Driving on icy and snow covered roads can prove a significant safety risk. Police and road transports agencies advice typically recommend drivers avoid journeys on such roads unless absolutely necessary.

Ice reduces tyre traction leading to increased risk of slides and loss of vehicle control. Breaking, changing direction, and travelling up or down gentle slopes at relatively slow speed can easily exceed the surface traction leading to slides and potentially accidents.

The good news is there are easy activities and precautions that can help increase traction and improve vehicle control under these adverse driving conditions. Unfortunately, this risk can only be reduced and not eliminated.

It’s all about the interface:  tyre meets snow / ice. Snow chains for car tyres can increase grip and reduce the risk of slides and accidents under these conditions. Tyre chains when used on appropriate surfaces can greatly improve traction and road safety within the parameters for which they were designed.

Warnings and Caution

There are problems associated with using chains on inappropriate surfaces i.e. they may become damaged, or damage the car if:

• Driven on dry road surfaces for an extended period of time with tyre chains
• Driving too fast with chains (Normally recommended max speed of (20-30 mph)
• Not sufficiently securing tyre chains can lead to problems. Some manufacturers recommend stopping after driving a short distance to re-tighten chains that could have become loose.

Did this information help you?  If so,  tell a friend.