Chains are safer
The ski season is coming. However, it is worth remembering that snow chains may be needed when hiking in mountainous areas.
The ski season is coming. However, it is worth remembering that snow chains may be needed when hiking in mountainous areas.
As soon as snow falls in the mountains, winter tires alone are no longer enough. Snow chains are not mandatory in Poland (we can only use them on snowy roads), but on the Alpine passes we often see road signs indicating places where only "armed" wheels are allowed to pass. In many regions, chains are a mandatory feature of the car, and their absence can lead to a fine of up to several hundred euros! So, when going skiing in Austria, France or Italy, it is worth remembering. 
Snow chains usually consist of a steel chain wound around a metal frame and rubber or metal tensioners. Thanks to this design, the installation of chains is quite simple. It usually takes less than three minutes if you read the instructions first. However, it is better to practice this activity, for example, in autumn, when the cold does not bother us and the car does not get stuck in the snow.
It should be remembered that we put the chains on the wheels to which the drive is transmitted.
In severe winter conditions, diamond chains are best (leave a diamond-shaped track in the snow), and ladder chains are worst (straight, transverse marks). The latter have the least effect on improving traction. In addition, they are less comfortable to ride.
On the market, you can also find anti-slip pads with metal spikes, which are especially useful on ice. Their main advantage is ease of installation - it is enough to attach non-slip plastic elements to a permanently installed adapter. However, the big disadvantage of this solution is the high price. You will have to pay about PLN 1500-2000 for anti-slip pads.
When buying chains, pay attention to the tire size. This is the most important parameter, otherwise the string may simply not match. Buying a set of snow chains costs PLN 80-500, depending on the size of the wheels. It is worth choosing a more expensive one, with a tension chain block or self-tightening. Then we will avoid tightening the chains immediately after launch.
When driving with chains, the speed must be limited to 50 km/h. Also, avoid accelerating, braking, or driving on hard surfaces. Breaking these rules can break your chain. You must remember that a wheel with a chain behaves completely differently than under normal conditions, and reacts differently to steering maneuvers.
Driving rules with chains.
– Before choosing chains, make sure they fit your vehicle's wheel size.
– Before proceeding with assembly, please read the instruction manual
– Practice putting on chains before the winter season
– We always mount chains on the wheels that drive
– When driving with chains, do not exceed 50 km/h
– Avoid asphalt and other paved roads that can damage chains.
