With infrequent use and care they can last several years. They are not the best option for more frequent use or areas that get a lot of snow and ice. A lot of factors will affect the life of any chains including road conditions and vehicle weight so an exact life span is not calculable.
- Step 1: Identify any tire chain restrictions for your vehicle.
- Step 2: Identify your tire size.
- Step 3: Determine which tire chains are best for your application.
- Step 4: Decide how frequently you'll use tire chains.
- Step 5: Select a chain using our fitguide.
You can hire snow chains at service stations and ski hire shops. You need to fit snow chains to your vehicle when prompted by park signs or park rangers, Police, or Roads and Maritime Services officers.
Black ice is just regular ice, with this exception. The first thing to understand is that driving on black ice is not akin to driving on snowy roads. Helpful tools like snow chains and studded tires grip into snow-laden roads to create traction. Even with these tools, tires don't have traction on black ice.
So, they both do the same thing, but what's the difference? Snow chains are heavier and can be trickier to install. Their main advantage is their durability, so they're a better choice if you drive where snow chains are frequently needed. Snow cables are lighter weight and easier to install.
Yes, you could leave the chains on but they could be taken off of the vehicle by a thief if they are willing to do enough work. Basically the car tires are going to be sitting on the chains so a thief could not just pull them off.
If I have snow tires, do I need to carry chains? Yes. Even though weather conditions may not warrant the use of chains on passenger vehicles equipped with snow tires at a particular time, to enter a chain control area, you must have a set of chains (one pair) for your vehicle in your possession.
What Things Can Make Your Tyres Illegal?
- Low Tread Depth. One of the most regular problems that people face with their tyres is letting the tread depth get too low.
- Excessive Tyre Wear or Sidewall Damage.
- Mixing Tyre Ply.
- Under or Over Inflated Tyres.
- Improper tyres for the vehicle's use.
The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice, or another condition that might cause slippery highways. California does not require trucks to carry chains during any specified time period. When these are established you will see signs posted along the highway.
Snow chains also provide the greatest amount of traction on ice, packed snow, and deep snow. Snow tires don't do as well as snow chains in deep snow. Another great feature of chains: you can easily install and remove them yourself!
For front-wheel-drive automobiles, tire chains should go on the front tires. And — you guessed it — for rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the chains must be put on the rear wheels. For a four-wheeler or all-wheel-drive, go with the front tires to give yourself more steering traction.
Legally, it is only necessary to have snow chains for one axle when travelling in mountain areas. However, when driving a 4 x 4 some drivers prefer to use 4 chains (two sets). Although in most conditions a single set of chains will provide enough traction, there are significant benefits with using two sets.
Essential Auto 101: When to Use Snow Chains
- Do: use chains when there is a layer of fully compacted snow or ice.
- Do: practice taking them on and off before you go.
- Do: have the right chains for your wheel size.
- Do: stop to adjust if they become loose.
- Do Not: use chains where roads have been cleared.
How to Drive in Snow Safely
- Drive Super Smoothly. The key to safe driving in snow is being smooth with the steering wheel, accelerator, and brakes.
- Look Far Ahead.
- Heed the Flashing Lights.
- Look Here!
- Deal with the Skids.
- Use Your Anti-Lock Brakes This Way.
- Constantly Assess Your Traction.
- Beware All-Wheel Drive.
To return a product to an AutoZone store, return an item in its original condition and packaging, with receipt, within 90 days of the purchase date to request a refund. Return a defective item within the warranty period. Requests for refunds may be denied if the item has been used or installed.
