What Are Snow Chains and When to Use Them

What Are Snow Chains?

Snow chains—also called tire chains—are metal or composite links that wrap around a vehicle’s tires to improve traction in snowy or icy conditions. Typically, chains are manufactured from hardened steel woven into a criss-cross pattern to dig into ice and snow, improving grip—similar to studded snow tires. 

Chains are available in various sizes to fit most applications, ranging from small passenger car tires to large truck tires. When properly installed, tire chains help to prevent spinning, sliding, and losing traction—especially on inclines.

What Are Snow Chains Used For?

Snow chains are used to increase a vehicle’s traction in conditions where even snow tires or winter-rated tires aren’t capable of maintaining traction. On icy inclines or unplowed roads, chains can be the difference between getting to your destination safely and winding up stuck in a snowy ditch. 

Chains aren’t only used for on-road driving. Some winter off-roaders rely on chains to increase traction on snow-covered trails and mountain passes.

Are Snow Chains Legal?

Snow chain usage laws vary by state. They’re legal in most conditions where necessary—some states, like California, Colorado, and Washington, even issue “chain control” requirements on certain highways. 

However, some states may also place restrictions on the conditions under which you can legally use chains. For example, many states prohibit the use of chains on dry asphalt, as the alloy links can cause severe damage to roads. This being said, common sense suggests that you should only use snow chains in snowy and icy conditions.

How Do Snow Chains Work?

Snow chains work by increasing traction through physical contact with the snow and ice on the road. Rather than allowing your tires to float over ice and snow, chains bite and dig into the ice—like an ice pick—to induce grip. As your tires rotate, the cross-linked tire chains press firmly into the snow or ice, boosting traction. 

The added traction helps with acceleration, braking, steering, and other maneuvers, allowing you to better control your vehicle in slick conditions.

When to Use Snow Chains

So, how do you know when it’s time to mount up your ride’s snow chains? In general, these accessories should be used in conditions where the road is consistently covered with snow and ice, which can prevent your vehicle from maintaining traction. Consider installing chains if you notice one or more of the following conditions. 

• The snow is several inches deep, and traction is limited.

• Your vehicle cannot maintain grip even at slow speeds.

• You’re driving in an area with an active chain control restriction.

• You’re driving through steep hills in a snowstorm.

Snow Chain Types: Cable Vs. Link

Snow chains come in two main types—cable chains and link chains. 

Cable chains are typically made from hardened steel cables wrapped in alloy coils or rollers. They’re lightweight, easy to install, and compatible with vehicles with minimal clearance in the fender wells. These chains are ideal for cars and other compact passenger vehicles. 

Link chains, on the other hand, are manufactured from interlocking steel links often woven into criss-cross or ladder patterns. While heavier and more durable, link chains require more fender clearance. These chains are best used for trucks, SUVs, and off-road applications.

Snow Chains Vs. Winter Tires

One common debate is whether you need tire chains if you’re already running snow tires on your vehicle. While both improve traction, they’re used in different circumstances. 

Winter tires are specifically designed for enhanced traction in cold weather conditions. However, unlike chains, they’re only intended for moderately snowy, wet, and cold weather conditions—not deep snow or ice. Alternatively, snow chains are designed to enhance traction in the most challenging conditions. It's for this reason that many install winter tires during the colder months, but still keep chains in their trunk as a precaution. 

While snow tires may improve your vehicle’s traction as winter approaches, it’s still best to pair these tires with snow chains as the weather worsens.

How to Install Snow Chains

Installing snow chains may be intimidating, but aside from cold fingers, it’s a relatively straightforward process. Follow these steps to install snow chains effectively. 

• Step 1: Park on level ground and engage the parking brake. 

• Step 2: Untangle the chains and lay them out beside each tire. 

• Step 3: Drape the chains over the tops of the tires, ensuring they’re centered. 

• Step 4: Connect the inner fastener (behind the tire). 

• Step 5: Connect the outer fastener (in front of the tire).

• Step 6: Tighten and adjust the chains, ensuring they’re snug but not overly tight. 

• Step 7: Test chain tightness by driving forward a few feet, then inspecting whether the chains are tight and in place, or loose and shifting. If the latter, readjust the chains. 

This is a general guide. Be sure to thoroughly read the instructions provided by the tire chain manufacturer before installing the tire chain.

How Fast Can You Drive with Snow Chains?

Snow chains aren’t meant for high speeds. In most cases, manufacturers recommend staying below 30 mph to reduce wear and chain damage. Slower speeds may be required in extreme conditions. 

How to Determine Snow Chain Size

When ordering snow chains for your vehicle, it’s important to choose a product that’ll fit your application. That includes a chain with the proper diameter to fit the tires snugly, but not overly tight. To make sure you order the right sized chains, first locate the tire measurement on the side of the tire—typically a three-value number reading as either 35x12.50R20 (flotation sizing) or 285/75R20 (metric sizing). Match these values up to compatible chains to ensure a perfect fit. 

How Many Snow Chains are Needed?

In most cases, drivers only need two snow chains—for their drive axles. On two-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles, that refers to the tires that receive power from the driveline. On all-wheel drive (AWD) applications, most chain manufacturers recommend installing chains on the front wheels rather than the rear. 

Winter Resources

Learn more about winter driving and RealTruck’s cold weather tips in our winter resources on RealSource. 

• Driving a 2WD Truck in the Winter

• Must-Haves to Keep Your Truck Winter Ready

• Winterize Your Truck