WHICH IS THE BEST SNOW CHAIN ​​FOR MY NEED?

In In2tires we offer you the purchase guide with price comparison, ease of assembly and recommendations to choose the best snow chains adapted to your vehicle.

The use of the chains is to avoid braking, skidding, lack of direction and skating. If the vehicle has rear wheel drive they should be placed on the rear wheels and if it is front wheel drive on the front wheels. In case of being a 4x4 and having all-wheel drive, it must be placed on all four wheels or at least on the front wheels.

If we are going to use them regularly it is preferable to change for a complete set winter tires so as not to have to remove them. In case of using them on time, the best option is to choose one among the different existing typology.

Snow socks

Snow socks are for use on time or in times of urgency. The speed is limited to 50 km / h. The main advantage is that they do not damage the tires and do not alter the electronic safety systems (ABS, ESP). In addition, they mount easily and quickly as they are placed as covers on the tires.

They have permeable texture and create a "dry friction": the water on the ice is absorbed and evacuated, which allows a direct contact of the sock on the ice. This friction combined with the electrostatic charge of the tissue allows the grip to the ground.

Its use is indicated as mandatory in case of heavy snow fall.

To maintain the life of the socks, it is advisable to wash them after each use to remove salt that damages the fabric, and avoid its use on land without snow.

Snow chains

Metal chains are essential for regular mountain use. Their main advantage apart from their grip is that they are particularly resistant.

However, they are incompatible in vehicles with a very limited space between the tire and the chassis (non-chained vehicles).

The chains are mounted on the two driving wheels (except for rear-wheel drive cars and 4x4 vehicles. In these cases it is advisable to install the chains on the 4 wheels).

The maximum speed with snow chains is 50 km / h.

There are two types of metal chains:

• Manual tension chains:
  

They are "classic" chains that require some skill and a little practice for installation. They require a second stop to tighten the chains again. Its advantage is its price since they are the cheapest option. It is advisable to do assembly tests before using them.

• Automatic tension chains:

They are very practical and are installed in less than a minute and it is not necessary to stop to adjust the tension because they adjust automatically as soon as the car starts. They are as effective as manual tension ones, although the price is more expensive.

Alternative Chains

If metal chains and snow socks are the best known options, there are also other types of chains, also available in the market:

• Fabric Chains:
  

It is an intermediate chain between the metal chain and the sock as it is made of ultra-resistant polyester links and steel rings. They are approved and can be used when there is notice of mandatory use of snow material.

They are mounted quickly as they are placed as a cover on top of the wheel and are effective both in snow and ice. The maximum speed indicated is 40 km / h.

Its price is similar to that of automatic tension chains, although unfortunately they are not yet available in all dimensions.

• Spiders:

These new snow chains are easy and quick to assemble, do not damage the tires and have a longer life than other models.

They are shaped like an "octopus" or spider with nails and staple for maximum grip in both snow and ice.

They can be adapted to different tire sizes. They can also be mounted on vehicles with narrow wheel passage.

Its use is recommended for people who drive frequently in extreme weather conditions. It is necessary to buy an adapter and it has a higher cost than chains and socks.

In summary

The best option if you live in an area where it does not snow often, or for urgent use, it is best to buy socks as they save space and are easy to assemble.

To drive frequently in high mountains, or access the tracks or in the absence of winter tires, metal chains are essential. The driver will choose manual or automatic tension ones.

Due to frequent use and extreme weather conditions, spiders are the most suitable.

vs Oct 2021