Snow Chains vs Cables: Snow chains and cables represent two titanic rivals in the world of winter driving. Often, drivers find themselves in the thick of an icy debate: which is superior for conquering snowy terrains? Snow chains, with their rugged, durable links, promise unparalleled grip and durability, often seen as the traditional choice for heavy-duty use. On the flip side, snow cables, with their lighter, more flexible design, offer a more modern, vehicle-friendly alternative, especially favored for occasional use and easier installation.
However, myths cloud the air like a winter storm. Some believe that snow chains are always the best choice for any condition, ignoring the potential damage they can cause to roads and tires. Others argue that cables are universally better, underestimating the challenging conditions where chains excel. This epic “clash of the titans” is not just about choosing a tool; it’s about breaking myths and making an informed choice for your winter warrior journey. Let the battle commence: snow chains versus cables, a showdown draped in snowflakes and ice!
Table of Contents
Results: Snow Chains vs Cables
Results below were taken from tyre review’s “Snow Socks VS Snow Chains VS Snow Tires” test. A total of 4 different traction devices and 2 tires (all season & snow ) were tested this time around. The graph below shows the comparison between Snow Chains vs Snow Socks based on the relevant performance category. The Snow Chains was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is a 225/50R17 which is a common tire size for Audi A4 & Honda Accord. The testing vehicle for this tire test is a Honda Civic Si.
Snow
In the realm of winter driving, snow cables and snow chains each exhibit distinct performance characteristics, especially noticeable in snow traction and braking. When it comes to snow traction, measured by the time taken to accelerate from 5 to 10 mph, snow chains demonstrate a clear advantage. Chains take an average of only 3.7 seconds, compared to the 6.3 seconds required by cables. This shorter time indicates a stronger grip and more efficient acceleration on snowy surfaces.
The difference is even more pronounced in snow braking, where we measure the distance needed to decelerate from 20 to 5 mph. Snow chains again lead the pack with a stopping distance of 44.4 feet, significantly shorter than the 68.9 feet needed for cables. This reduced stopping distance could be crucial in preventing accidents.
These results suggest that snow chains generally provide superior traction and braking performance in snowy conditions. The hypothesis for their better performance could be attributed to the more robust and aggressive grip offered by the chains, which bite into the snow more effectively than the smoother, lighter cables. This makes chains particularly suitable for heavier snowfall and more severe winter conditions, where maintaining control of the vehicle is paramount.
Cables :
- -36% in snow braking
- -41% in snow traction
Ice
When navigating icy conditions, the performance of snow cables and chains differs significantly, evident in both traction and braking tests. On ice, traction is crucial for safe maneuvering and is measured by the time it takes to accelerate from 5 to 10 mph. Snow chains outperform cables in this aspect, requiring only 1.4 seconds compared to cables’ 2.9 seconds. This shorter time indicates that chains provide a better grip on ice, allowing for quicker and more effective acceleration.
In terms of ice braking, which measures the distance needed to slow down from 10 to 5 mph, snow chains again demonstrate superior performance. Chains require just 14.5 feet to stop, whereas cables need 41.3 feet. This significant difference highlights the enhanced stopping capability of chains on icy surfaces.
The hypothesis behind snow chains’ superior performance on ice lies in their design and material. Chains are typically made of thicker, more robust metal that can bite into ice more effectively, providing better traction and shorter stopping distances. This makes them a more reliable choice in icy conditions, where maintaining control of the vehicle is crucial for safety. On the other hand, cables, while still effective, offer a less aggressive grip, leading to longer stopping distances and slower acceleration.
Cables :
- -65% in ice braking
- -52% in ice traction
Ease of use
When comparing the ease of use for snow cables and chains, the differences are quite notable in both installation and removal. Snow cables are generally more user-friendly during installation, scoring a 4 out of 5. This higher score indicates that they are relatively easier to put on the tires, likely due to their lighter weight and more flexible design, which makes handling and fitting them around the tire less cumbersome.
On the other hand, snow chains are rated lower for installation, at 2 out of 5. This suggests they are more challenging to install. The reasons could be their heavier, more rigid structure, which can make them more difficult to manipulate around the tire, especially in cold and snowy conditions where dexterity may be reduced.
However, the scenario reverses when it comes to removal. Snow cables rate only 1 out of 5, implying they are quite difficult to take off. This difficulty could be due to the cables becoming more tightly embedded in the tire tread or freezing to the tire in cold temperatures, making them harder to remove. Snow chains, in contrast, score a 3 out of 5 for removal. This suggests that while they are not extremely easy to remove, they are notably less troublesome than cables. The structure of chains might make them less prone to getting as tightly stuck or frozen to the tire, facilitating a somewhat easier removal process.
Installation :
- Snow Chains: 2/5
- Cables: 4/5
Removal :
- Snow Chains: 3/5
- Cables: 1/5
Price
In terms of pricing, snow cables and chains present a slight differences. For a set of two, snow chains are priced at $102, while cables are slightly more expensive at $110. This price point makes cables about 7% more expensive than chains.
For a set of 2:
- Snow Chains : $102
- Cables : $110
Difference: +7% more expensive for cables
Summary
As a tire expert, after thoroughly comparing snow chains and cables, it’s clear to me that snow chains generally stand out as the better option in most winter driving scenarios. Their superior performance in both snow and ice conditions — offering better traction and shorter braking distances — makes them a reliable choice for those navigating harsh winter landscapes.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that this superior performance comes with a trade-off. Snow chains are notably harder to install compared to cables. This is a significant consideration, especially in emergency situations or for drivers who are not comfortable with the physical demands of fitting chains onto their tires in cold and challenging environments.
Additionally, there’s a practical consideration to keep in mind: not all regions permit the use of metal chains on their roads. The reason for this is that metal chains, while effective in gripping icy and snowy surfaces, can cause considerable damage to road surfaces. As such, they are banned or restricted in some areas, especially in urban or residential zones.
So, while snow chains do offer better performance, the decision to use them should be informed by a combination of factors, including the driver’s ability to install them, the legal regulations in the area, and the specific driving conditions expected. For those who are looking for a balance between ease of use and performance, and where regulations allow, snow cables might still be a viable alternative, albeit with some compromises in performance.
Dr Edwin Pang