Snow chains: Types, advantages, disadvantages and how to mount them step by step

Winter catches us by surprise every time and it's time to talk about snow chains. In previous years we have shown that neither drivers nor the Administration are prepared for heavy snowfall. Sometimes we forget that adverse weather conditions, low temperatures and traveling by car are a fatal cocktail.

It is important to always be prepared for certain unforeseen events, especially if we plan to make an excursion to the mountains or cross conflicting roads with snow or ice. Back in the day we already talked about the importance of wearing the right tires. Today is the turn of the chains, the ideal and necessary complement to increase the grip of the tire.

Thanks to chains, whether textile or metallic, we can shorten braking distances. They also help improve the steering of our vehicle in situations where there is snow or ice on the road.

Many times these are necessary despite equipping winter tires on our vehicle, especially if we do not drive a car with all-wheel drive. When choosing one or the other, you must know the characteristics of your car. That is, what are the dimensions and size of the tires; what are the dimensions of the tires -width, profile and measurement- or what type of traction does it have.

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This last point is very important. The chains must be mounted on the drive wheels of our car. If it is a 4×4, it depends on the type of traction, although it is advisable to mount them on all four wheels or, failing that, on the front ones. Of course, another determining factor is how much you want to spend. We are going to see what types of chains we can find on the market and what their advantages and disadvantages are.

Types of snow chains

Currently, there are several types of snow chains:

All of them are also joined by a type of spray chains. These are not chains to use, their effect is quite limited and they are not valid against the authorities, so they simply allow us to get out of a specific jam. Among all of them, the most frequent are metal chains and fabric chains. They are the ones we are going to focus on today.

The General Vehicle Regulations in Royal Decree 2822/1998 of December 23, equate winter tires with chains. It states that “when the use of chains or other authorized anti-slip devices is mandatory or recommended, said chains or anti-slip devices must be placed, at least, on the axis of the drive wheels or special tires should be used.” READ ALSO What exactly is that of the AdBlue system, the UREA and the Antipollution Additive?

traditional metal chains

They are the most used by drivers and the easiest to find on the market. These chains, which are firmly attached through tensioners located in the profile of the wheel, what they do is surround the tire tread to increase grip.

They are normally made up of interlocking steel links. They can be transverse or diamond-shaped, the latter being somewhat safer because they offer greater grip.

Advantages

These types of chains are a good option if you are a regular on snowy roads. Ideally, you should try mounting them in the garage when you buy them. It is preferable that you do not get caught hazing in full snowfall.

Disadvantages

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Textile snow chains

You may also have heard of them as "seal skin". These types of chains are based on the adherence offered by the fabric to the wet surface of the pavement when we find snow and ice on it.

Advantages

These types of chains are a good option for users who drive through snowy areas only occasionally and have little practice in assembling this type of system.

Disadvantages

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hybrid snow chains

Several years ago Michelin released chains called Easy Grip. They may be a good option for you if you just make occasional trips to the snow. This new generation of snow chains are quite easy to assemble and are made up of more than 150 metal links. They are especially recommended for vehicles with little space between the tire and the wheel arch.

The most curious thing is that they incorporate a reflective system to improve the visibility of the vehicle when driving at night. Of course, you should know that they are not especially cheap either. It all depends, of course, on where you buy them. For example, on Amazon you have them from approximately €60.

It is important to take into account and know the color-based signaling of the DGT to indicate the state of the roads. Each tone means a different intensity and the need to take a series of particular measures to avoid being sanctioned or having an accident.

Some recommendations

If you want to keep your snow chains in good condition, it is recommended that you wash them in hot water after use and dry them before storing them in a cool, dry place. At this point, you have to keep in mind that metal chains rust over time, so it doesn't hurt to put a little oil on them with your fingers after washing and drying them.

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On the other hand, you have to be aware that with the chains on you should drive at lower speeds than you would normally do, because in most cases, chain manufacturers do not recommend exceeding 50 km/h. Likewise, try to avoid sudden braking or turns.