It depends on the weather conditions that you are going to drive in. As new or used snow chains are an absolute “no-no” for paved roads (make significant noise, damage the road surface and add in tires wear), they provide optimal traction in extreme snowy conditions. Use chains on ice, in deep or packed snow. In areas prone to heavy snow storms, in certain altitudes when chains are legally required. New or used snow tires are a perfect choice if you are mostly driving in snowy, cold winters — but for extreme cases keep a good set of new or used snow chains in your trunk.