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Snow Chains
 If
you are planning on making the haul to the ski resorts this season,
snow chains are absolutely vital. Even in 4x4 vehicles, snow chains
provide essential grip for what can become hazardous road conditions.
Snow chains attach to the wheels of your vehicle and increase traction
on both snow and ice, both at the ski resort and on heavily wintered
roads.
When using snow chains, there are a few things to keep in mind
for both your own safety and for the maintenance of your tires.
Here are some valid suggestions for driving with snow chains:
1. Be careful with spinning tires, because snow chains can get
caught on stumps, rocks and roots, and you could easily break an
axle or hub.
2. In deep snow, check the trail ahead for hidden obstacles.
3. Inspect snow chains before and after each outing, looking for
worn links and stretched connectors.
4. After each use, spray your snow chains with WD40. And make sure
that snow chains do not rust—do not leave them in a pile!
5. Use caution when steering with the front end of your car articulated.
Try to keep the chains from contacting any vehicle components.
6. Snow chains allow you to dig to the trail through deep snow
and ice. Watch out for high-centering in such conditions. It is
advisable, through very deep and hard packed snow, to use soft,
high flotation tires instead of chains to drive across deep drifts.
Then you can put air in the tires after you have gotten across the
drift, and put the snow chains back on.
7. Do not use your bare hands on cold, icy chains. Always wear
heavy-duty neoprene/rubber gloves or quality leather work gloves
to put snow chains on your tires.
8. As you are driving with snow chains, be slow and deliberate
in order to gain proper traction and control on an icy trail.
Enjoy your winter, and remember that snow chains are a necessity
to have with you in snowy and icy conditions!
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