When should snow chains be fitted? Key

With the arrival of winter one of the most frequent questions we ask ourselves is: when to remove the snow chains? placed and in which situations their use is mandatory. Knowing this information is important for avoid fines and penaltieswhile increasing our own safety. On the blog Comforted we explain everything you need to know about using snow chains.

What are snow chains?

During the colder season, rain, snow And if they make their appearance on the road. In fact, they are generally one of the most recurring elements. If we don't transport special tires for winter in our carwe must use other devices that guarantee maximum protection. This is it so as not to lose control of the vehicle and minimize the risk of accidents or going off the road.

So, one of these devices is snow chainswhich help the wheels to acquire greater floor support to snow. To do this, it must be installed on the tire tread to improve the your traction. Furthermore, it will help to increase A braking capacity of vehicle, thus reducing braking distance.

How many snow chains should be used?

The number of wheels on your vehicle does not determine the number of snow chains needed. The most important thing is to understand what they are the driving wheels, that is, those who are responsible for transmitting the power of the engine and gearbox. In short, the first thing is that you can identify which wheels allow the vehicle to move forward.

In this way, the minimum number of snow chains that we will have to install will be equivalent to the number of wheels responsible for transmitting traction. This is a notable difference regarding the use of winter tiresas these must be placed on all wheels.

In general, cars have two-wheel drivewhich can be placed on the front or rear axle; with the exception of 4×4 modelswhose wheels are all driving. As regards heavy or transport vehicles, these must also be transported on the driving wheels. Although it is advisable to have them on all wheels.

When is it appropriate to fit snow chains on the car?

Often we don't know situations in which it is mandatory equip yourself with snow chains, so you risk a fine or causing damage to the car for not using them at the right time.

When we drive on a snowless road and it starts to snow, the snow chains does not have to be placed immediately. This is because the snow has not yet hardened or coagulated on the pavement and the layer is probably too thin to require the installation of this element. However, when a significant layer of snow forms, increased by a drop in temperatures, it will be the ideal time to position them.

How to recognize the ideal time to fit snow chains?

The answer is simple, because you just need to observe the behavior of the vehicle. If you notice momentary losses or decreases in traction, or with If the vehicle changes behavior, you will know it is time to stop and install this safety feature.

It is equally important to underline this they must be removed as soon as the snow cover decreases OR we are now on a road free of snow or ice. Failure to remove them could cause damage both on chains and tires; It is therefore very important to remove them as soon as they are no longer needed.

Is the use of snow chains mandatory?

Depending on the circumstances, there are times when the use of chains is mandatory and others when it is not. As a general rule, its use is mandatory as soon as it is deemed necessary the driving wheels lose traction capacity or start slipping on the surface. However, it always will be competent authorities to determine whether, due to road conditions, the use of snow chains is mandatory. They also indicate the specific stretch of road on which they should be used.

Such warnings are generally carried out via static and mobile road signs, as well as information panels. Specifically, it is possible to know when snow chains must be made mandatory by vertical sinal R-412which indicates that the circulation of vehicles is not permitted without the use of snow chains. If you don't have chains on your car, you won't be able to drive on the road. This circumstance will force you A Stop the vehicle in an area that does not impede traffic others and wait for a snowplow to clear the road.

Extreme caution in adverse weather conditions

In shortam Confortauto we recommend that you always carry some in the trunk. And do a check of yours the car before going to the nearest workshop. Remember that you can buy winter tires on confortauro.pt and enjoy safety in this difficult time on the road.