Will Iron Snow Chains Damage Tires?
2 Answers
Iron snow chains can damage tires. Since the force is mutual, while iron snow chains increase tire traction, the adhesion coefficient between the tire and the snow chain also increases, naturally causing wear to the tires. Additionally, the noise generated while driving becomes more noticeable. Snow chains must be installed on the drive tires. For front-wheel-drive vehicles, they must be installed on the front wheels, and for rear-wheel-drive vehicles, they must be installed on the rear wheels. For added safety, you can install them on all four wheels. 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. It is advisable to install snow chains before setting out, rather than waiting until encountering icy or snowy roads. Installing them temporarily after stopping is more troublesome and less safe compared to installing them in advance.
I've been driving for over twenty years and often encounter icy and snowy road conditions in winter, having used iron snow chains several times. To be honest, iron chains can indeed cause damage to tires, mainly due to the friction between the hard metal of the chains and the tire rubber, which can easily scratch the tread. In severe cases, it may even lead to sidewall cracking or accelerated aging. If the chains are installed too tightly or not aligned properly, the pressure can double the damage. I recommend using them only when absolutely necessary on snowy roads, driving at low speeds not exceeding 40 kilometers per hour, and avoiding sudden braking. After use, check the tires for any scratches or cracks and address them promptly. Other anti-skid options like fabric chains are softer and cause less damage but offer weaker traction—safety should always come first. Regular tire maintenance can also help minimize issues.
