Cars of all categories must be equipped with snow chains or snow blankets, by decision of the Traffic Director of Attica, from 22.00 today, Monday 29-01-2024, due to the snow and bad weather, the advance of which started yesterday Sunday.
It is noted that this is valid as long as these vehicles do not have special tires when they travel on the entire road network of the Prefecture of Attica.
Drivers of vehicles must:
- to ensure that their vehicles are provided with suitable anti-slip means, as well as a sufficient amount of fuel,
- to know how to install and operate the anti-slip means they carry,
- to adjust their driving according to the prevailing conditions,
- be especially careful when driving,
- to comply with the signals and instructions of the traffic controllers.
It is worth mentioning that for those who do not have anti-slip chains the fine is 80 euros.
How to put on snow chains – Instructions
First you need to park somewhere safe. Snow chains are always placed on the drive wheels, i.e. at the front if it is front-wheel drive and at the back if it is rear-wheel drive.
Snow chains vs Snow blankets
When it comes to buying the necessary equipment for this situation, the question usually arises: “Should I buy snow chains or snow blankets?” Let’s look at the pros and any cons of each option.
Snow chains
They are the ones we have as a typical image in case we need to move on a snowy or icy road surface. Their main advantages are that:
- they are more resistant to time and use and allow the vehicle to move on a road where the snow is higher.
- they offer a good level of grip.
- they are relatively cheap in their market.
- available in a wide range of tire sizes.
- the grip they provide allows the driver to have a better feel and control of the car when braking and to stop it in a shorter distance.
- they suit all types of cars, both passenger and commercial as well as heavy trucks and special purpose vehicles.
The cons of snow chains include:
- if they are not properly stored in their case they get tangled together.
- their installation is more difficult and takes more time to complete.
- if they are not installed correctly and are not properly tensioned they may cause damage to the wheel arches or even the hub.
- if they break while the vehicle is in motion, there is a possibility of damage to the car which may result
- its immobilization, in the worst case.
- if we do not remove them when there is little snow or when we are back on clean asphalt – because we are in a hurry or bored -, the vibrations created during their rotation cause wear, both on them and on the steering system of our car and on the deck.
Snow blankets
In addition to snow chains, so-called snow blankets have also become available in recent years. It is an alternative “proposal” which is beginning to gain ground among prospective buyers. The positives of snow blankets lie in the following:
- they are lighter and take up less space in the trunk.
- they are relatively cheap (or even cheaper compared to snow chains) in their market.
- they are easier to use and easier to put on the wheels, which means less time is required to complete the process, In icy conditions this is crucial.
- they do not cause damage to the car in case they are cut while driving, as they are made of soft and flexible polyester material.
- their short height makes them more suitable for cars that have low profile tires and/or the height of the canopy is small.
- they cover the entire tread of the tire which offers a good level of grip on snowy ground. As it is
- proven, the ABS system works more effectively in such conditions than with snow chains.
- most snow blanket manufacturers recommend washing them after use, always in the recommended manner. Thus, they remain clean and the period of their effective use increases.
The negatives of snow blankets include:
- in general, they offer less traction on a snowy surface than snow chains, in a comprehensive comparison between them.
- because they are made of elastic material, their “lifetime” is shorter compared to what applies to snow chains.
- the recommended driving speed of the vehicle is lower, comparatively, on the one hand to be more efficient and on the other hand to not wear out faster.
- they are of little use if we encounter ice on the road. In such a situation snow chains prove to be better.
- they are not as effective in large, therefore heavier cars, such as an SUV or a pickup.
In any case, whichever of the two solutions one prefers, it is essential to have done some tests in advance to install them calmly and in good weather conditions. Thus, he will learn the easiest and fastest way, find out his mistakes in the process and know exactly what to do when he finds himself in the need to put them on the wheels.