Complete Snow Chain Guide

In many parts of the US, it could be getting quite snowy by the time December rolls around. The snowy weather could mean being stuck in the house in some areas. If you are in a remote location or on non-paved roads, a layer of snow could mean you are stuck where you are until it melts. If getting paved out isn’t an option, you might consider investing in snow chains. 

Snow chains are a great option for your vehicle if you commonly experience inclement weather, but make sure to do your research before purchasing. Snow chains can be dangerous to you and other drivers if not used properly, and certain areas even have laws regarding snow chains. Check out these commonly asked questions about snow chains to see if they are right for you. 

How Do Snow Chains Work?

Snow chains help vehicles gain better traction on the road while driving in snow or ice. They help prevent skidding while driving and help a vehicle whose tires are ‘spinning’ while stuck in the snow. In addition, these chains help cut through snow and ice to get a better handle on the road.

Snow chains also come in different materials, such as metal or plastic. Metal is more durable and robust than plastic, but they are tougher to transport. Plastic chains are easier to transport and install. Even snow cables are made of steel and act similarly to regular snow chains, but similar to plastic chains, they are not as durable as metal.

How to Put on Snow Chains

Installing snow chains will be different for everyone depending on their vehicle, tires, and types of chains they buy. However, most snow chains will come with instructions on installing them, which you should follow closely to prevent accidents. Also, check out your vehicle’s handbook to see if it has specific instructions on which tires to put the chains on. If not installed properly, snow chains can damage your car and be a hazard. 

Many will follow a similar installation process if your snow chains do not come with instructions. First, make sure your car is off and in park, then lay your chains flat on the ground beside your tire. Next, lay the chains over the top of the tire and center them. Chains that have V-bars should be facing outwards toward the road. Finally, connect the fasteners at the ends of the chain together. 

If your fasteners do not reach, lay them out away from the tire and move your car forward slightly to get them in a better position. Drive slowly and do not run over the fasteners, as you could damage them. Then, fasten the chain on both sides. If there are options for tightening your chains, be sure to do that. 

How Fast Can You Drive With Snow Chains 

When driving with snow chains, it can be assumed that road and weather conditions are not very safe. So, it is important to always express caution on the road, especially when they are icy and snowy. Additionally, you cannot assume you are the only driver on the road. Other vehicles may not have snow chains and may not even have snow tires of four-wheel drive. Therefore, be sure to drive at or under the speed limit. 

The speed limit on main roads can be relatively high, so we recommend never going over about 30 miles per hour while driving with snow chains on. Snow chains are meant for snowy/icy conditions, so no one on the road should be rushing anyway.

How Many Snow Chains Do I Need?

For drivers with a normal four-wheeled vehicle, you do not need to have snow chains on every single tire. What is important is to make sure you put chains on the tires with ‘drive’. So, if you have a two-wheel-drive vehicle, make sure the chains go on wheels with drive power to prevent spinning - we want the wheels with power to be able to pull the vehicle out of snow and ice.

Do Snow Chains Work on Ice? 

The short answer is yes! Snow chains do work on ice. Driving on ice and snow are dangerous conditions where your vehicle can slip, slide, and get stuck. Snow chains provide the same function regardless, which is to help tires grip the road since their surface is smooth. As always, be careful about how long to keep your snow chains on when on ice. If you start driving on an ice-free road, pull over to a safe location and remove them.

Driving in the snow and ice should be avoided when possible. However, ensure your vehicle is prepared to be out in harsh conditions when you can’t avoid being on the roads. Buy a new set of winter tires for your car, pack your ice scraper, and decide if snow chains are suitable for you. 

Happy holidays and safe driving!