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Each country has its own regulations regarding the use of tires depending on the climate. If we focus solely on Europe, we can see two existing trends. In Spain, although there is a great variety of climates, almost all vehicles are fitted with “all-season” tires, whereas in higher latitudes like Germany, it is necessary for each vehicle to have two sets of wheels: summer and winter ones.
In countries where all-purpose tires are used, it is common to use metal or textile chains in order to drive on snow. However, there is a much more professional alternative, which is to use tires prepared directly for driving on ice. These are the famous studded tires or snow tires (not winter tires), and they are characterized by having a band of studs to improve friction.
At this point, you may have wondered at some point: Is it more effective to use snow chains or studded tires? Throughout this article we will resolve this doubt.
Are snow tires or chains more effective?
First of all, we have to define the terrain in which these two solutions must be measured. Both studded tires and chains are specifically designed to drive on frost or layers of snow. A good set of standard winter tires can handle mild winter conditions below freezing levels, including slush and wet snow. Studded tires and chains are used when there is ice or potentially dangerous snowy roads (such as mountain passes where snowplows do not pass regularly).
Therefore, if you have to deal with snow and ice from time to time, it doesn’t matter which of the two is more effective. The logical thing to do is to use chains. In fact, we always recommend using textile ones, as they are very easy to install and very effective.
On the other hand, if we live in a place with constant snowfall and frost, things change quite a bit. In these cases, it is advisable to invest in more professional solutions, such as ‘spikes spider’ type chains or directly making use of ice tires.
In terms of effectiveness, both solutions are equally decent. However, a studded tire will allow us to drive at higher speeds without increasing the risk of losing control of the vehicle, which does not happen with chains. In addition, simpler chain sets require driving quite carefully and carry a risk of breaking, which will not happen to us with a snow tire.
Which option is cheaper?
The textile chain is applied like a sock and is a much easier chain to install
Chains will always be more economical. The most basic metal chain kit is really cheap, while studded wheels usually require a set of rims, a place to store them in case we have to remove them during the summer, and an installation process.
That does not mean that if we use more advanced chains, we will spend more money, but we can tell you that the investment will be significantly worthwhile.
Are studded tires legal in Spain?
Studded tires are legal in Spain, as we can see directly on the website of the Ministry of Consumption. However, something quite special happens in Spain, which is that studded tires are grouped into the same category as snow tires.
Therefore, snow tires are allowed in Spain, but they are not mandatory, although the law leaves room for a municipal ordinance to mandate their use if deemed necessary.
Are studded tires or chains safer?
The studded winter tire wins again on this point. A poorly fitted chain can damage a tire, which can shorten its useful life or even puncture it.
On the other hand, the chain can break during use, whether it is the metal one or the textile one, which is easier to install but has a reduced durability. Wearing a studded tire guarantees that you will not have to stop to readjust the chain, thus minimizing the possibility of slipping and falling in the middle of the road.
Conclusions: Which is better?
If you live surrounded by snow and ice, studded tires are the best solution. Secondly we would have spikes spider chains and thirdly, composite chains.
However, if the vehicle’s use on snow or ice is going to be anecdotal, then the ice tire becomes an absurd solution. If we use these tires on a road that does not have enough ice, the rubber will disintegrate in record time and driving will be truly unpleasant. Therefore, it is better to invest in a good textile chain or a traditional metal one.