Publish Time: 2025-05-28 Origin: Site
Have you ever driven through snow and felt your tires slip? Winter roads can be tricky—and dangerous—without the right traction.Using anti-slip chains can save your trip—or even your life. But when should you actually put them on?
In this post by Shanghai Foreign Trade (Pudong) Co., Ltd., you’ll learn when, why, and how to use anti-slip chains safely and legally.
Ever heard of anti-slip chains?They’re also called tire chains or snow chains.These are metal chains that wrap around your tires to help grip slippery roads.They’re not just for snow,though.You can also use them on icy, muddy, or sandy roads.
So, what do anti-slip chains actually do?
● They add grip where tires usually slip.
● They prevent wheels from spinning out of control.
● They help your car move safely in tough conditions.
Let’s break it down with a quick comparison:
Feature | Anti-Slip Chains | Snow Socks | Studded Tires |
Material | Steel or metal links | Fabric-based | Tires with metal studs |
Grip on Ice/Snow | Excellent | Moderate | Good |
Road Surface Suitability | Not for dry roads | OK for short dry use | Legal restrictions in some areas |
Installation | Manual, needs practice | Easier to install | Already mounted |
Chains stand out for serious snow or steep climbs.They’re strong, and once installed right, super effective.
When your tires touch snow or ice, they usually just slide.Rubber can’t grip frozen roads well—but metal can.Anti-slip chains wrap around the tire and bite into snow and ice.Each link grabs the surface, giving your tire something to hold onto.Here's how they help:
● Snow and Ice: Chains dig into packed snow and icy roads.
● Mud or Sand: They stop the tires from spinning in place.
● Inclines: They help vehicles climb or brake on slippery hills.
Imagine this:
You're trying to climb a snowy road in a regular car.Without chains? You slip backward.With chains? You grip forward.Chains also work differently from other tools.Unlike winter tires, they aren’t permanent.And unlike studded tires, they don’t need special wheels.
Pro Tip:
Practice using them in a dry place before hitting the snow.It’ll make roadside installs way easier.
If the weather turns rough, chains can be a lifesaver.They’re not just for deep snow—they help in all kinds of slippery spots.
Use anti-slip chains when you see:
● Heavy snowstorms: Roads get packed with snow, traction drops fast.
● Icy roads: Black ice is invisible. Chains dig in and give you control.
● Slush, mud, or steep climbs: Wet hills or muddy paths can trap your wheels.
Chains help your tires bite the road instead of slide.Even 4WD cars can struggle in these spots without help.
In many places, it’s not a choice—it’s the law.Some roads require chains in winter, no matter what car you drive.Let’s look at common rules across the U.S.:
State | Chain Use Required When | Seasonal Limits |
California | Snow zones (R1–R3 alerts on highways) | Winter months only |
Colorado | I-70: Sept–May for trucks | Fines up to $1,000 for violations |
Washington | Must carry chains Nov–Apr on listed mountain routes | Vehicles >10,000 lbs need extras |
Oregon | Required when signs posted statewide | 6 chains needed for compliance |
In California, roads may display three chain control levels:
● R1: Chains or snow tires required (2WD vehicles only).
● R2: Chains required unless you're AWD with snow tires.
● R3: Chains required on all vehicles. No exceptions.
Alpine resorts also have their own laws.
In places like Victoria (Australia), if you ignore signs, you can be fined.So always check local rules before heading into snow zones.
Not all cars are built the same—so chain use depends on your drive system.
Let’s break it down:
Vehicle Type | Where to Install Chains |
Front-Wheel Drive | Front tires |
Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear tires |
All-Wheel Drive | Check your manual or local rules |
Some AWD systems can handle light snow, but not deep drifts or steep grades.Chains can still help them stop safely or climb better.
Also think about your tires:
● Snow-rated tires have a mountain/snowflake symbol.
● These perform better in cold but aren’t enough alone in deep snow.
One more thing—tire size matters.
Most chains fit a range of widths (like 205–225mm),but if your tires are extra wide or custom, double-check the chain size.Always match your chains to your tires. If you're unsure, ask a local tire shop.
Don’t wait until you're stuck in snow.
Install your chains once at home—it makes a huge difference.
Practice when:
● It’s dry and not freezing
● You have light and time
● You’re in your garage or driveway
Pack these must-have items:
● Waterproof gloves
● Headlamp or flashlight
● Plastic tarp or mat
● Warm clothes and layers
● Tire chain instruction manual
● Towels or wipes to clean up
● Small shovel (just in case)
These tools help you stay warm, dry, and ready.
Step 1: Know your drive wheels
● Front-wheel drive → chains go in front
● Rear-wheel drive → chains go in back
● All-wheel drive → check your car’s manual
If unsure, ask your tire shop.
Step 2: Lay the chains out flat
Take them out of the case.
Hold the yellow cable in your left hand, blue in your right.
Make sure they’re untangled and not twisted.
Step 3: Slide the chains behind the tire
Push the yellow end behind the wheel.
Grab both ends and pull them up over the tire.
Step 4: Hook the cable together
Connect yellow to blue at the top of the tire.
Make sure you feel it lock.
Step 5: Connect the red hook
Find the red hook across from the cable.
Latch it to the nearest gold link.
Step 6: Check for the diamond shape
Push the chains over the top of the tire.
You should see a diamond pattern on the tread.
Step 7: Tighten the bottom red chain
Pull the red chain through the guide.
Tug until it clicks into the notch.
Use the bungee to secure the end on the opposite side.
Repeat for the second tire.
Use smart gear:
Keep gloves, a plastic mat, and a headlamp handy.It’s cold and wet out there—stay dry and safe.
Pull off the road properly:
Don’t stop in traffic.Find a wide shoulder, turn on your hazard lights, and stay alert.
Drive forward to settle chains:
Once installed, roll forward 15–20 feet.Then stop and re-tighten everything.Chains need this movement to center on your tires.
Here’s a visual checklist:
Task | Done? |
Practiced at home | ☐ |
Checked chain size for tires | ☐ |
Packed winter emergency kit | ☐ |
Identified drive wheels | ☐ |
Installed on both sides | ☐ |
Drove forward and re-tightened | ☐ |
Staying prepared makes winter roads easier—and safer.
Once your chains are on, drive slow and steady.
Too fast? You risk breaking the chains or damaging your car.
Keep these rules in mind:
● Never go over 25 mph (40 km/h)
● Accelerate gently—no quick starts
● Brake slowly—avoid locking the wheels
● Turn carefully on sharp or icy curves
If the road clears up ahead, slow down and check your route.You may be able to remove the chains soon.
Chains can slip, come loose, or even break.
You’ll usually hear it before you see it.
Watch (and listen) for these warning signs:
● Loud slapping or banging sounds
● Metal-on-metal noises
● Steering suddenly feels off
● Your car starts pulling to one side
If that happens:
1. Pull over safely and stop.
2. Turn off the engine and check the chains.
3. Look for broken links or tangled pieces.
4. If a chain is broken, remove it before continuing.
Broken chains can cause serious damage
They may wrap around suspension parts or cut brake lines.Always check tightness after driving a short distance.Chains settle in and may need adjusting.
Chains are powerful—but not for every road.Some conditions will do more harm than good.
Avoid using anti-slip chains when:
● You're on bare pavement.
○ Chains can snap or grind against the road.
○ They wear down quickly and may damage your tires.
● There’s not enough tire clearance.
○ Some vehicles have tight wheel wells.
○ Chains can hit the fenders or suspension if space is too tight.
Here’s a quick reference:
Condition | Use Chains? | Why |
Deep snow / icy roads | Yes | Maximum traction needed |
Thin snow, dry road spots | No | Chains wear fast, might break |
Highway at 60 mph | No | Speed too high, chains unsafe |
Steep mountain slope | Yes | Helps grip and climbing power |
Use chains only when they make driving safer—not riskier.
Not every driver likes using chains—and that’s okay.There are other tools to help you stay safe on slippery roads.Let’s look at some popular alternatives.
Studded tires have small metal pins built into the tread.They bite into ice and packed snow just like chains do.
Chains vs. Studded Tires:
Feature | Studded Tires | Anti-Slip Chains |
Installation | Permanent (seasonal) | Temporary, remove after snow |
Grip on Ice | Very good | Excellent |
Road Damage Risk | Higher | Medium if misused |
Speed Flexibility | Can drive normally | Max 25 mph |
Legal Restrictions | Banned in some areas | Allowed seasonally |
Studded tires are great for long winters.Chains are better for sudden snow or mountain trips.
Snow socks are fabric sleeves that slip over your tires.They’re super light and easy to install—but less durable than chains.
Snow socks:
● Quieter than chains
● Easier to handle
● Lower traction on deep snow or ice
Traction mats go under your tires when you’re stuck.
They help get you moving, not for driving long distances.Use mats in emergencies.Use socks when you want a fast, clean option.
Many newer cars have built-in tech to help in snow.
These systems include:
● ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
Helps keep your car stable on curves or slippery roads.
● ABS (Anti-lock Brakes)
Prevents your wheels from locking when you brake hard.
● Traction Control
Stops your tires from spinning when starting on ice.These features make winter driving easier,but they don’t replace the grip of chains or snow tires.
Tip: Always know what features your car has.They can help—but they still need good tires to work.
Use anti-slip chains when roads are icy, snowy, or steep. Follow local laws and road signs to stay legal and safe.Practice installing your chains at home—don’t wait for a storm. Always carry gloves, lights, and winter gear in your car.Be prepared before winter hits. Chains can keep you moving when others get stuck.
A: Not always. AWD or 4WD with snow tires may be exempt, but many roads still require chains in severe conditions.
A: No. Chains can break or damage your tires and the road. Remove them when no longer needed.
A: Check your tire size on the sidewall and match it with the chain's size range before buying.
A: You may be fined, turned around, or cause traffic delays. Some areas enforce chain laws strictly.
A: Cable chains are lighter and easier to install, but traditional chains offer better traction on deep snow and ice.
A: Yes, if installed incorrectly or used on bare pavement. Always follow instructions and check for clearance.