If you work in or drive through areas where there is a possibility of icy or snowy roads, it is extremely important to have and properly use snow tire chains. There are two general types of snow chains. The first type are snow chains that wrap around the tire. The second type are devices that swing the chains under the tire as you drive. No matter the type, snow tire chains keep you safe and improve your ability to drive in sleet, snow, slush and ice.
Even if you don’t expect to have to use tire chains often, it is extremely important to have them handy just in case. Some state governments even require drivers to keep tire chains in their trunk in the event road conditions become dangerous.
Just as the name suggests, snow chains are any system of chain that’s designed to cover a tire or wheel set-up in order to offer better traction in the snow. Specifically, snow chains are used on snow, but they are also effective automotive accessories for travel on ice, or any frozen surface.
How do snow chains work?
Snow chains are able to dig into frozen surfaces more so than even a quality snow tire. Even studded tires lack the ability to maintain steering and braking like tires with snow chains. They cannot be driven on at high speeds, but in weather bad enough to require snow chains, high speed travel is not recommended. One tip that’s often given in regards to snow chains is to be sure to mount them before they’re needed. In other words, when the roadways just start to become snow covered, it’s a good time to put them on. All too often, people will wait until the snow is already piled high before fitting their tires with chains, and that can be too late.
