Chain season. What is worth knowing and how to ride?
Winter weather creates additional difficulties for drivers. Road conditions may require winter tires and, in some cases, the use of snow chains. According to experts, in the latter case, it is worth knowing when it is advisable to install chains and what are the specifics of driving with chains.
The use of chains is regulated differently in the legal systems of individual countries. In Poland, there is no obligation to have chains, but their use is required on certain sections of roads, which are duly marked with obligatory signs. It is important to note that driving with chains is also permitted when current weather conditions require it, such as in snowy terrain.
In some European countries there is an obligation to have networks at certain times and in certain regions. This mainly applies to the Alpine countries.
Choice and cost
There are many models of chains available on the Polish market, which differ significantly in price, durability or applied technological solutions. Prices for chains range from PLN 60 to PLN 2200.
As Jacek Radosh, an expert at Taurus, which specializes in particular in the production and distribution of roof racks, racks and snow chains, pointed out, when choosing snow chains, be sure to check whether the model fits your car. “The market offer is currently very diverse. So you can find chains specially adapted for cars, SUVs and trucks. You can see a lot of variety. For example, for less than PLN 100 you can get a simple steel structure. The most advanced chains, made from very high quality materials and offering innovative systems for easy assembly, cost up to PLN 2000. However, special anti-slip belts can be an alternative to chains - cheaper and more versatile, but at the same time only disposable,” says Jacek Radosh.
How to ride?
Driving with chains on wheels is clearly different from traditional driving. The main difference lies in the speed limit - with chains on, as a rule, it should not exceed 50 km / h. However, this limit may be even lower if such a limit has been included in the manufacturer's instructions for use.
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“Before driving with chains, it is worth testing the installation in dry conditions to avoid problems already on a snowy road. It is important to note that it is safest to combine snow chains with winter tires. The chains themselves, on the other hand, usually have to be mounted on the wheels of the drive axle. However, before purchasing chains, it is best to read the appropriate chapter in your vehicle owner's manual for information on their approval for specific tire sizes and conditions of use. This is especially true for all-wheel drive vehicles. In such vehicles, the chains are most often installed on the axle, to which a greater percentage of power is transmitted, ”explains the expert.
Users of snow chains should also be aware of some practical aspects of driving with snow chains. “You have to watch your speed, especially in corners. Be aware of the longer stopping distance. Users of vehicles with traction control should also be aware that traffic can overload this type of system. Therefore, the best solution is to turn off such systems - of course, this applies precisely to the time when we are driving with snow chains on, ”adds Jacek Radosh.
After driving in and removing the chains, they should be thoroughly rinsed in water and dried before being put back in the box, which will protect them from corrosion.
