How to use Snow Chains
When driving in the harshest of winter conditions, there are very few certainties. However, there are two sure things that cannot be denied: some vehicles are poorly equipped for foul weather; and truly extreme conditions should be avoided altogether. Nevertheless, emergencies do pop up, and fortunately snow chains can, if used correctly, literally turn any car or truck into a tank. If anybody has ever wondered how cinder trucks or postal delivery vehicles complete their rounds in the worst that Mother Nature can shell out, snow chains are the answer. I can attest to their effectiveness on the postal trucks (LLV); these are basically "rolling coffins" and will seemingly find the lone snowflake in an acre parking lot and go into a tailspin, but with a good set of chains, they're virtually unstoppable. That doesn't mean that caution should be thrown to the wind . There are a few dos and don'ts that everyone should know, but let's begin by connecting the chains.
Most snow chains will have a master link that goes on the inside of the tire. This link isn't solid and has a screw-down mechanism for hooking up the two ends of the chain. More often than not, one can drape the chain over the tire and make this initial connection without moving the vehicle. This will require some rolling around in the snow, so keep a large piece of cardboard in tow. After hooking the master link to the opposite end of the chain, move the car forward a couple of feet, and securely fasten the chain ends together with a heavy plastic tie down on the outside of the tire. When this is completed, most chains come equipped with a rubber ring bearing metal connectors. Hook these to the outermost links of the chain, and it will take form and begin to tighten. The final step is to cinch everything down with two short, stout bungie cords.
Now, here's a tip for beginners: make sure that everything is solid, and this includes any loose links that may be caused by overlap in the chain. In one scenario, an unsecured chain can come loose and wrap around the axle, causing literally hundreds of dollars worth of damage. Likewise, the motorist can be stranded alongside the road with the impossible task of unwrapping the chain. Also, any loose links can flail about while in motion and literally destroy a paint job or any chrome trim on the fender. Thus, when using chains, one's ears should be tuned in to any strange noises coming from the rear of the car. Although, more often than not, a loose chain will make a racket akin to having a machine gunner going about his business in the trunk of the car.
Whether or not a chain has been properly placed on a tire is relatively obvious, but there are a few improper driving practices that will ruin or loosen a set of chains. Let's begin with speed. A set of chains doesn't give the driver a license to fly down the interstate at 70 mph or tool down the local rural route at the speed limit. Remember that the chain is connected via a weak link on the inside and is generally cinched with bungies and a plastic tie on the outside. This is not a recipe for high speeds, and a general rule is to do 35 mph at the top end. Anything beyond moderate speeds will deliver a pounding that the chains simply weren't meant to handle and will result in a broken chain.
Likewise, driving on bare pavement isn't a good idea. Snow and ice soften the blow to the chain, while exposed surfaces tend to negatively affect the chain in two different manners: the chain has nothing to grip into (such as snow) and tends to slip and slide on the tire; and the "hard-to-hard" collisions between the road and chain will wear out and snap the links themselves. That brings me to another point: snow chains, when braking, are as much of a hinderance on dry pavement as they are a help on snowy roads. Quick stops on dry pavement will ALWAYS send the vehicle sliding out of control. However, mixed surfaces are the rule (rather than the exception), and as often as not dry patches will be encountered. I'll go back to the postal vehicle briefly. Any auto that goes poorly on ice and snow should have chains, but often getting to an untreated street will require a mile of traveling on dry surfaces. One way of countering this is to drive slowly and stay as far away from the next car's bumper as possible. Simply put, be careful.
Yes, chains are necessary with many vehicle types in adverse weather conditions, but they are far from foolproof. The keys to the proper use of chains is knowing how to put them on and knowing how to keep them in place. In fact, I would recommend many safe driving practices exercised even without chains: allow extra time for getting to Point B; don't start to feel invincible after navigating a few miles successfully; and always keep an eye out for the other driver. With all of this in mind, chains are a huge plus when the roads are at their worst, and they should give the driver an added sense of security. However, they don't turn ANY driver into Mario Andretti, and their misuse can be disastrous. Happy motoring!
