Are Car Snow Chains Useful?
2 Answers
Car snow chains are useful. However, different types of chains offer varying levels of anti-slip performance. For large trucks, iron chains are the best choice when the road is icy and slippery, while rubber chains are more suitable for private cars. Snow chains are typically made of steel or rubber, featuring a simple principle, easy installation, and strong practicality. Based on their structure, snow chains can be divided into two types: one is pre-connected into a cover-like shape, and the other consists of several separate chains installed in a cross pattern. The latter is simpler and cheaper but less convenient to install compared to the former. It is best to install snow chains before setting out on a trip, rather than waiting until encountering icy or snowy roads. Stopping to install chains temporarily is more troublesome and less safe than installing them in advance. Before installation or removal, park the vehicle in a safe area. If on a busy road, necessary traffic warning signs should be set up.
As a seasoned driver who just navigated snowy roads in Northeast China last winter, I can attest that snow chains are absolutely essential. Especially on compacted snow forming slippery surfaces where regular tires lose grip, fitting chains instantly makes all four wheels feel like they've grown claws to firmly bite into the ground. My front-wheel-drive sedan, which previously struggled with wheelspin on inclines, managed to climb a 30-degree steep slope steadily after chain installation. However, remember these aren't all-weather equipment - they must be removed immediately when encountering asphalt roads to prevent damage to both chains and tires. Carrying iron or rubber chains is crucial for long journeys, particularly when traversing mountain passes or rural roads in snowy conditions where last-minute purchases are impossible.
