Do 4WD Vehicles Need Snow Chains in Snowy Weather?

[DelMartin]

On general snowy roads, 4WD vehicles may not require snow chains, but they are still necessary in areas with deeper snow. The following precautions should be noted when installing and using snow chains: Drive at reduced speeds: Speed should be controlled at 40 km/h, and avoid sudden turns, rapid acceleration, or abrupt forward movements. Pay attention to the size of the snow chains: Choose snow chains that match the size of your tires—neither too large nor too small. Oversized snow chains will not provide effective traction and may detach due to wheel rotation, causing unnecessary damage. Conversely, snow chains that are too small may break under the tension and pressure from the tires. Avoid single-wheel installation: Do not install snow chains on only one tire of the same axle. Single-wheel installation can lead to uneven grip between the left and right wheels, causing skidding or fishtailing during acceleration or deceleration.

[LiamLee]

I drove in mountainous areas for over a decade, and when using a 4WD vehicle in snowy conditions, snow chains were sometimes absolutely necessary. Four-wheel drive provides better traction on snow, but on icy roads or steep slopes, it's still prone to skidding and losing control. Last heavy snowfall, I drove on mountain roads without chains and nearly slid into a ditch—fortunately, I braked in time. Honestly, it depends on snow depth and road conditions; shallow snow may only require good tires, but in deep snow or icy areas, chains provide extra friction for safety. I often remind friends to check local regulations too—some mountain areas mandate chains, with fines for non-compliance. Remember, after installing them, avoid high speeds and drive slowly to prevent accidents. Regular tire maintenance is also crucial, and switching to winter tires helps significantly. Bottom line: never underestimate weather changes—being well-prepared is always wise.

[Rosalie]

I've lived in the northeast for many years and often drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle to work in winter. Snow chains aren't mandatory in snowy conditions, but it's recommended to keep a set for emergencies. For instance, when snow exceeds 10 centimeters or the road is slippery, relying solely on four-wheel drive isn't stable enough—chains can quickly enhance traction. Once during a heavy snowstorm at rush hour without chains, my car slid downhill on a slope, causing me to be late and nearly leading to an accident. Now I always keep a set in the trunk for emergencies. In the city, regular tires can handle light snow, but in suburban areas or icy sections of highways, chains are more reliable. Don't forget to check the weather forecast and traffic apps to make decisions in advance. Safety first—I always teach my kids to inspect the car before heading out, fostering good habits to prevent mishaps.

[ReedRose]

As a new driver with just over a year of experience, I once wondered whether to use snow chains when driving a 4WD vehicle in snowy conditions. My instructor taught me the basic rule: consider installing them only when there's deep snow or icy roads. The 4WD system itself aids traction, but chains provide additional control in extreme conditions. Last time on a small slope where snow had melted into ice, my car slid slightly, making me regret not having chains. Research shows tire type is crucial—snow tires perform better in cold weather than regular ones. A simple approach is to observe the road surface; if slipping occurs frequently, pull over and try installing chains. New drivers often overlook this, so practicing installation techniques is key—online tutorial videos are quite helpful. Developing a habit of checking can prevent trouble.