Driving in the snow, especially at night, is possibly one of the more dangerous aspects of an otherwise fun ride in a truck. There are several precautions truck drivers should take in bad weather. In addition to careful driving, you should also prepare your truck to physically handle the sheets of snow on the ground.
One of the best ways to protect your truck in winter is to use semi snow chains. The chains are particularly popular among truckers who drive in cold Midwestern and northern states. You may not need these as you drive south, even in winter. Here are several reasons why your truck might need snow chains, with additional information on how to use them:
Tire Chains are Essential When the Road is Covered in Snow
You only need winter fronts for semi trucks when there is snow on the road. Tire chains are recommended for use only when there is several feet of snow, not just a dusting. Obviously, these chains can damage the surface of the road when there’s no snow. In some states like Massachusetts, drivers are fined for driving with tire chains on uncovered roads.
You should avoid such a situation. Only use tire chains in hazardous winter weather. These tools are highly popular among truckers who have to navigate Midwestern mountain ranges where snow can be pretty tough to drive through in winter. With the chains, a truck could easily plow through.
It’s important to only use tire chains when necessary because otherwise, you could damage the tires as well. When you are on the road, assess the weather situation before deciding whether you need the tools at all.
Mind the Speed
When your vehicle has tire chains on, your speed is throttled. Driving fast with chains on tires is not ideal because there’s too much friction and you may permanently damage a tire. You can reach up to 30 mph with tire chains. Though you may compromise speeds, you’ll definitely gain a lot in terms of safety. Remember, in heavy snow, driving fast is not an option, so using tire chains is a must.
Buy the Right Chains
It’s important to choose the right tire chain for your truck to ensure optimal safety. These chains can differ in the chain link style and the number of links available. The latter is significant because in some states, troopers may stop you to check if you are using only approved tire chains.
Use a website like Iowa 80 to buy tire chains in the style you want. Reputable sites sell high-quality products that you can rely on the road. It’s important to read reviews and research the product before you purchase something. You definitely don’t want to find yourself in the middle of a snowstorm with a broken tire chain.
Tire chains save lives. Truckers should use them, but only in the right situations. Learn more about these gadgets from your local law enforcement information service. Then choose the right chain that matches your vehicles and is also meets the criteria set by the state. If you follow these steps, it would be easy to drive safely in the snow.
