When you head out in your car in icy or snowy weather, being equipped with snow chains and cables will keep you safe on the road.  Snow chains wrap around your wheels, providing the grip you need when driving in poor weather conditions when traction is difficult to obtain.

Before you start looking for snow chains for your car, make sure that it is safe to use them on your car.  Your owner’s manual will tell you whether or not cable chains are safe to use with your particular model.  If they are, then the next step is to find out whether or not cables and chains are legal in your state.  Some states have legislation preventing them, because they believe the chains are too damaging to the roads.

If they are legal and safe for you, and you live in an area that has frequent, long lasting snowfall, then it is time to choose your chains.  Many motorists choose cable chains, because they are the most affordable type of chains.  They also weigh less than other chains, and use galvanized steel rollers to fit on just about any vehicle, no matter how much clearance there is between the wheel and the fender.  Regardless of the type you choose, the most important factor when using snow chains is to make sure you install them correctly.

Many car owners deflate their tires slightly before installing the chains.  This makes the installation easier, but it is dangerous because the chains can slip if not installed correctly.  Once all four tires have their chains in place, drive the car around the block.  Then, stop and retighten the chains.  Remember that when you are driving with chains on your tires, you should not drive any faster than thirty miles per hour!  Following these tips will keep you safe when driving with chains on your tires.