Winter chains - practical advice
This winter cannot be classified as the snowiest one. In mountainous regions, however, drivers may need to wear winter snow chains. There are currently many types of this equipment on the market. Prices range from several dozen to even two thousand zlotys. So what should you pay attention to when choosing chains?
Under Polish law, the use of snow chains is obligatory on designated road sections. They are set up by the road 
then the appropriate mandatory signs. In other cases, the chains can be used in poor conditions (snow-covered / icy roads).
What should we remember?
In stores, you can find many models of chains, dedicated to passenger cars, trucks or individual subtypes (e.g. 4 × 4 and SUV). “The price spread is large. The cost, in addition to the assembly technology used, is influenced by e.g. the material from which the equipment is made. Chains made of alloy steel, preferably hardened, are considered to be the safest, i.e. the most durable, ”says Michał Senczek, an expert of the Polish company Taurus, which is one of the country's largest producers and distributors of winter chains.
When choosing chains, it is also worth paying attention to whether the equipment meets European standards. The most important ones are the German TÜV, the Austrian Ö-Norm and the Italian CUNA. Currently, a large proportion of the chains have an asymmetric diamond-based structure. Such a solution - explains Senczek - is considered the most effective because it significantly increases the vehicle's grip on a slippery surface.
Assembly systems
Taking into account the method of assembly, chains can be divided into different types. In Poland, there are mainly overrun chains that need to be tightened after traveling several dozen meters, and a wide range of chains that are easier to install. The latter group includes, inter alia, systems where the adjustment of one screw permanently sets the length of the chain. Then they do not need to be re-adjusted the next time they are put on.
“People who have never installed snow chains on their wheels in their life should try to mount them dry first, preferably before setting off on the road. Otherwise, the first approach to this activity - already in difficult, snowy conditions - may cause a lot of problems ”- advises the Taurus expert.
When choosing chains, owners of cars with the so-called low ground clearance, in which the distance between the suspension components and the wheel is small. For this type of vehicle, the chains of the 9 mm series are the best solution (the distance between the tire and the chains is no more than 9 mm).
How to choose chains?
Choosing the right chains for your car can be a bit of a hassle. “The most important thing is to know the basic dimensions of your tires. These are the following sizes - section width, profile height and embedment diameter. If we have such data, matching strings shouldn't be a problem. It is also worth checking the owner's manual for your vehicle, ”explains the Taurus expert.
After matching the chains to the tires, drivers need to remember two more things. First of all, chains should be put on the drive axle (e.g. with front-wheel drive - we put the chains on them). Second, you should not drive faster than 50 km / h when driving with the car chains fitted.
