Snow Chains
The right gear for the winter season
The nights are getting longer, the temperatures are dropping – winter’s here. Now’s the time you are supposed to have already switched from summer to winter tyres to make sure that you are all set to master most winter situations. But what should you do if you are in snowy regions, and maybe even need to overcome gradients or slopes with your car? That’s when you should reach for snow chains. On certain stretches of road, the installation of snow chains might even be mandatory.
What to keep in mind when buying snow chains
If you’re buying snow chains you should bear in mind a few things:
• On which wheels must chains be installed?
The snow chains must always be installed on the drive axle. Should you be uncertain which one that is in your case, you can check in your car documents. In all-wheel drive cars you can select the axle yourself. Both the installation on the front and the rear wheels have advantages and disadvantages. Additional information is provided further below.
• What dimensions do these wheels have?
In order for snow chains to fit perfectly, you must consider the dimensions of your wheels which are found on the side of the tyre, for example, 195/55 R15. It is highly likely that you will not be able to mount chains on the wheels if the chains are too small, and if they are too big damages to rim and car are inevitable.
• How can I protect my rims from damages?
If you want to protect your rims from damage caused by snow chains, for example because you just purchased new DEZENT alloy rims, you should keep in mind proper rim protection when buying snow chains. Depending on manufacturer and dimensions, the chains don’t even touch the rims, or the abutting elements are made of plastic or are plastic-covered.
• How to mount snow chains?
If you have ever been in the situation of having to mount snow chains on a snowy mountain slope, you know that every help is welcome in that moment. That’s why, when you’re buying chains, you should think about whether you want to opt for self-locking tension chains or those that must be re-fastened manually.Self-locking tension snow chains use a mechanism that tensions the chains over the tyres on starting the car and therefore require only one single stop. In snow chains without this mechanism the tension chain must first be clamped and re-tensioned after roughly 100 meters.
• On which wheels must chains be installed?
The snow chains must always be installed on the drive axle. Should you be uncertain which one that is in your case, you can check in your car documents. In all-wheel drive cars you can select the axle yourself. Both the installation on the front and the rear wheels have advantages and disadvantages. Additional information is provided further below.
• What dimensions do these wheels have?
In order for snow chains to fit perfectly, you must consider the dimensions of your wheels which are found on the side of the tyre, for example, 195/55 R15. It is highly likely that you will not be able to mount chains on the wheels if the chains are too small, and if they are too big damages to rim and car are inevitable.
• How can I protect my rims from damages?
If you want to protect your rims from damage caused by snow chains, for example because you just purchased new DEZENT alloy rims, you should keep in mind proper rim protection when buying snow chains. Depending on manufacturer and dimensions, the chains don’t even touch the rims, or the abutting elements are made of plastic or are plastic-covered.
• How to mount snow chains?
If you have ever been in the situation of having to mount snow chains on a snowy mountain slope, you know that every help is welcome in that moment. That’s why, when you’re buying chains, you should think about whether you want to opt for self-locking tension chains or those that must be re-fastened manually.Self-locking tension snow chains use a mechanism that tensions the chains over the tyres on starting the car and therefore require only one single stop. In snow chains without this mechanism the tension chain must first be clamped and re-tensioned after roughly 100 meters.
Fahren mit Schneeketten
The regulations for the use of snow chains can vary from country to country. But there are some rules that should always be considered when driving with snow chains.
• When is it permitted to mount snow chains?
In most countries, snow chains can be mounted even if their use is not mandatory. However, only if the roads are largely covered with snow. Else the snow chains may damage the road surface.
• Mind speed limits!
If you’re riding with snow chains you should follow the manufacturer specifications on permissible speed limits. In any case, you should never exceed 50 km/h on snow chains.
• Switch off ASR and ESP!Driving assistance systems can reduce the effectiveness of snow chains. Snow chains increase traction by “delving” into the snow. The timely intervention of a traction control system prevents this and hence the functioning of snow chains. Therefore, you should switch off ASR and ESP as long as the snow chains are mounted.
• Mind the change in driving dynamics!
Depending on the axle the snow chains are mounted on your car’s driving dynamics will change. Are the chains mounted on the front axle, the rear of your car could swing out in bends, especially when driving downhill. If you’ve mounted the chains on the rear axle your car will tend to push, especially when driving uphill.
Also, be cautious when braking. Snow chains can’t compensate for the longer brake path on snow and ice.
• When is it permitted to mount snow chains?
In most countries, snow chains can be mounted even if their use is not mandatory. However, only if the roads are largely covered with snow. Else the snow chains may damage the road surface.
• Mind speed limits!
If you’re riding with snow chains you should follow the manufacturer specifications on permissible speed limits. In any case, you should never exceed 50 km/h on snow chains.
• Switch off ASR and ESP!Driving assistance systems can reduce the effectiveness of snow chains. Snow chains increase traction by “delving” into the snow. The timely intervention of a traction control system prevents this and hence the functioning of snow chains. Therefore, you should switch off ASR and ESP as long as the snow chains are mounted.
• Mind the change in driving dynamics!
Depending on the axle the snow chains are mounted on your car’s driving dynamics will change. Are the chains mounted on the front axle, the rear of your car could swing out in bends, especially when driving downhill. If you’ve mounted the chains on the rear axle your car will tend to push, especially when driving uphill.
Also, be cautious when braking. Snow chains can’t compensate for the longer brake path on snow and ice.