Chains vs airing down off pavement (in snow and ice obviously!)

[El-Dracho]

In extreme winter conditions, I prefer studded wintertires (where it is allowed). Much better driving behavior and safer in my experience in comparison to wintertires with the option of snow chains.

Regarding the use of snow chains, I can only give the well-intentioned advice to practice putting it on at home. Especially when it is really snowing or even dark, it is not the right time to learn this on the roadside.

Don't forget gloves for your own safety! And a headlamp is great when putting on the chains in the dark.

 

[Shakes355]

The town in the northeast I grew up in only had 2 paved roads. Much of my daily commute to work and anywhere else consisted of gravel roads. Never did I actually own a set of chains. An aggressive set of winter tires, not studded, and a couple buckets of sand in the back were my weapons of choice. (You get get out of a lot with sand and shovel)

For emergencies I always kept a half dozen chunks of 2x4 and a handful of ratchet straps.

With that said, I was running light most of the time- which makes a big difference. If you're running heavy and moving at a snail's pace with grade, chains are for sure the way to go.