As winter sets in, and the mercury drops below freezing, roads become slippery, challenging, and dangerous for drivers. One of the oldest yet most effective solutions for safe winter driving has been snow chains or tire chains, which are still an important accessory for those venturing into snowy and icy conditions.
This means that knowing the importance of tire chains and how to use them to the best effect can determine the difference between a safe journey and a harrowing ordeal for drivers in severe winter weather regions. Everything here-from the basics of tire chains to tips on choosing, installing, and making the most of them-is covered.
Tire chains are otherwise known as tire chains or tire cables. They are sets of metal links that go over the tires of vehicles for them to have grip on icy or snow-laden roads. They are not any different from creating additional friction between the tire and road surfaces. The vehicle now gains greater traction and decreases its likelihood of slippage. There are designs which go back to the days of link chain, then into cables, and finally modern self-tightening types which provide great performance.
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When to Use Snow Chains
Tire chains are particularly for heavy winter conditions with deep snow, ice, and mountainous regions where road surfaces are fully covered. Here’s when you should use these chains:
Heavy Snow
Areas of deep snow make your car stable while offering better grip with other measures of safety that have failed.
Snow chains are most effective in deep snow or on icy surfaces. They can help prevent slipping and improve acceleration and braking.
Mountain Roads
When you are passing over mountainous or high-altitude areas, you need to take tire chains in almost every area to avoid the hazards caused by the steep slippery roads.
Icy Roads
They are very effective in the ice. They assist the driver to maintain his grip over the road and chances of accidents are reduced considerably.
Here are instructions on how to put on your winter chains, and tips for driving with them on your tires. If you still don’t own them, you can buy them in car accessories online shop.
Most roads where chains are required will be clearly marked to state that chains are required. Always check the local regulation, as some areas are very strict on when and how tire chains can be used.
