Choose Snow Tires vs. Snow Chains for Winter Driving

DIY

Wheels and Tires

Chris Tonn

June 07, 2023

Chris Tonn

June 07, 2023

When snow and ice accumulate, it’s time to think about increasing traction - opens in new window or tab. for safer control of your ride. Two options for extra winter traction are snow chains and snow tires. What are the pros and cons?

Snow Tires for Wintertime Only

Snow tires are specifically designed to perform in wintry conditions. These tires have tread created to claw through ice and snow. They also have rubber compounds produced to stay pliable and grippy in frigid temperatures. The rubber compound gets soft when the air temperature is cold, allowing the tires to grip cold pavement and ice.

Snow tires are typically mounted on all four wheels. Most people have a dedicated set of wheels for snow tires, allowing them to be easily swapped before winter starts and back out in the spring.

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Regardless, you shouldn’t drive with snow tires all year long. That soft rubber compound, which is grippy in cold temperatures, becomes stiff as the temperatures rise. That stiff rubber can wear away quickly in warm temperatures, reducing tire life. The more aggressive tread pattern can also reduce fuel economy when driving at freeway speeds. Winter tires - opens in new window or tab. also have tiny microgrooves called sipes that wick away moisture from the road surface. Those sipes wear away in warm weather.

When Do You Need Snow Chains?

Snow chains are a traction aid fitted to standard tires. They consist of chains or cables - opens in new window or tab. that can be strapped onto the drive wheels of a car during harsh winter weather. These chains or cables dig into packed snow and ice, adding traction.

You don’t need chains on winter tires. However, they could add traction in extremely icy and snowy situations. Snow chains are a temporary solution for dealing with intense winter conditions. If you are traveling through mountainous areas during the winter, you should have a set of snow chains in your trunk—just in case.

Snow chains are compact. They are small enough to be kept in the trunk for use only when needed.
You should not exceed 30 mph when using snow chains. If you go fast, they could break—potentially causing vehicle damage and loss of control.

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In some regions, local officials require you to have either snow tires or snow chains. These areas will likely be well marked with signage notifying you to stop and fit tire chains before proceeding. Plan ahead by having chains in your trunk and getting familiar with installation. Be ready to take them off once you get back down the mountain because those chains can damage the roadway.

Pros and Cons

The type of winter traction aid you choose depends on your expected winter travel needs. For example, if you live in northern New England, where snow stays packed for a few months, you might be better served with snow tires all winter. However, if you live in Denver, where morning snow might be clear by noon, you’d do better with an emergency set of snow chains for an occasional drive into the mountains.

Advantages of Snow Tires

Once mounted, you’re ready for the entire winter season
Excellent traction and stability all winter long
Will work at highway speeds

Disadvantages of Snow Tires

Need to store them when out of season
They can wear out prematurely if driven in warmer weather
You should have a separate set of wheels

Advantages of Snow Chains

Superior traction in heavy ice and snow
Easy to transport for occasional use
They can be used with nearly any type of tire

Disadvantages of Snow Chains

You can’t drive faster than 30 mph
They are a temporary measure
They can damage the car if they break
They can damage the road

Are Studded Tires the Answer?

Studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 snow tires

In the past, some drivers opted for studded tires with metal nubs protruding from the rubber. These winter tires are meant for extreme ice and snow and give drivers some benefits of tire chains and the grip of snow tires.

However, most jurisdictions outlaw using studded tires due to the damage they inflict on pavement. Imagine what metal spikes being forced into asphalt can do. Plus, they are noisy.

Most modern winter tires - opens in new window or tab. outperform studded tires in all but the worst Arctic weather, as technologies have developed to make rubber tires perform in the cold.

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About the author

Chris Tonn

Some enthusiasts say they were born with gasoline in their veins. Chris Tonn, on the other hand, had rust flakes in his eyes nearly since birth. Living in salty Ohio and being hopelessly addicted to vintage British and Japanese steel will do that to you. His work has appeared in Hagerty, The Truth About Cars, Reader's Digest, AutoGuide, Family Handyman, and Jalopnik. He's currently looking for the safety glasses he just set down somewhere.

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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.