How Many Snow Chains Should Be Installed on a Car in Snowy Weather?
3 Answers
In snowy weather, the number of snow chains to be installed on a car depends on two scenarios: for four-wheel-drive vehicles, install four snow chains, and for two-wheel-drive vehicles, install two snow chains. Note that snow chains need to be installed on the drive wheels. For four-wheel-drive vehicles, all four wheels are drive wheels, so snow chains should be installed on all four wheels. For two-wheel-drive vehicles, if the front wheels are the drive wheels, install two snow chains on the front wheels; if the rear wheels are the drive wheels, install them on the rear wheels. Precautions for installing snow chains: Snow chains must be installed on the drive wheels; do not install snow chains on a flat tire; ensure the snow chains match the wheel size; after installation, do not exceed a speed of 40 km/h; avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns. Types of snow chains: The most commonly used snow chains are mainly of three types: metal snow chains, rubber snow chains, and polyurethane (PU) snow chains. Different snow chains are suitable for different scenarios and vehicle types. For example, metal snow chains are more suitable for large or heavy-duty trucks due to their high durability, while rubber or PU snow chains are more suitable for household cars.
Having driven for over a decade, I frequently encounter heavy snow in winter, and there's quite a bit to know about installing snow chains. Generally, installing them on two drive wheels is sufficient—front wheels for front-wheel-drive cars, rear wheels for rear-wheel-drive cars. For four-wheel-drive vehicles, you can just install them on the drive wheels, but I think if the snow is particularly heavy or you're driving on mountain roads, installing them on all four wheels is more stable. Installing too few can lead to skidding, while installing too many increases friction resistance, making the ride bumpy and uncomfortable. It's safest to keep your speed under 40 km/h. Once the snow stops, remove the chains promptly to prevent them from wearing down the tires or rusting. I've tried installing chains only on the two front wheels in snowy conditions, and it drove very safely, but pairing them with winter tires is even more worry-free. When driving, take it slow, maintain a long following distance, and don't rush in snowy weather—having chains installed gives much more peace of mind.
As a novice driver, I was quite nervous the first time I encountered snow and wondered how many snow chains to install. Through accumulated experience, I've learned that most cars only need two chains on the drive wheels. For example, my front-wheel-drive car requires them on the front wheels, while rear-wheel-drive cars need them on the rear. For four-wheel-drive vehicles, install two or four chains depending on snow conditions. Installing chains in the wrong position or quantity can cause them to loosen and damage the wheels - I once learned this the hard way when improperly installed chains created loud noises while driving. Additionally, drive slowly (30-40km/h recommended) after installation and remove chains promptly after snow melts to prevent rust. For winter driving, I suggest preparing an emergency kit in advance and wearing gloves when installing chains - safety always comes first.
