Where do you put snow tire chains if you have only one pair?


Snow chains on front or rear axle - what is best?

Sure, you should have 2 pair - but what if you have only one set?

Allow me a word about traction first:

A car needs traction for 4 things: lateral stability, acceleration, steering and braking.

4WD gets you 100% more traction than 2WD. Good!

We all know, rubber tires on snow and ice have very little traction.
So, in 4WD you get 100% more of very little. That isn't much!
It might be enough to get you over the snowy pass. Definitely it is not enough to be really safe. Only aggressive steel tire chains put between the tire and the surface of the road increase traction to a truly safe level.

Only tire chains increase traction of rubber tires on snow and ice significantly!

Back to the question, what happens when you mount tire chains on either front or rear?:

On 4WD vehicles:
Attention: Since some of the automatic AWD systems are marketed as 4WD or AWD, placement of snow chains has to follow different rules - check with your owners manual for correct procedure.

Here is what happens when you mount tire chains on either front or rear:

On 2WD vehicles:
(front wheel drive)
(rear wheel drive)
Reposted From:
rubicon-trail.com

Reference Links:
Why you should have 2 pairs of snow tire chains
4WD and AWD systems explained
Tire chains vs snow tires comparison
Google search
Find Your Tire Size for snow chains - How to read your sidewall
Find snow chains for your vehicle on Amazon.com

Warning: Driving in the snow or ice or off-road conditions is potentially dangerous regardless of the devices or equipment installed on a vehicle. The information listed in this web site does not hold its author or representatives liable for any damage or injuries sustained.

SEE ALSO:
Preparing Your Vehicle for an Emergency