3 important things to know about winter tires and snow chains
Winter tires are designed for grip on wet and snowy roads. Winter tires are also made to a higher quality than conventional all-season tires. Snow chains are worn on the car's tires to provide more traction when driving on snow and ice. Snow chains are sold in pairs and must match the tire diameter and tread width.
When to use snow chains
Snow chains should be used when there is a good layer of ice or dense snow on the road. If there is not enough snow or ice, the snow chains may damage the road or the vehicle. If your vehicle is front wheel drive, snow chains should be fitted to the front wheels. If the car is rear-wheel drive, the chains must be on the rear wheels. If the vehicle is four-wheel drive, snow chains must be fitted to all four wheels.
When to use winter tires
Winter tires are best used in areas where annual snowfall is around 350 inches. Even if you don't get 350 inches of snow a year, but snow, rain and ice fall in the winter, having winter tires will make your driving safer and more enjoyable. They help with an emergency stop even on dry pavement. Edmunds.com recommends purchasing winter tires if temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because the rubber on winter tires is designed to remain flexible in cold temperatures.
Snow chain classes
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) distinguishes three classes of snow chains based on vehicle clearance. The S grade has a minimum tread clearance of 1.46 inches and a minimum sidewall clearance of 59 inches. Class U has a minimum clearance from the tread face of 1.97 inches and a minimum clearance to the sidewall of 91 inches. Class W has a minimum clearance from the tread face of 2.50 inches and a minimum clearance to the sidewall of 1.50 inches. Consult your owner's manual to find out which type of snow chain is appropriate for your vehicle make and model.
Winter tires can make winter driving safer and easier, but you still need to be careful when driving on snowy, wet roads. Snow chains can be used in certain situations where snow and ice are very dense.
