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Short answer: Yes, with a but.
Long answer: No, with an if.
Tire chains give a great deal more traction and offer shorter braking distances. They are also less likely to get stuck in deep snow or on ice. Tire chains are better in most areas, but they are a deal of work to put on initially. In addition, you cannot, let me repeat CANNOT, drive over 30 mph with them on. They will fly apart if you do.
They are not better if you prefer something you can always drive on. For example, I live in Oregon where we do not get much snow. However, I snowboard on Mt Hood which requires traction devices for most of the year. Once you come down out of the snow level, there may not be an area where you can pull over and remove the chains. Therefore, you have to drive on clear roads with the chains, which can damage the chains, damage the road and causes you to lose traction. All of this is under 30mph so you can end up blocking traffic as well.
But the alternative is traction tires. While they do not offer the braking distance or the amazing traction, you can drive them right onto and off of the snow. They are more expensive, but tend to last longer so they often offset their cost. It is almost as quick to jack up the car and toss on a pair of snow tires and you can do it in your garage.
So it really depends on what you are looking for. Chains are a bit more hardcore, but they can be prohibitive to some people.
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∙ 15y ago
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Where is it possible to purchase snow tire chains?
Snow tire chains can be purchased at almost any store that sells tires in an area that it snows. Walmart is one place that sells snow tire chains. It is also possible to find them online at any tire store.
How much safer are snow tire chains than regular winter tires?
"Snow tires with chains are much safer than regular winter tires if you live in an area with heavy winter snowfall. Snow tires with chains will help you to travel along roads that have not yet been plowed, where regular tires would probably get buried."
What are the types and prices of tire chains?
first thing you need to do is get the information on how to apply tire chains check out http://www.seattleauto.net/tire-chains-and-snow-tires-101.Then if you decide you'd like to get some tire chains checkout http://www.vulcantire.com/chainfaq.htm
Does it damage a tire to drive with snow chains on dry roads?
Of course it will damage the tire/tires. It will damage tires to drive on any road while using chains, probably more so on a dry road. Even on a road with snow and ice and even though the wear/damage to the tires is minimal, the tires will still suffer some excessive wear/damage. Chains should only be used when necessary unless you don't worry about early tire replacement. snow...
Where can someone buy atv tire chains?
Tire chains are devices fitted to the tires of vehicles to provide maximum traction when driving through snow or ice. You can buy tire chains at any good motor store or mechanic.
Can you put snow chains on a Ford Focus?
Any car that has tires can have snow chains put on those tires.
Are thinner tires better on snow and ice than wide ones?
No wide tyres or better because the give more grip Actually wider tires don't give you more grip in snow. They simply allow more snow to pile up in front of the tire. On Ice or snow pack a wider tire will provide better grip but in deep snow the thinner tire works better. Chicago winters taught me that.
What has better traction a snow blower with tracks or tire?
With tracks by far. They are superior to tires for traction.
Why do cars put on chains over the tires when travelling in the snow?
Snow chains give more traction.
Should I equip my car with tire chains this winter?
It depends where you live, but tire chains will certainly be very useful if you live in an area where there is a lot of snow in the winter. If you decide to get tire chains, it is important that you chose snow chains that fit your car.
Are 17 inch tires better in the snow than 18 inch tires?
Driving in the snow on 225/50/R18 is worse than on 195/60/R17, if the same tires are used.. the tire width is what matters in snow!
Are tire chains legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes they are legal and are required on two tires on a driven axle on emergency routes when the roadway is covered with ice or snow.
