What is the function of snow chains on icy roads?
3 Answers
Snow chains provide anti-slip functionality on icy road sections. For large trucks, iron snow chains offer better anti-slip effects when the road surface is icy and slippery, while private cars can use rubber snow chains. The more common types of snow chains include iron snow chains, polyurethane (nylon) snow chains, and rubber snow chains. There are some precautions for installing snow chains: they need to be installed on the drive wheels. For four-wheel-drive vehicles, all four wheels should be equipped; for two-wheel-drive vehicles, they should be installed on the drive wheels, though installing them on all wheels would be more secure. After installing the snow chains, drivers should control their speed during driving, remember to slow down, and try to keep the speed below 40 km/h. Avoid sudden acceleration, sudden braking, and sharp turns. If driving on normal road surfaces, the snow chains should be removed promptly. Continuing to use snow chains on normal roads will restrict the driver's control, affect driving and riding comfort, and may cause some degree of damage to the vehicle.
I've been driving for over a decade, and especially on icy winter roads, snow chains are absolute lifesavers. Their primary function is to increase friction between tires and icy surfaces, preventing the car from skidding or losing control. The principle is simple: metal chains dig into the ice layer, providing extra traction for more effective braking and stable cornering. I remember last year in the mountains, the ice was extremely slippery—without chains, the car kept drifting, but once installed, it became rock steady. When installing, make sure to choose the right size so the chains fit snugly against the tires to avoid loosening and damaging the wheels. I recommend high-quality steel chains for durability and reliability, but don’t exceed 40 km/h, or they might break. Regularly check for wear and replace them promptly—safety first. Practice installing them before winter trips to avoid fumbling in the snow. These tools can prevent accidents, protect you and your family, and are essential for icy conditions.
As a car enthusiast, I often ponder these details. The purpose of snow chains on icy roads is to enhance traction, as the chains dig into the ice to create grooves, increasing the friction coefficient. This directly reduces slipping, especially during acceleration or hard braking. I've tested on ice—without chains, the car drifts, but with them, control improves significantly. The key to installation is tension; too loose damages tires, too tight reduces effectiveness, so it's best to practice on dry roads. Chains also protect tires from being cut by ice debris. When choosing, consider the material: steel chains are durable but noisy, while synthetic chains are lightweight but wear out faster. Speed should be limited to 30-50 km/h to avoid damage at high speeds. For maintenance, clean and dry them after use to extend their lifespan. On steep slopes or bridges, chains provide extra stability, making driving more reassuring.
