Will snow chains damage tires?

Question

I may have to drive for several miles to visit family over Christmas. Part of the way may be clear (200 miles), but part of the way may be icy (400 miles). Will it damage my tires to leave the snow chains on the entire way?

Answer 1

That depends on the tires you are driving on. there needs to be at least an inch of ice on the roadway before you really need chains. Today the All-Season tire can handle a little ice. Just remember the rules of driving on ice.
Only go as fast as you are comfortable. Keep to the right if possible and let the bozo driving 50 around you. If you hold up traffic a little don't worry about it.
Chains may not be allowed on the road as they definatly tear up the road. If driving from San Francisco to Tahoe for example. You will be pulled over and told to remove the chains before you reach the Golden Gate. Toss them in the trunk and put them on IF needed. Practice where it is warmer so if you have to it is a quick and simple task. They usually take 15 minutes/tire to apply. there are traction straps you can get also for fron wheel drive and just clip on real fast.
If you have a front wheel drive you really don't need chains as the car is pulled rather than pushed and the chains would go on the front wheels and that can interfere with the fender and cause serious body damage.
The way I read it, 600 miles with chains, Don't do it, it will tear up the cord in the radial tires. If you are serious about extra traction on that long a trip get snow tires. Most of the time in winter months they are allowed on highways and the ride while noisy you will have the extra traction you need in the ice.

Answer 2

Driving With Snow Chains

Answer 3

Snow Chains For Cars

Answer 4

Just leave a day later or earlier. 600 miles is a 10 hour drive. Definitely doable in a day-especially if you have > 1 driver. Also you don't need to start at 6 am - you can start at 9pm to avoid the weather. You can also stop halfway. Lots of options that don't involve tires/chains.

Answer 5

Hi:

Snow chains will damage your differential if used on regular driving. Good snow tires are far more efficient and easier on the mechanics of your car. Snow chains may be ok to get you out of a tough situation such as a driveway, but for the most part should be left in the 1940's.

Good luck on your trip; usually good tires with a light foot on the accelerator are the best way to handle icy conditions.

Answer 6

I've never heard of them damaging tires, but I would hate to drive 200 miles with them on, most likely you will ruin the chains.

Answer 7

I have seen snow chains become unfastened when driven at road speed and then really eat up the fenders and wheel wells of the vehicle.

Answer 8

they will if you drive them on dry pavement ,and over a certain speed,but other than that they wont hurt them if you use them just remember to keep your speed down to a low one,and it should be alright but only use them if you really need them ,,good luck,i hope this help,s.

Answer 9

No, as long as you dont drive too fast. Bearings may wear a bit thou, because of the unbalance they have

Answer 10

where do you live that can have a 600 miles drive, of which 400 miles of icy roads? Canada? Finland?

what about your family, all probably used to driving on icy / snowy roads, they won't give you any advice? that sounds weird, from people you're going to drive 600 miles to visit. Is your question for real? ;-)

anyway, if your question is for real, most people in those regions would typically have snow tyres fit to their cars. These are tyres that have much better grip on snow or ice, than regular tyres, and also have better grip on dry pavement as soon as temperatures get close to freezing. They're fine to get anywhere even on icy / snowy roads, barring unpacked snow (but then most cars even 4x4's will be blocked by unpacked snow), or steep uphills.

Hope this helps