Snow Cables: Are They Better Than Tire Chains?
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Snow cables might as well be an alien object if you live in a southern climate or where winter is a few months of inconvenience. But, these tire accessories can make all the difference for safe and drama-free driving in some areas. What are snow cables? How do they differ from tire chains? These are logical questions if you’re dealing with winter now or are planning for the future. Read on as we explore the answers.
What Are Tire Chains?
Tire chains have been around a long time (more than 100 years). So, let’s first look at this traction-enhancing device. Tire chains are a web of metal chains that wrap car tires to provide better traction and grip in deep snow. Snow tires are helpful for this purpose but only go so far in particularly slippery conditions.
A set of chains is attached to each drive wheel. This could be in the front, back, or on all four wheels depending on your vehicle. One drawback is that driving with tire chains is restricted to 25 mph. Importantly, tire chains come in various sizes and specifications (for different road conditions). Although there are “universal” tires chains, you’ll get better performance out of a set that’s designed for specific driving conditions and your particular car and wheels.
What Are Snow Cables?
Snow cables perform the same function as tire chains—provide improved traction on snow-covered surfaces—but are a more modern approach. Rather than chains, snow cables use thick lines or strands of metal alloy to create a net around each tire.
Like tire chains, snow cables come in different sizes. Most have a ladder or “Z” tread pattern where the cable covers the tire tread area. However, unlike tire chains, there are generally no speed restrictions (but you’ll want to avoid using snow cables on a normal road surface).
Tire Chains or Snow Cables: Which To Choose?
No two driving situations are alike, so there’s no set rule about selecting tire chains over snow cables or vice versa.
Tire Chains: Tire chains are heavier and can be more challenging to install (the connection process can take practice). At the same time, this weight makes tire chains very durable and ideal if you want something with longevity. This is especially the case with a large (and heavy) truck or SUV that may add extra stress to tire chains and snow cables. Keep in mind that a loose individual chain can damage the adjacent area of the vehicle.
If you want the best possible traction in deep snow and don’t care about the other drawbacks, tire chains are the option of choice.
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Snow Cables: Snow cables are a gap between snow tires and tire chains. In addition, less weight makes snow cables easier to install. The downside is that snow cables aren’t as durable and require a few extra steps to use. Plus, they’ll wear out more quickly, especially if used regularly. But, snow cables are more versatile (no speed restrictions) and less likely to cause damage if a cable breaks loose.
However, snow cables may not perform as well as their bulkier cousin in deep snow. This characteristic makes snow cables better suited to casual use.
What About Installation?
Tire chains and snow cables can be installed without professional help. And while both appear similar, the installation process is different for each.
In a rushed roadside situation, tire chains can be added without moving the vehicle (the opposite of what’s required for snow cables). This is helpful if you’re having traction problems or are maybe already stuck. The chains are placed on top of the tire and connected in the proper order. Driving on will help set the chains in place.
On the other hand, snow cables require you to first lay each set in front or back of the drive wheels. The car is then driven a few feet onto the flat pairs before connecting and securing the cables to the tires. This is impossible if you’re stuck in deep snow to begin with.
Regardless of which method you choose for additional traction, practice installation a few times before you actually need to use tire chains or show cables. Ideally, you don’t want to be trying this for the first time in an emergency situation.
Cost
There’s no significant price difference between snow cables and tires chances. Expect to pay from $50 to $100 for a decent pair, with sets for the largest wheels running $150 or more. You may find some online bargains. But skip the temptation to save a few bucks in favor of something that better meets your needs. Get recommendations from a local tire shop or auto supply store about what works best.
Understand Local Laws
Pay attention to local regulations about the use of snow cables and tire chains. Certain roads and conditions require their use. Conversely, you’re prohibited from using snow cables and tire chains during normal conditions. Jurisdictions are restrictive about these traction enhancement devices because of the resulting pavement damage caused by their use.
FAQs About Snow Cables and Tire Chains
Are there Safety Considerations When Using Snow Cables and Tires Chains?
Yes. The use of these devices can affect normal vehicle operations, especially in an emergency situation. In essence, you’re trading improved traction in the snow for reduced handling. Snow cables and tire chains can affect braking and the ability of tires to direct snow and water.
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Should I Add Snow Cables or Tire Chains to My Emergency Kit?
It depends. If you never encounter snow, then the answer is obvious. But, otherwise, such a step is worth consideration. A $50 investment could make all the difference if you encounter an unexpected snowstorm and fail to plan for bad winter weather.
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Does Use of Snow Cable or Tire Chains Affect My Tires?
Yes, it can. Short-term use of these devices won’t affect things too much. But extended use of snow cables or tire chains will cause premature tire wear and may void any tire warranty.
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