With chains in the mountains
It is worth remembering that during trips to the foothills you may need snow chains.
The season of winter holidays and weekend skiing is approaching. However, keep in mind that snow chains may be needed when traveling to the foothills.
As soon as snow falls in the mountains, winter tires alone are no longer enough. Firstly, the amount of residual snow there will always be more, because it is often difficult to count on road workers in 
the center of big cities, not to mention small mountain towns. Secondly, the descents and ascents usually encountered in these places are easier to overcome with chains on.
Read the instructions
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 these activities, for example, in the fall, when we are not bothered by the cold and the car does not get stuck in the snow.
You must always remember that we put chains on both drive wheels.
In severe winter conditions, diamond chains show themselves best (leave a diamond-shaped track in the snow), ladder chains are the worst (straight, transverse tracks). 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 that are ideal, especially on ice. Their main advantage is ease of installation. 
With a stationary adapter, it is enough to attach non-slip plastic elements. However, the big disadvantage of this solution is the high price. You will have to pay about PLN 1500-2000 for anti-slip pads.
Most important size
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 more expensive ones - with a tension chain lock or self-tightening. Then we will avoid the need to tighten 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. Violation of these rules can lead to a broken chain and, as a result, damage to the wheel arch, chassis or wheel. You must remember that a wheel with a chain behaves completely differently than under normal conditions, and reacts differently to steering maneuvers.
There are quick release chains on the market that don't even need to be removed. The chain is attached from the inside with a flexible shackle. From the outside, the correct tension of the cells is guaranteed by the appropriate arrangement of eyelets, ratchets and carabiners. In addition, a special lock prevents it from slipping. 
chain from the wheel in the event of a break in any link.
Chains are susceptible to salt, moisture and mechanical damage. Therefore, after each use, it is very important to repair and maintain any damage. With proper operation and maintenance, they can serve us for many years.
Snow chains will also come in handy when traveling abroad. On high mountain passes we often see road signs signaling the beginning of a place where travel is possible only on "armed" wheels. In many mountainous regions, chains are mandatory for a car, so if you go to Austria, France, Italy or Germany in winter, you should keep this in mind.
In order to safely and easily ride snow chains, you just need to follow a few basic rules:
– Before choosing chains, you need to make sure that they will fit the size of the wheel of your car.
- Please read the instructions before assembling.
– Practice putting on chains before the winter season
– Always attach snow chains to the drive wheels.
– When driving with chains, do not exceed 50 km/h.
– Avoid driving on tarmac and other paved roads that could damage the chains.
– Remember to service the chains after each use.
Examples of models and prices of snow chains (tire size 195/65 R15)
Model | Product Brief | Price |
KENIG T9 | Rhombic structure. Easy assembly. A small problem at the end of the stage is stretching and connecting the tensioner to the chain link. | PLN 240 |
KOENIG Supermagic | Rhombic structure. Pretty complex assembly. When removing the chain, it is enough to pull strongly on the cable. | PLN 420 |
PEWAG Spider Sport studs | The device consists of two components. First you need to install the adapter, and then it is very easy to install the chain itself. | PLN 1695 |
PEVAG Sportmatik | Rhombic structure. Complicated design. Assembly takes a lot of effort. The chain is tensioned automatically. Convenient packaging. | PLN 465 |
RUD Compact Easy 2 Go | Solid workmanship, very good driving performance, easy assembly. The chains are tensioned automatically while driving. | PLN 345 |
TAURUS Diamond | Inexpensive diamond chains made in China. Easy assembly but poor build quality | PLN 54 |
