We only use our chains an average of once or twice a year, but when we need them, nothing else will substitute. From late September to May, we carry our chains when we go to the mountains even though the roads are clear. This is an especially important precaution when the snow tires aren t mounted. One early October, it snowed all night on our camp at Hart s Pass. There are three basic types of chains.
Plastic chains are cheap and break easily.
They are helpful in soft snow if you don t have snow tires, but are almost worthless on ice. Cable chains are specifically designed for radial tires. Compared to reinforced chains, they are relatively easy to put on, cause less damage to the tire and are quieter with a smoother ride. They provide good traction on snow and ice. They are also the hardest to install, are hard on the tires and can damage both the tires and car if installed improperly.