chains are not a one-size-fits-all product. You must purchase a set that specifically matches the dimensions of your tires to ensure they stay secure and do not damage your vehicle’s suspension or braking lines.
To find your tire size, look at the sidewall of your tire for a series of numbers that look like this: 225/45 R17. You will need all three parts of this code:
- Tire Width: The first number (e.g., 225) indicates the width in millimeters.
- Aspect Ratio: The second number (e.g., 45) is the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width.
- Rim Diameter: The final number (e.g., 17) is the diameter of the wheel in inches.
When shopping for chains, check the packaging or the manufacturer’s website to ensure your specific tire code is listed. If the chains are too loose, they can fly off; if they are too tight, they may snap or be impossible to install.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Snow Chains
Installing snow chains can be difficult in the cold and wind, so it is highly recommended to practice in your driveway or a dry garage before you actually need them. Follow these steps for a successful installation:
- Identify the drive wheels: Install chains on the wheels that receive power from the engine. For front-wheel-drive cars, put them on the front tires. For rear-wheel-drive, put them on the back. For AWD/4WD, check your owner’s manual for recommendations.
- Lay out the chains: Untangle the chains and lay them flat on the ground next to the tire. Ensure the hooks and fasteners are facing outward, away from the tire.
- Drape the chain: Pick up the chain and drape it over the top of the tire. Make sure it is centered and hanging evenly down both sides of the tire.
- Move the vehicle: Slowly drive the car forward or backward about two to three feet. This allows the part of the tire that was touching the ground to be exposed so you can finish the connection.
- Connect the fasteners: Fasten the inner connection (behind the tire) first, then fasten the outer connection. Pull the chain as tight as possible by hand.
- Tighten and re-check: Many chains come with a tensioning device. If yours did not, you may need to purchase separate rubber tensioners to keep the chains snug.
After driving about a quarter-mile, stop the car in a safe place and check the chains again. They often loosen slightly as they settle into place, and you may need to tighten the fasteners one more time.
Driving Tips When Using Snow Chains
Driving with snow chains requires a different approach than normal winter driving. Because you are essentially driving on metal, your vehicle will handle differently.
Maintain a slow speed: Most manufacturers recommend a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour (50 km/h). Driving faster can cause the chains to break, which can result in significant damage to your wheel wells and fenders.
Avoid sudden movements: Accelerate slowly to prevent your wheels from spinning, which can snap the chains. Similarly, brake gently and well in advance of stops to avoid skidding.
Listen for unusual noises: If you hear a loud slapping sound, pull over immediately. This usually means a chain has come loose or a link has broken. A loose chain can wrap around your axle or brake lines, causing a dangerous mechanical failure.
Turn off traction control: In some vehicles, the traction control system may interfere with the way chains grip the snow. Check your vehicle’s manual to see if you should disable this feature when chains are in use.
Maintenance and Storage
Snow chains are an investment in your safety, and proper care will make them last for many seasons. Road salt is highly corrosive to metal, so maintenance is crucial after every use.
Once you have removed the chains and reached a clear area, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove salt and grime. Dry them completely before storing them in their carrying case; storing wet chains will lead to rust, which weakens the metal links.
Inspect your chains periodically for worn-down links or frayed cables. If you notice that the metal links have worn down by more than half of their original thickness, it is time to replace the set.
Conclusion
Snow chains are a vital safety tool for anyone driving in harsh winter climates. By choosing the right size, practicing installation before the snow falls, and driving with caution, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with icy roads. Always remember to check local weather reports and road requirements before starting your journey.
For more practical advice on staying safe this season, explore our other articles on Winter Car Maintenance and How to Build a Vehicle Emergency Kit at SearchAndHelp.com.