Snow Chains

spinybif_2

Snow chains - are they worth it. I live 1 mile from motorway on roads which get deep uncleared snow but then onto (hopefully) cleared motorways, Do you have to remove snow chains once you are out of deep snow and than put them back on when you go onto side roads.

many thanks

Alias_Omega

Would you really want to travel at 70mph on snow chains? Would be one rough ride.

reheat

I usually ensure I have a set of snow chains for any car I've had, though in fairness I've very rarely used them. But on the rare occasions I have, brilliant. With real chains, you have to remove them - or drive slowly, and not for more than a few miles - once out of snow. Not sure about the more modern "chains" that aren't really chains.

iceblue24

i think the maximum speed you can drive with chains is 30mph. The amount of extra grip you get is very reassuring

its mainly for deep snow covered roads, anything else i would use snow tyres. Snow socks is another option but i dont know how good these are.

Weird_Nev

They're very effective, but only in certain circumstances:
1)For packed deep snow only - not for slush/light dusting as the chain just cuts through and damages the road.
2) For slow going only- many say 30mph but even this is too fast IMO. You risk serious damage to your car (arches, wheels, brakes, tyres) and loss of control/damage to the road if you try and make progress on them.
3) yes, you have to taken them off as soon as you don't need them.

That said, they're very effective, but you probably need them 1 daya year in the UK, tops. And on that day, you're better off not driving in the first place.

forgotmyname

I would imagine you will get a good ticking off and a ticket if found using them on the road.

The roads dont stay cover in snow long enough to use them really.

They are not exactly quick to fit either, By the time you have fitted them the snow will have melted.

SHIPSHAPE

spinybif wrote: »

Snow chains - are they worth it. I live 1 mile from motorway on roads which get deep uncleared snow but then onto (hopefully) cleared motorways, Do you have to remove snow chains once you are out of deep snow and than put them back on when you go onto side roads.

many thanks

No, they are not worth it in the UK and to think otherwise would be absolutely ridiculous.

VfM4meplse

But snow tyres presumably are?

neilmcl

VfM4meplse wrote: »

But snow tyres presumably are?

If you referring to winter tyres, then yes.

Weird_Nev

SHIPSHAPE wrote: »

No, they are not worth it in the UK and to think otherwise would be absolutely ridiculous.

My sister has been snowed in for 3 weeks a year the last 2 years in scotland: Is it ridiculous for her to be prepared?

There are occasions when they're entirely suitable in the UK, it's just that they're few and far between.

Notmyrealname

Weird_Nev wrote: »

My sister has been snowed in for 3 weeks a year the last 2 years in scotland: Is it ridiculous for her to be prepared?

There are occasions when they're entirely suitable in the UK, it's just that they're few and far between.

If you're snowed in, snow chains are not going to help when the snow on the road is higher than the ground clearance of the car.