Heavy snowfall during the coldest months of the year can reduce road safety. Snow and ice create a layer on the asphalt that eliminates tyre grip, making the road slippery and dangerous for vehicles. To increase traction, car snow chains are presented as the solution for driving at low temperatures, even on snowy and/or icy roads. But is their use mandatory?
In this article, as an automotive glass workshop specialising in glass repairs, we explain when it is mandatory to carry chains in your car and how to use them — essential knowledge for safe driving in adverse weather conditions. At Ralarsa, we offer workshop services for all types of conditions. Visit our website to learn more!
Under what conditions is it mandatory to put snow chains on your car?
Although they are part of the car safety kit, it is not mandatory to always carry chains permanently. However, there are situations where their use is required, depending on the road conditions. These situations are usually indicated by a road sign or traffic officer.
It’s advisable to check the condition of the roads in advance if your journey will pass through areas affected by snow and low temperatures. This will help you know if carrying chains is mandatory, making travel easier.
Another way to anticipate the use of chains is by knowing the forecasted weather conditions for your route. If it has snowed or is snowing, it’s most likely that chains will be mandatory. It’s also useful to know if salt has been spread on the roads. Salt slows water from freezing, preventing slippery surfaces and, in some cases, avoiding the need to install chains.
On which wheels should you place the chains?
Chains should be fitted on at least two of the four wheels. The choice depends on the location of the driving wheels. For front‑wheel‑drive vehicles, chains should be installed on the two front wheels. For rear‑wheel‑drive vehicles, they should be installed on the two back wheels.
When installing chains, stop in a safe area as soon as you see the first signs of snow on the road. We recommend wearing gloves to protect your hands from the cold and to give you the grip needed to place the chains in adverse conditions.
Types of snow chains
When looking for snow chains for your car, you’ll find a wide variety of options. All types improve traction on snowy or icy roads, but some may perform better than others. Here are the main types:
- Liquid chains. A spray applied to the tyre tread. Its effect is temporary, useful for specific situations, but it is not a permitted system when chains are mandatory.
- Metal chains. The most popular type, made of metal links that ensure safe driving on ice and/or snow. The downside is that they can be noisy and difficult to mount, and should only be used on snowy stretches to avoid tyre and rim damage.
- Textile chains. Easy to install and lightweight. They are a fabric cover for the tyre tread, gentle on the rim but more prone to wear and tear.
- Composite or net chains. Similar to textile chains but made from reinforced plastic cables with fabric. Easy and quick to mount.
- Semi‑automatic chains. Durable and efficient, they have a fixed part attached to the rim and a movable part that’s installed or removed according to road conditions.
Ralarsa — safety in any temperature
Now that you know when it’s mandatory to carry chains in your car, if you want other ways to ensure safe driving, at Ralarsa, glass specialists, we offer various services focused on the peace of mind of drivers and their passengers.
Beyond the safety that chains offer, other factors can affect driving. Windscreens and headlights are the eyes of the driver, so we offer services like rain‑repellent treatments and headlight polishing, among others, to improve visibility in any vehicle. Visit your nearest Ralarsa glass workshop and come meet us!
