What you should know about snow chains
When snow piles up or ice forms thick layers on the asphalt, snow chains remain the go-to solution for every driver. Although modern technology offers lighter alternatives, such as snow socks, the solidity of steel remains an unbeatable guarantee for those who don’t want to stop even in the harshest conditions. Let’s take a look at how to fit snow chains on your car and when to use them.
Snow chains: what are they?
Snow chains are metal devices made up of a series of steel links often treated with manganese or nickel alloys to increase hardness that wrap around the tire tread. Unlike snow socks, chains work through mechanical penetration: the weight of the vehicle presses the metal links against the road surface, allowing them to “bite” into compact snow and break up layers of ice.
The most common type is the diamond-pattern snow chain, which offers excellent lateral grip and traction. Y-pattern chains, on the other hand, are recommended for those looking for quicker installation. In any case, it is the thickness of the links that determines load capacity and vehicle compatibility: generally speaking, modern cars with limited clearance between the wheel and suspension require “slim” chains of 7 or 9 mm, while SUVs and vans need thicker, more robust links.
How to put snow chains on your car
Fitting snow chains is often viewed with apprehension, but with a bit of practice it becomes a matter of just a few minutes. First, lay the chain out flat on the ground behind the drive wheel to check that there are no tangles; then pass the flexible inner cable behind the tire and hook the two ends together at the top.
At this point, bring the links around to the front of the tire and connect the outer hooks (usually color-coded to make them easier to identify). If the chains are manually tensioned, you should drive about 50–100 meters, stop, and tighten the chain again once it has settled into place. If you are using automatic tensioning chains, a spring system will keep the device snug without the need for further stops.
When to choose chains over snow socks
Although snow socks are easier to install, snow chains are the mandatory choice in certain critical situations:
• If the road is unplowed or covered by a thick sheet of ice, only the penetration of steel can guarantee vehicle control. By contrast, the fabric of snow socks would slip;
• On steep uphill or downhill alpine passes, gravity demands mechanical friction that synthetic fibers cannot sustain for long under strain;
• On mixed surfaces: chains better tolerate short stretches of wet or dirty asphalt without being instantly destroyed, unlike fabric, which tears very quickly.
In short, if you live in an area with frequent, heavy snowfall or often drive in high mountain environments, chains remain the ultimate emergency tool for your car. Keep them in your trunk at all times just in case.
