Which is strictly correct do you reckon, "snow chains" or "snowchains"? it doesn't really matter anyway although spellchecker prefers "snow chains". Tell you what. You can call them tire chains if you like and avoid the debate!
Call them what you like but let's just settle on snow chains for now and avoid the red underlining, as soon as you fit chains onto the wheels of a vehicle you dramatically increase the grip and traction in snow or mud. Now if you've just gone out and bought a 4x4 specifically for the improved traction in poor conditions you may feel that all this talk of snow chains is not relevant to you.
You might think that but you'd be mistaken. Yes, your 4x4 will keep going much longer in thick snow but even 4x4s lose traction eventually in such conditions. Even they will benefit from having tire chains fitted when the going gets really tough.
Now if you're reading this in the South of England in September with the sun shining and not a cloud in the sky you might well be thinking, "What is he on about with his snow tyre chains? Why would I want to know about things like that? Well for several reasons really.
Really severe winters don't occur often in the southern counties of England. That much is true. It's equally true that they do occur sometimes, every few years. Anyone old enough to remember 1962/3 and several winters since then will appreciate the value of being prepared.
The thing with snow tyre chains is that it's little use leaving it until your vehicle is stuck in the snow to think about going out and buying a set. It's too late then! You won't be able to go anywhere to buy them and even if you order some online, by the time they reach you the need will probably have passed.
They're not that expensive either so why not invest in a set of snow tire chains now to keep in your car boot just in case. They take up very little room and it's much better than waiting until the snow comes and there isn't a single snow chain to be had anywhere.
Some countries in northern Europe make it a legal requirement that you carry in the vehicle a set of snowchains or similar aids to traction. Those countries include all of the ones you'll be likely to visit if you go on a winter sports holiday. So if you intend to go there by car you won't want to forget and end up trying to buy your snow chains at the last minute. If you do you'll be sure to find the last tire chain was sold the previous day!
Very heavy, drifting snow mercifully doesn't usually last all that long in England, particularly in the South, but Britain isn't just London and the Home Counties. The far South West, Wales, the North of England and Scotland are not very far away and they can all experience some horrendous winter weather.
When winter strikes really hard, and it can do so quite suddenly, there are plenty of places in good old temperate Britain where the ability to keep going in atrocious conditions could mean the difference between life and a very chilly death. Are you sure you don't need a set of snow chains in the boot? After all you never know with British weather!
Whether you keep tire chains on board just in case, and they're the cheapest insurance policy you'll ever buy, or because you're going to the Alps and need to comply with local law there is one thing that has to admitted about snowchains. Fitting them can be a horrible cold, wet and dirty job! Taking them off again afterward is no better either.
There is an alternative to the traditional snow chain, which is literally made from steel chain, in the form of tire covers made from fabric. These are made from a very tough water resistant material which gives good grip like the steel chain but is much easier to fit and remove.
Fabric tire covers are suitable for occasional, relatively light, use on ordinary cars. For heavy duty on commercial vehicles and 4x4s there is no substitute for the traditional steel chain type of snow chains and you just have to put up with the chore of fitting and removal working on the dirtiest part of the vehicle.
Winter may seem a long way off but sadly it isn't really and now's the time to get yourself and your car prepared for its onslaught. The snowchains you buy now may not be needed this winter but when they are you'll bless the day you bought them.
