Tips for Using Snow Chains

Snow chains should be a part of every vehicle, especially if you live in cold weather climates that are prone to inclement weather. Tire performance decreases in cold weather and only the addition of chains helps gain back some of the traction when driving on ice and snow.

While knowing how to put on snow chains on is important, however, knowing which type to buy is equally so. Should you be traveling in ice-prone territory this year, be sure you have snow chains in your trunk. You never know when you’ll need them after all.

For those who are new to the process of using snow chains, here are some tips to help make sure you use your snow chains properly.

- There will be signs of corrosion or wear and tear on a chain that ran down a road without snow. For this reason you should always drive on snow or ice with chains and not hard pavement. Of course, there will be times when you are driving in snow where the chains will come in contact with the road. When this happens, just remember to slow down and take it easy.

- Improper positioning of links causes faster wear. The chain may break and damage the vehicle. The only way to avoid this problem is to train yourself to put the chains on right.

- Snow chains are important because of the safety implications. Not having them could leave you in a bad spot, especially if you do not have a car warranty.

- The objective of chains is to dig into the snow and prevent it from accumulating under the tire, which causes a loss of traction when it occurs. The equipping of a vehicle with winter tires can prevent 99% of wrecks.

- It is essential to never drive faster than 20 mph on tires fitted with snow chains. You should remove snow chains in the absence of snow, as this may damage both the wheel (tire, rim) as the vehicle itself (body).

Driving with snow chains the first time can be awkward, but the safety they provide is worth it. No car warranty will be able to provide the same protection that properly fitted snow chains can when it comes to icy roads. Be careful this winter and be sure you and your vehicle are prepared for the weather.