How Thick Does the Snow Need to Be Before Installing Snow Chains?
2 Answers
When road snow accumulation reaches more than 10 centimeters, snow chains must be used. For snow accumulation below 10 centimeters, it is recommended not to install snow chains as they can easily damage tires and produce significant vibration and noise. Snow chains must be installed on the drive tires. For front-wheel-drive vehicles, they must be installed on the front wheels; for rear-wheel-drive vehicles, they must be installed on the rear wheels. For added safety, you can install them on all four wheels. Additionally, after installing snow chains, ensure your driving speed does not exceed 40 km/h. Snow chains are chains fixed onto the tires, allowing them to maintain sufficient traction on icy or snowy roads with extremely low friction, thereby ensuring driving safety. Each rubber ring of the snow chains has four metal hooks evenly distributed around it. These hooks are cross-fixed in a crisscross pattern along the edge of the tire's wheel hub cover, ensuring the chains do not slip off.
I think when it comes to installing snow chains, snow depth shouldn't be the only criterion. Generally, you should consider it when snow accumulates over 3cm, but this depends on road conditions and personal experience. For example, on icy roads, just 1cm of snow can cause skidding, especially with wet snow or during snowfall. Whereas in loose powder snow, you might need over 5cm before chains become necessary. Having driven multiple times in Northeast China, I once slid off the road without chains during snowy conditions - a hard lesson learned. So I advise fellow drivers to check weather forecasts and snow depth reports before trips. Always keep a suitable pair of chains in your car and learn basic installation. For slopes or mountainous sections, install them early even with shallow snow - safety first over convenience. You can also gauge snow depth by wheel track impressions. If snow continues falling, being proactive with chains brings peace of mind.
