Auto Chains Vs. Snow Tires
Snow tires and auto chains are both meant to help vehicles combat ice and snow while driving during winter months. These pieces of equipment work by providing more traction on slick surfaces, lessening the chances of skidding or sliding on the road.
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Identification
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Snow tires are tires made with deep threads and rubber that is molded for colder temperatures. Auto chains, also called snow chains and tire chains, are simply linked metal chains that are hooked around a vehicle's tires.
Cost
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Auto chains are less expensive than snow tires, ranging from $40 up to $100 per set, as of January 2010. Snow tires cost anywhere from $65 to $145 and up per tire, plus installation fees.
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Types
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Auto chains are available in a version that you wrap around the tires as well as a version that you drive into. Snow tires are available with many widths and tread depths for various severity of road conditions.
Considerations
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While auto chains are cheaper and work quite well, they are a hassle to take on and off tires. However, snow tires are not meant to be used during all seasons, so you would have to change the tires when winter ends.
Warning
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Auto chains greatly aide in traction by lifting the tires off the snow and ice, but chains do not work for driving over 30 miles per hour, as you risk blowing out your tires. Snow tires may work well in icy or light snow conditions, but in deeper snow, the tires lose traction.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of looking for inspiration...) (Jacek Korona
