Who Needs Chains When Driving in the Snow?

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Old Dec 18, 2008 | 06:51 AM
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robb m.
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Arrow Who Needs Chains When Driving in the Snow?

Who Needs Chains When Driving in the Snow?
Winter is upon us and now is the best time to consider winterizing your car including fitting snow chains on your tires. If you live in an area with a lot of snow it is easy to know who needs chains when driving in the snow.

Snow and tire chains

When driving in inclement weather conditions you might think that snow tire chains are the answer for providing necessary traction to insure your safety.

Any reputable tire dealer should be well-versed on matching the driving condition with the correct snow chains for your tires. There are basically four types of tire chains: cable, diamond, ladder, and V-bar. Each tire chain has a different purpose. For example, some are better for driving in the mud.

Tips on buying snow tire chains

Before buying snow tire chains you will need to make sure what kind of chains are suitable for your vehicle. Since tire chains come in various sizes, you will need to know what size tire that you will be fitting.

It is recommended to buy snow chains that have at least 12 chains crossing the width of the tread. One you purchase the correct chains, you should learn how to apply and remove them properly. Don’t wait until you are in the middle of a snowstorm to apply snow tire chains.

In some states snow chains are mandatory for driving in the winter. Therefore it is not a question of who needs chains when driving in the snow; it is the law. Before traveling in the winter it is advised to check state and local laws regarding the use of tire chains.
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Old Aug 16, 2014 | 04:12 PM
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Thanks for the information. I personally will never buy or use chains on a vehicle.
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Old Feb 25, 2020 | 07:25 PM
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Need? Not necessairly. But at least here in the mountain west when it says chains required you better have them on or pay the fine. During the winter you are also advised to carry chains.
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Old Jan 2, 2022 | 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Donn0128
Need? Not necessairly. But at least here in the mountain west when it says chains required you better have them on or pay the fine. During the winter you are also advised to carry chains.
I looked up Oregon traction regulations, I like that there are times when no matter the vehicle or what type of tire chains are required.

That would alleviate issues in Colorado with inevitable winter time chaos on I-70 leading up to the mountains from Denver.
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