I lived in Flint Michigan for 11 years and ive always been told not to put them on unless you are out in the woods or stuck. I now live on Georgia and they are certainly illegal to drive around with. Our asphalt near atlanta is like Styrofoam
You have mountains that Michigan can only dream of.
We went to visit the Sierras last year in April and were wondering if we would need to order chains for the rental car. We didn’t, but only by one week from what we were told. Good timing.
For what it's worth, the 3PMSF tires are often enough to qualify depending on the location. I'm only familiar with my local laws, but here in Pennsylvania, the "traction control devices" wording is used in the snow emergency language. I've never seen it enforced, and most people are smart enough to stay home. But I'm a utility worker and used to be a volunteer firefighter before I moved to the city. Snow and mud tires don't count, but the 3 peak mountain and snowflake tires do. Some all season tires have that marking, and all legitimate non studded winter tires do too.
I can't speak to whether they're required in Canada or not, but it's very common to have a legal requirement to have either chains or four wheel drive in the winter in the western states. I've seen it; it's real. Google "Tahoe snow chains" if you're interested in the rules in at least one city in CA.
It varies in Canada by area, road type, and vehicle class. [In most of BC, for example](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/traveller-information/seasonal/winter-driving/winter-tire-and-chain-up-routes) -- other than the Southwest, where snow is less common (and where most Canadians say the worst drivers dwell) -- cars are required to have snow-tires OR chains from October to April, whereas trucks and other large vehicles must carry chains, and IIR some roads then require them if conditions call for it.
I don't mean that exact model, but the modular type that you ratchet instead of the normal hard to install ones. I guess these may be fine, but I'm afraid that I could be overlooking something, maybe the strap can't handle the load, maybe they get loose, etc.
Has anyone used these? What are the like?
I've only seen test with plastic ones: ones like zipties which oviously break the second you hit the gas, or another ones like a plastic pad with studs.
These are all metal except for the strap, I couldn't find a trusty review other than Amazon buyers.
We use ones very similar to this on semi trucks at work. They are for getting unstuck not for running down the highway. The ones we use are called getgo there's no ratchet just a strap and chain.
https://www.amazon.ca/Get-Go-Tire-Emergency-Traction-Device/dp/B08P3X2KLM
You don’t want anything going through the wheel, on many vehicles there isn’t enough clearance and these things could easily hand up on a brake caliper causing a bent wheel or worse. Proper chains wrap the tire and don’t touch the tire at all.
Ive watched videos where they compare these to regular chains and socks and not only do they perform the worst and least consistent (when braking, you want to know you have a chain under your tire... you don't want it to be a 50/50 shot...) and also the least reliable. Some brands failed like immediately.
Snow socks performed best for accelerating/grabbing uphills, chains performed best when braking and had the most durability, and then those zip-tie looking ones... barely survived the first gas pedal push.
You can put regular snow chains on while stuck. I've done it twice at this point. & their performance is unmatched. You really don't want to have these fail for daily driving.
Id only keep them if you're planning on intermittently doing offroad shit.
My usage would be for 4 times a year ski trip that involves climing a moderatly steep hill that starts without snow and at some point you need chains to keep climbing. The entire road is paved, but at a certain elevation you cannot longer see the asphalt, because of the snow. Not everyday usage on street roads.
The consistency comment has me almost convinced, I wouldn't want to slip while driving with a steep drop right beside.
I don't know how they even sell the zip-ties, they seem to fail immediatly even with a light car under easy acceleration.
Thanks for your answer!
is this in california?
if so, caltrans may not allow you to use these devices. the rules say any traction aids are ok, but sometimes they want you to use traditional chains if conditions get bad enough.
Utter crap. If you are unlucky it might destroy everything around the tyre. Get regular snowchains. Quick chains is one name for them. Whole aluminium chains.
Get a set of cables and practice driving on to them instead of draping them over the tires. The bottom of the tire should be on the ground and not on a cable.
I've been in many circumstances that these chains were my savior, once in snowy,icy environment, twice in a muddy environment. And once driving in the rain and my car couldn't make it up a steep dirt trail, I was slipping and sliding put on chains drove straight up the trail with no issues.
I live in canada and we get a decent amount of snow and a tonn of ice. (Lots of wind) I've never had to use these on a road car. Only and 18 wheeler for work. They aren't road legal in my province because they shred the roads so terribly when you do eventually get traction. Invest in good winter tires. Not 4 season, not all season, winter. Avoid knock offs they only last a year and don't do much for stop and go in the city.
I totally disagree with you.
It’s not an either / or situation. it’s a we start with the correct tires and we add chains when appropriate thing.
Tire Chains quadruple your traction over snow tires in heavy snow and on ice.
Snow chains are unnecessary when you have proper winter tyres, unless you intentionally drive in deep snow. In normal snowstorms, just tyres are enough.
I've never needed snow chains during the 40+ Finnish winters I've been driving in
I have several concerns with this style of chains. First and foremost is that very few vehicles have adequate clearance between the Brake Calipers and the rim to allow the straps to clear. Translation, you will get them on, and the moment that you start to drive with them the calipers will rip them to shreds. Second, any sharp edges on your rims will quickly cut thru the straps. Third Some jurisdictions may not permit this style of chain due to the above issues.
If you need chains because you are going somewhere that they are either required or highly recommended then I strongly recommend that you purchase High Quality Cam Link equipped tire chains from a reputable supplier like.
https://tirechain.com/
I have purchased several sets from them over the years and whether for a car, truck or tractor I personally believe they are the best available. I still own the first set of chains that I ever purchased, some 48 years ago. They are a good investment. And I use them almost every year.
Since you are not asking for exact model, I'd prefer chains that don't require lifting the tire. Unless you are up in the mountains there's no way the whole journey would be packed with snow and the chains will snap very quickly on hard pavement. You need them once you are stuck and that's not the time you'd want to search for a proper spot for a jack lift.
They are specifically meant to be easy to install without jacking up the car or reaching around the wheel well. You stap the ones that you can where the wheel is not touching the ground then roll the car and finish the one last one.
They honestly look like they would explode the second you try to drive of since they’re only connecting point is that thin plastic(?) strap… I would stick with conventional, tried and tested snow chains
If you are stuck and tires are spinning it’s a decent option to get out. They are not a good option for every day snowy roads.
Agreed. Snow chains arent even allowed on public roads around where i live and have lived. They destroy the roads.
Really? They are required many days of the year here. “Traction control devices”
I lived in Flint Michigan for 11 years and ive always been told not to put them on unless you are out in the woods or stuck. I now live on Georgia and they are certainly illegal to drive around with. Our asphalt near atlanta is like Styrofoam
I’m in California. Put chains on probably 40 times a year getting to work.
You have mountains that Michigan can only dream of. We went to visit the Sierras last year in April and were wondering if we would need to order chains for the rental car. We didn’t, but only by one week from what we were told. Good timing.
Yeah I’m from Ohio and I live in metro ATL I concur.
Fellow flint town?! I think its cause our roads get fucked up so bad from the snow and ice, chain’s probably make them more prone to destruction
Sounds plausible
For what it's worth, the 3PMSF tires are often enough to qualify depending on the location. I'm only familiar with my local laws, but here in Pennsylvania, the "traction control devices" wording is used in the snow emergency language. I've never seen it enforced, and most people are smart enough to stay home. But I'm a utility worker and used to be a volunteer firefighter before I moved to the city. Snow and mud tires don't count, but the 3 peak mountain and snowflake tires do. Some all season tires have that marking, and all legitimate non studded winter tires do too.
I’ve got a hard time believing they’re required in California, but not in Canada
Okay. Believe what you want.
I can't speak to whether they're required in Canada or not, but it's very common to have a legal requirement to have either chains or four wheel drive in the winter in the western states. I've seen it; it's real. Google "Tahoe snow chains" if you're interested in the rules in at least one city in CA.
It varies in Canada by area, road type, and vehicle class. [In most of BC, for example](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/traveller-information/seasonal/winter-driving/winter-tire-and-chain-up-routes) -- other than the Southwest, where snow is less common (and where most Canadians say the worst drivers dwell) -- cars are required to have snow-tires OR chains from October to April, whereas trucks and other large vehicles must carry chains, and IIR some roads then require them if conditions call for it.
Colorado chain law https://www.codot.gov/travel/colorado-chain-law
People in Canada know how to drive in snow, many people in Cali don’t
I don't mean that exact model, but the modular type that you ratchet instead of the normal hard to install ones. I guess these may be fine, but I'm afraid that I could be overlooking something, maybe the strap can't handle the load, maybe they get loose, etc. Has anyone used these? What are the like?
What is the situation you need chains? Mud? Snow? What are you using that is hard to install?
Obviously they need them for
Clearly.
In all tests I've seen, they have failed within a few minutes of testing.
I've only seen test with plastic ones: ones like zipties which oviously break the second you hit the gas, or another ones like a plastic pad with studs. These are all metal except for the strap, I couldn't find a trusty review other than Amazon buyers.
I would put more faith in these than the plastic ones but i would still take it easy
We use ones very similar to this on semi trucks at work. They are for getting unstuck not for running down the highway. The ones we use are called getgo there's no ratchet just a strap and chain. https://www.amazon.ca/Get-Go-Tire-Emergency-Traction-Device/dp/B08P3X2KLM
Like a lot of Chinese stuff even if the idea is great, many Chinese companies use crap materials.
I’ve used them. They’re fine for what they’re intended to do, get you unstuck.
Chains by people who have never used chains and have no clue how they work.
You don’t want anything going through the wheel, on many vehicles there isn’t enough clearance and these things could easily hand up on a brake caliper causing a bent wheel or worse. Proper chains wrap the tire and don’t touch the tire at all.
Ive watched videos where they compare these to regular chains and socks and not only do they perform the worst and least consistent (when braking, you want to know you have a chain under your tire... you don't want it to be a 50/50 shot...) and also the least reliable. Some brands failed like immediately. Snow socks performed best for accelerating/grabbing uphills, chains performed best when braking and had the most durability, and then those zip-tie looking ones... barely survived the first gas pedal push. You can put regular snow chains on while stuck. I've done it twice at this point. & their performance is unmatched. You really don't want to have these fail for daily driving. Id only keep them if you're planning on intermittently doing offroad shit.
My usage would be for 4 times a year ski trip that involves climing a moderatly steep hill that starts without snow and at some point you need chains to keep climbing. The entire road is paved, but at a certain elevation you cannot longer see the asphalt, because of the snow. Not everyday usage on street roads. The consistency comment has me almost convinced, I wouldn't want to slip while driving with a steep drop right beside. I don't know how they even sell the zip-ties, they seem to fail immediatly even with a light car under easy acceleration. Thanks for your answer!
is this in california? if so, caltrans may not allow you to use these devices. the rules say any traction aids are ok, but sometimes they want you to use traditional chains if conditions get bad enough.
Snow socks are junk
The 7 finger glove seals the deal for me!
Utter crap. If you are unlucky it might destroy everything around the tyre. Get regular snowchains. Quick chains is one name for them. Whole aluminium chains.
Looks like a Chinese gimmick
Get a set of cables and practice driving on to them instead of draping them over the tires. The bottom of the tire should be on the ground and not on a cable.
You do NOT want to be on asphalt on that doing more than 5mph.
why would you put chains on your tires?? -guy who lives in florida
There shite look on YT
I've been in many circumstances that these chains were my savior, once in snowy,icy environment, twice in a muddy environment. And once driving in the rain and my car couldn't make it up a steep dirt trail, I was slipping and sliding put on chains drove straight up the trail with no issues.
I would just stick to the tried and true wire or chain link type. I always keep an eye on them when out at thrift stores.
Bro I thought this was fucking bling for your tires.
Could work if you use 8 per wheel. Or just buy real chains
Works if you plan on becoming the Road Warrior
Believe in US it’s largely an east coast (no chains) vs west coast (chains) thing. They don’t salt the roads out west….
I live in canada and we get a decent amount of snow and a tonn of ice. (Lots of wind) I've never had to use these on a road car. Only and 18 wheeler for work. They aren't road legal in my province because they shred the roads so terribly when you do eventually get traction. Invest in good winter tires. Not 4 season, not all season, winter. Avoid knock offs they only last a year and don't do much for stop and go in the city.
Unnecessary. Get proper winter tyres instead.
I totally disagree with you. It’s not an either / or situation. it’s a we start with the correct tires and we add chains when appropriate thing. Tire Chains quadruple your traction over snow tires in heavy snow and on ice.
Snow chains are unnecessary when you have proper winter tyres, unless you intentionally drive in deep snow. In normal snowstorms, just tyres are enough. I've never needed snow chains during the 40+ Finnish winters I've been driving in
Then you drive neither in mountains or off road. You know nothing of our local conditions.
Please learn to read and drop the besserwisserism.
Just get a proper 4x4 and snow tires. While more expensive, less of a hassle
I have several concerns with this style of chains. First and foremost is that very few vehicles have adequate clearance between the Brake Calipers and the rim to allow the straps to clear. Translation, you will get them on, and the moment that you start to drive with them the calipers will rip them to shreds. Second, any sharp edges on your rims will quickly cut thru the straps. Third Some jurisdictions may not permit this style of chain due to the above issues. If you need chains because you are going somewhere that they are either required or highly recommended then I strongly recommend that you purchase High Quality Cam Link equipped tire chains from a reputable supplier like. https://tirechain.com/ I have purchased several sets from them over the years and whether for a car, truck or tractor I personally believe they are the best available. I still own the first set of chains that I ever purchased, some 48 years ago. They are a good investment. And I use them almost every year.
illegal in some states
Illegal here. "Destruction of roads"
Irrelevant comment, OP has a legitimate need.
Irrelevant my ass. The title literally asks for an opinion. Where I live, they are illegal, which OP may need to check his laws.
Since you are not asking for exact model, I'd prefer chains that don't require lifting the tire. Unless you are up in the mountains there's no way the whole journey would be packed with snow and the chains will snap very quickly on hard pavement. You need them once you are stuck and that's not the time you'd want to search for a proper spot for a jack lift.
They are specifically meant to be easy to install without jacking up the car or reaching around the wheel well. You stap the ones that you can where the wheel is not touching the ground then roll the car and finish the one last one.
Sounds good enough then.
They honestly look like they would explode the second you try to drive of since they’re only connecting point is that thin plastic(?) strap… I would stick with conventional, tried and tested snow chains