What are the advantages of using snow chains in winter?
If you don’t have a four-wheel drive vehicle, then snow on the highway can pose an increased risk to your safety on the roads. Of course, not everyone drives a four-wheel drive car, has snow tires, or fits tire chains regularly, but they’re an essential part of road safety during the winter months if you’re planning on driving anywhere that gets frequent snowfalls. In some states like Colorado, chain laws affect a specific type of vehicle like commercial vehicles.
In the following article, we’ll take a closer look at snow chains and how to fit them! If you plan on driving in the snow, then they should be in your vehicle at all times!
Different Types of Snow Chains
- Diamond Snow Chains – These are the traditional type of tire chains. They have metal links strung together in a diamond shape. They’re best for heavy snowfalls.
- Cable Snow Chains – These are lighter than traditional ones. They feature a lightweight steel chain that’s linked together with a spaced-out cable. They’re best for medium snowfalls.
- Alternative Snow Chains – These include snow socks that are made of a thick fabric. They offer increased traction and less noise than others These are best for light snowfalls or very occasional use.
What Are the Benefits of Snow Chains?
- Some will help you avoid accidents in the snow by providing better traction.
- They’re fast and easy to install.
- Better traction allows for more control and prevents sliding off the road.
- Effective during cold winter conditions.
How To Use and Fit Them to Your Vehicle!
- First, establish if your vehicle is front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive.
- Place the chains on the ground in front of the drive wheels.
- If your chains have a tensioning system, ensure it’s on the outside of the tire.
- Slowly roll your vehicle onto the snow chains, stopping in the middle.
- Carefully connect all fasteners on your snow chains.
- Unless you have self-tightening chains, now tension them up.
- Run your hands back and forth over the top of the wheels to make sure there are no obstructions.
Bonus Tips
Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the maximum speed while driving on them. Most recommend a maximum speed of 30 mph while the chains are on. If you drive too fast, the chains will break and could damage your vehicle.
While driving with chains on, try to avoid any obstructions or potholes, as they could damage the them. Also, when driving with snow chains on, avoid rapid acceleration. Accelerating too quickly could cause wheel spin and a loss of traction.
We Sell Snow Chains
If that doesn’t convince you to purchase and use them this winter, we’re not sure what will! A lot of people are intimidated by fitting and using snow chains on their vehicles, but once you get used to it, then it’s really not a problem at all. At Mountain Recovery we sell and install snow chains for semi trucks and commercial vehicles that travel the I-70 mountain corridor in Colorado.
If you have been involved in any automotive accident in Eagle County or Summit County, Colorado, Mountain Recovery is only a phone call away at 970-476-1124. We operate 24/7, 365 days a year, to keep you moving and help get your vehicle back on the road.Bottom of Form
