Snow chains - mandatory, assemble, test - we have the information

If you are traveling in regions in the winter months where there is a lot of ice and snow, in addition to the obligatory set of winter tires that have already been fitted, you should also have suitable snow chains on board. This is especially true for drivers traveling to the Alps. Snow chains are required on certain roads and passes. Failure to do so could result in high fines. In Austria, for example, these can be up to 5.000 euros. In addition, only so-called track cross chains are permitted here (according to Austrian standards V5117 or V5119). Textile snow chains such as snow socks are not permitted here. The snow chain requirement also applies to all-wheel drive vehicles. The maximum permitted speed with snow chains on is usually 50 km/h.

Due to the different types of chains, there can be no uniform assembly recommendation for fitting snow chains. This should be practiced before starting your trip. Additional robust gloves, a strong flashlight and a sturdy pad are other useful utensils that should not be missing in your luggage. Snow chain types that are equipped with a quick mounting system are particularly suitable for inexperienced drivers. When the time comes when assembly becomes essential, you shouldn't wait too long. Otherwise, you either risk getting stuck in the snow or gliding over the icy roadside. If the route becomes free of ice and snow again, the dismantling of the chains is due. Because only a timely disassembly extends the life of the snow chains, otherwise they will wear out extremely quickly.

 Depending on the chain type, a distinction is made between drive and track chains based on their arrangement. The drive chains are mounted on the wheels of the drive axle. The individual chain links run transversely to the drive axle. The track chains, on the other hand, are mounted on the wheels of the steering axle. Here the chain links run in the direction of the wheels. Combination variants of drive and track chains are now also available. The relevant chain links are arranged criss-cross across the running surface of the wheels, which are also connected with reinforced longitudinal links. In order to achieve better friction resistance, the ring chains are shaped more angularly. Further loose and round chain links of the ring chain free the rolling snow chain from adhering snow.
There are basically three different types of snow chains, with their specific advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand there are the rope chains. Their advantage is their small pack size, but they tend to knot quickly. The second basic variant is the hanger chain. Here a bracket makes the tricky assembly easier. The so-called comfort chains follow last. In addition to being quick to assemble, they have more mechanical parts that provide better traction on snowy roads. However, their considerable disadvantage is their high price.