Do Snow Tires Require Anti-Slip Chains?
3 Answers
Snow tires do not require the addition of anti-slip chains, but chains can be installed in very thick snow conditions in the wild. Winter roads are full of potential hazards. To ensure that tires maintain good traction and handling performance on winter roads and to guarantee the safety of your driving journey, switching to snow tires is highly necessary. Snow tires are specifically designed for use in snowy conditions, enhancing a vehicle's passability and safety on icy and snowy roads. Anti-slip chains are generally made of steel or rubber and serve to prevent slipping. Based on their structure, they can be divided into two types: one is a pre-connected chain cover, and the other consists of several separate chains installed in a cross pattern.
I've been driving in the north for over twenty years and always use winter tires in the winter. Winter tires have deep treads and strong grip, providing stability on regular snow-covered roads without the need for snow chains. However, there are exceptions, such as after a blizzard when the ground is covered in black ice or on steep slopes where the risk of tire slippage is high. In these cases, temporarily adding snow chains can provide an extra layer of safety. Snow chains can be a bit troublesome to use, requiring time to install and remove, and you also need to be careful not to drive too fast. Overall, winter tires are great for everyday anti-slip needs, and chains are only necessary as a temporary backup in extreme conditions. Regular tire maintenance, checking tire pressure, and ensuring sufficient tread depth make driving safer and more worry-free.
As a parent who often drives my kids to and from school, I find winter tires are generally sufficient. After switching to winter tires, the braking distance is significantly shorter, and there's less slipping on icy roads in residential areas and urban streets, so I usually don't bother with snow chains. However, in mountainous or hilly areas, such as when heading to ski resorts where the roads are heavily iced, I always prepare snow chains just in case. Snow chains are quite bulky and inconvenient to store, so occasional use is manageable. I recommend checking the local weather forecast in advance during snowy or rainy days, planning your route ahead, and avoiding sudden braking or sharp turns for both safety and convenience. Safety comes first—don't skimp on this expense.
