How to assemble car chains? Let’s see how, when and where to mount the chains (valid alternative to winter tires) even on 4 × 4 all-wheel drive cars. To face the winter in the best possible way and safely, the best choice that any motorist can make is to provide for the use of winter tires of which we have carried out a special test.
How to fit snow chains
We have identified this interesting video that allows you to understand quickly how to fit snow chains.
A practice also governed by the law and which is now part of the habits of Italian motorists (read here the VADEMECUM) but in some extreme cases the snow chains, which by law can be used to replace winter tires.
If you don’t have winter tires, to be in compliance with the law it is enough to have chains on board the car (if you don’t have them you will just have to buy them!) that you will use if necessary.
When to fit car chains?
WHEN to fit the chains? Obviously the chains should only be mounted in the presence of snow, when the wheels especially if equipped with summer tires slip easily and you can no longer move forward or control the car.
Attention you must not mount them when the snow is very little, especially in the presence of paved roads. In combination with winter tires, on the other hand, the chains are to be considered a real emergency device and should only be installed when the car struggles to move forward or in the presence of ice. In this case the only and real alternative to chains are the studded tires.
We remember, as the law (Decree of the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport of 10 May 2011), the chains to keep on board in winter, in the period from November 15th to April 15th, they must be compatible with tires of the vehicle on which they are to be installed and, in case of use, the installation instructions supplied by the vehicle and device manufacturers.
Maximum speed limit with chains?
With the chains mounted the speed limit is 50 km / h And when the snow-covered stretch ends, the motorist is obliged to remove the chains.
Where to fit car chains?
FRONT OR REAR AXLE? The chains must be mounted on the wheels of the axles with traction: for vehicles a front or rear wheel drive it is sufficient to mount the chains only on a single axis, while in the case of four-wheel drive vehicles the chains must be mounted on both axes.
Chains on 4 × 4 all-wheel drive cars
ON ALL-DRIVE CARS In cars with permanent 4 × 4 all-wheel drive, a kit with two pairs of snow chains.
But if we are on a 4-wheel drive (all-wheel drive) and we only have a pair of chains on board, how do we behave in situations at the limit of grip?
Even when there is no load in the trunk the mass of the car focuses more on the front axle where the grip is consequently greater: in some extreme cases mounting the chains in front becomes almost useless. It is the rear wheels that need greater grip and therefore it is advisable to install them on therear axle.
But we must also consider the presence or absence of a central differential, lockable or not and the case of traveling on an uphill or downhill road.
In fact, traction on steep climbs is better guaranteed by improving the grip of the rear wheels while on descents it is the opposite, where directionality must be preferred and it is better to mount the chains on the front axle.
How much do snow chains cost?
All cars with wheels with a diameter included between 13 ″ and 17″ Are considered chainable and therefore compatible with any type of snow chain. Conversely, cars equipped with cErks with a diameter greater than 17 “ they are often labeled as not chainable. On the market there are in fact different types of chains, the final price is also influenced by size, give thickness and from tensioning system used, which can be automatic or manual.
The Y-chains: they are the more classic and less expensive version. Although they are suitable for those who use them sporadically, they are more difficult to assemble and for this reason they are now considered obsolete. Prices from 30 EUR for cheaper sets.
The rhombus chains: they are undoubtedly the most popular variant. They are easy to assemble and are especially useful for those who often travel on snowy roads. However, they do have a higher cost compared to the previous model: the average price fluctuates between 70 and 90 euros, but can easily overcome 100 euros in the case of self-tensioning or reduced thickness versions.
The spider chainsfinally, they are the most versatile and easy to assemble. Thanks to direct fixing on the rim can also be installed on the cars not suitable for chains without carrying out any adjustment maneuver. On the other hand, they have an above average cost, which can vary from 150 euros of the basic versions up to over 500 euros premium models.
You might be interested in (indeed I recommend):
👉 Car snow socks. What are they, what are they for
👉 Tips on how to prepare your car for the cold of winter
👉 ALL ABOUT TIRES
👉 HOW TO DRIVE IN THE SNOW
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👉 Find out what people say aboutobligation of winter tires on the FORUM!
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