Snow Chains Can Save Your Life—But Only If You Use Them the Right Way
If you live in an area that is prone to extreme winter weather, then having a set of snow chains in your vehicle can be a life saver (don't forget a car emergency kit either). Snow chains wrap around the drive wheels of your vehicle, so you can get started more easily and stop faster when driving on snow and ice. Snow chains will only help you if you install them correctly. Installing chains incorrectly or in the wrong road conditions could do costly damage to your tires and vehicle (which can be especially painful if you just invested in new snow tires). We talked to Paul Knoll of ExtremeTerrain, a company that sells off-road accessories for vehicles, for help with how to put on snow chains.
When Should I Use Snow Chains?
You should use snow chains only when roads become snow-packed or ice-covered, according to Knoll. “You can tell it’s time to use snow chains when you see snow piling up between your tire tracks, or when it’s difficult for your vehicle to get some momentum, or when driving through an untreated mountain road,” he says.
Your local department of transportation will also often put out alerts for when you should use snow chains. DOTs in states that experience a lot of snowfall, such as Colorado and Utah, may require drivers by law to have certain tire traction devices to drive on the road. You might also see highway signs in higher mountainous areas where tire chains are required.
Never use snow chains when driving on exposed pavement, dry or wet, as they can damage your tires along with the road.
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How to Put Chains on Tires
If you’re learning how to put snow chains on tires, then it's best to practice at home in dry weather. Putting chains on tires for the first time at the side of the road when it's snowing can be really challenging.
- Pull your car as far off the road as you safely can without getting stuck, then turn on your hazard lights. “It’s a good idea to put on snow chains before it becomes a problem, before you actually get stuck,” Knoll says.
- Lay out each set of chains so that they’re flat without any kinks or twists in them.
- Tire chain installation instructions can vary slightly from model to model, so make sure to check the manufacturer’s installation instructions before getting started.
- Pull the chains up and drape them over the tire, letting the chains fall loosely over each side of the wheel. Make adjustments until the chains hang evenly over the tire. It’s crucial that you make sure the hook side of the chain is pointing outward to prevent damage to the tire. Secure the inside link before the outside link, then tighten them as tightly as possible.
- Secure the chains by hooking them together at the top of the wheel.
- Drive the vehicle forward to expose the section of tire that doesn’t have chains attached to it yet.
- Pull the chinas up over the uncovered part of the tire and connect the chains. “Secure the inside link before the outside link, then tighten them as tightly as possible,” Knoll says.
- Repeat with the remaining wheels. Make sure the chains are aligned on the tires, then slowly drive forward so the chains tighten around the tires. “After driving, make a brief stop to recheck the tightness of the chains, as they tend to loosen when in motion,” Knoll advises.
Related: DIY Ice Melt: How to Make Homemade De-Icer Spray for Walkways and Windshields
Do I Need to Put Chains on All Four Tires?
You usually don't need to put snow chains on all four wheels. “As a general rule, it is usually recommended that the snow chains be fitted only to the drive wheels,” Knoll says. “This means the front tires for cars with a front-wheel drive system or the rear tires for vehicles with a rear-wheel drive system.” There are some four-wheel drive vehicles that require chains on all four wheels, so it’s best to check vehicle specifications, Knoll says.
Driving Tips With Snow Chains
Your car performs differently when driving with snow chains, so you need to alter the way you drive.
- Speed is key when driving with snow chains. Don’t drive over 30 miles per hour as doing so could damage your tires. “You also need to treat your tires with care, particularly when it comes to acceleration, braking, and turning,” Knoll says.
- While driving over patches of exposed pavement with chains is okay, you should remove the chains as soon as you hit clear road to avoid damaging the tires.
- If you think a chain has fallen off, stop your car immediately—driving with a broken chain can do a lot of damage to your car.
- Drive conservatively. Leave ample space between you and the car in front of you, take turns slowly and avoid quick stops or accelerations that can cause you to lose traction and control of the vehicle.
Related: How Long Do Winter Tires Last? Key Signs You Need New Snow Tires
Do I Need Chains if I Have Snow Tires?
You may still need chains if you have snow tires to drive in mountainous areas in severe winter weather where they are required. “Snow tires offer improved traction, but when you're dealing with ice, you need the mechanical grip of chains that regular tires cannot provide,” Knoll says.
Can Snow Chains Damage Tires?
It is possible to damage tires with snow chains but only if you use them incorrectly. “If the chains are loose, they may slap against the tire and wheel well, resulting in uneven tire wear or suspension damage,” Knoll says. You can also damage them by driving too quickly with them on or by driving with them on dry roads.
Related: How to Salt Your Driveway to Keep Pets and Plants Safe
Do I Need Snow Chains if I Have All-Wheel or Four-Wheel Drive?
While a car or truck with all-wheel or four-wheel drive is better equipped to drive in snow, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should skip the chains. “Four-wheel drive and snow tires are definitely a help, but they don’t necessarily eliminate the need for chains,” Knoll says. “In severe weather, even in areas where chain restrictions are in place, four-wheel drive and snow tires may be insufficient.” Local laws may also require snow chains even if you have four-wheel drive.
How Do I Store My Snow Chains?
After removing the snow chains, make sure they’re dry before putting them away. It’s also a good idea to spray them lightly with a lubricant, such as WD-40, which will protect them from rust. Store your chains in your vehicle during the winter, so you’re prepared. “A tip that sometimes gets overlooked is to have gloves, a light, and a small kneeler with you when installing snow chains,” Knoll says. “Doing so means that you can prepare for cold, dark, and messy conditions.”