What Are Snow Chains? A Complete Guide for Drivers

Metal links you put on your tires – that’s what snow chains are in simple terms. They give your car grip on ice and deep snow when regular tires just can’t handle it.

Driving in winter can be scary. Your wheels spin and slide on slick roads. You need something to bite into the snow. That’s where these tire tools come in.

They are not for every winter day. You use them when the weather gets really bad. They are a safety item for tough conditions.

Many places with mountains even make you carry them by law. It’s a rule to keep everyone safe on steep, snowy roads.

What Are Snow Chains and How Do They Work?

Let’s break it down. What are snow chains, really? They are webs of metal links.

You fit them over your drive wheels. The chains wrap around the tire’s tread. They sit between your rubber and the road.

When you drive, the metal bites down. It digs into ice and packed snow. This gives you traction to move forward and stop.

Think of it like cleats on a football shoe. A normal shoe slips on grass. Cleats dig in so the player can run. What are snow chains for your car? They are the cleats for your tires.

Without them, your tire rubber is too smooth on ice. It just slides. The chain links provide hundreds of little edges to grip.

The Federal Highway Administration talks about winter traction devices. They explain how these tools increase safety.

So, what are snow chains in action? They are your lifeline when the plow hasn’t come yet and you need to get home.

When Should You Use Snow Chains?

You don’t need them for a dusting of snow. You need them for serious winter weather.

Use them when roads have deep, unpacked snow. Use them on icy hills or mountain passes. Use them when your car feels loose and slidey.

Some states put up signs. The signs say “Chains Required” or “Traction Devices Mandatory.” When you see that sign, you must put them on.

If you are driving to a ski resort, plan for it. Mountain roads often need chains. Check the road conditions before you go.

What are snow chains for if not for a blizzard? They are perfect for that. Heavy snowfall that builds up fast is a key time to use them.

Also use them if you have summer tires on. Those tires are terrible in cold weather. Chains can help in a pinch until you get proper winter tires.

Remember, they are for low speeds. You typically drive under 30 miles per hour with chains on. They are for getting through a bad patch, not for a highway cruise.

The Main Types of Snow Chains

Not all chains are the same. The classic style is the ladder chain. It looks like a ladder made of steel links.

These run across the tread in straight lines. They are strong and work well. They can be a bit bumpy to drive on, though.

Another common type is the cable chain. These use steel cables instead of thick links. They are lighter and often easier to put on.

Cable chains are less bulky. They give a smoother ride than ladder chains. They are good for cars with little space between the tire and wheel well.

Then you have diamond-pattern chains. These have a web or net design that covers more of the tire. They offer great traction and can be more durable.

Some newer options are like textile socks or spray-on traction. But when people ask “what are snow chains?” they usually mean the metal kind.

The FHWA Winter Road Maintenance site discusses different traction aids. It’s a good resource for official info.

How to Put Snow Chains On Your Tires

This seems hard, but it’s not. First, find a safe spot to pull over. Get completely off the road.

Lay the chains out flat in front of the tire. Make sure no links are twisted. Drape them over the top of the tire tread.

Then drive forward slowly so the tire rolls onto the chains. Stop when about two-thirds of the tire is on top of the chains.

Now get out and hook the ends together on the inside of the tire. This is the tricky part. You have to reach behind the tire.

Next, hook the outside fasteners. Make sure everything is tight and secure. There should be little slack.

Some chains have a tensioner system. You pull it to take up extra chain. A tight fit is important so the chains don’t slap and break.

Drive about 100 feet, then stop and check the tightness again. They often loosen a bit after first use. Re-tighten them if needed.

The Big Benefits of Using Snow Chains

The number one benefit is safety. They stop you from getting stuck. They help you brake on ice.

They give you control when you might have none. This peace of mind is huge when driving in a storm.

They are much cheaper than buying a set of winter tires. If you only face bad snow a few times a year, chains make sense.

They are compact to store. You can keep them in a bag in your trunk all winter. They don’t take up much room.

They are required in some areas. Having them means you follow the law. You avoid a fine and can keep driving when others are turned back.

What are snow chains for your confidence? A big boost. Knowing you have them lets you drive without as much fear.

They can get you out of a tough spot. If you slide off into a snowy ditch, putting chains on might give you the grip to drive out.

Common Mistakes People Make With Chains

A big mistake is putting them on the wrong wheels. They go on the drive wheels. That’s the front wheels for most cars.

Check your car’s manual if you’re not sure. Putting them on non-drive wheels does almost no good.

Another error is driving too fast. Chains have a low speed limit. Going too fast can break them and damage your car.

People also forget to tighten them. Loose chains will break. They can also wrap around your axle and cause serious damage.

Don’t wait until you’re stuck to put them on. Find a safe, flat spot. Trying to install them while already in a snowbank is much harder.

Don’t use them on bare pavement. This ruins the chains and the road. It also gives a very rough ride.

As soon as you hit clear road, pull over and take them off. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns against using chains on dry roads.

Important Safety Tips and Precautions

Practice putting them on at home first. Do it in your driveway on a dry day. You don’t want to learn in a freezing blizzard.

Always wear gloves. The metal is cold and sharp. You can cut your hands easily.

Carry a flashlight or headlamp. It gets dark early in winter. You’ll likely need to install them in low light.

Bring an old mat or piece of cardboard. Kneeling on wet, cold ground is awful. This keeps you drier.

Check your chains for damage each season. Look for broken links or worn hooks. A broken chain is useless.

Know your car’s clearance. Some cars have very little space between the tire and the car body. Make sure the chains you buy will fit.

Listen for strange noises after installing. A loud clanking means something is loose. Stop and fix it right away.

How to Care For and Store Your Snow Chains

After you use them, clean them. Rinse off the salt and road grime with water. Let them dry completely.

If you store them wet, they will rust. Rust weakens the metal. They might snap next time you need them.

You can soak them in a bucket of water to clean them. A stiff brush helps get mud out of the links.

Once dry, store them in a bag or box. Keep them in your trunk during winter. You never know when you’ll need them.

In the spring, take them out of the car. Store them in a cool, dry place like a garage shelf. Heat in your trunk over summer isn’t good for them.

Before next winter, lay them out and check again. Make sure all the fasteners work. A quick check saves panic later.

The National Weather Service Winter Safety page stresses being prepared. Part of being prepared is maintaining your gear.

Snow Chains vs. Other Winter Traction Options

Winter tires are the main other choice. They are made of soft rubber for cold weather. They have deep treads for snow.

Winter tires are great for all winter driving. But they are expensive. You need to store your other tires too.

Chains are for the worst conditions. Winter tires plus chains is the ultimate combo for deep snow.

There are also studded tires. These have metal studs in the tread. They are great on ice but are illegal in some places because they damage roads.

Traction socks are a newer option. They are fabric covers for your tires. They are easier to put on than chains but may not last as long.

So, what are snow chains compared to these? They are the heavy-duty, proven tool. They have been used for decades because they work.

For the deepest snow and steepest hills, metal chains are often the best answer. They provide the most bite when you need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions About Snow Chains

What are snow chains made of?

They are usually made of hardened steel. The links are tough to handle wear and tear. Some parts might be alloy steel for strength.

Can I use snow chains on any car?

Most cars can use them. But some with very low clearance cannot. Check your owner’s manual first. It will say if chains are okay for your model.

How fast can I drive with snow chains on?

Keep it slow. Do not go over 30 miles per hour. High speed creates heat and stress. It can cause the chains to fail.

What are snow chains required by law?

Yes, in some mountain areas. Signs will tell you. States like California and Colorado have chain control areas. You must carry or use them when signs say so.

Do I need chains for all four tires?

Usually no. Just the two drive wheels is enough. Putting them on all four can give more control, but it’s not standard. Two will get you moving and stopping.

Can chains damage my car?

They can if they break or are put on wrong. A broken chain can whip and crack a fender or brake line. That’s why proper installation and low speed are key.

Conclusion: Are Snow Chains Right For You?

So, what are snow chains in the end? They are a simple, powerful tool for winter safety.

If you live where it snows a lot, get a set. Practice putting them on. Keep them in your car from November to April.

They are not a hassle. They are cheap insurance. They might just save you from a bad accident or a long, cold night stuck in your car.

Understand what they are for. Use them when you need to, and take them off when you don’t. Follow the tips here to stay safe.

Winter driving is all about being prepared. Knowing what snow chains are and how to use them is a big part of that. Get a set, learn the steps, and drive with more confidence.