Do Snow Chains Damage Tires?
2 Answers
Snow chains do cause damage to tires because the force is mutual. While increasing tire traction, the adhesion coefficient between the tire and the snow chain also rises, naturally leading to tire wear. Additionally, the noise generated during driving becomes more noticeable. Snow chains are made of steel or rubber chains and serve an anti-slip function. They can be structurally categorized into two types: 1. Pre-connected cover-type snow chains; 2. Cross-installed individual snow chains. Car tires are one of the essential components of a vehicle, directly contacting the road surface and working with the car suspension to mitigate impacts during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth driving.
Every winter when I drive on mountain roads, I have to use snow chains. After using them for five or six years, I've noticed they do wear down the tires. Rubber snow chains are the gentlest, but metal chains really damage the tire sidewalls, especially when driving fast or on thin ice. The tightness during installation is crucial—too tight accelerates wear, while too loose risks the chains coming off. In deep snow, the chains wrap around completely, reducing the force on the tires. But if there's a lot of icy debris on the road, the metal chains clatter loudly and chew up the tires badly. Once, after driving 200 kilometers, I got out and saw small grooves worn into the sidewalls of my newly replaced tires. Still, compared to the risk of skidding and accidents, this wear and tear is worth it.
