--- title: Different types of snow chains for trucks description: Snow chains are a proven method for getting traction in icy road conditions. But there are different types of chains for the truck driver to consider. image: https://intblog.onspot.com/hubfs/Blog_images/640pxl%20%20Pictures/onspot-traditional-chains%204-3%20640w.jpg --- [![](https://www.onspot.com/imagevault/publishedmedia/ewjmu1x672ip2pj4oovu/Onspot_Logo.png)](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/) - [Why Onspot](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/why-onspot/) - Knowledge - [Overview](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/knowledge/overview/) - [Ways to increase traction](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/knowledge/ways-to-increase-traction/) - [For fleet managers](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/knowledge/for-fleet-managers/) - [For drivers](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/knowledge/for-drivers/) - [For mechanics](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/knowledge/for-mechanics/) - [Rules & regulations](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/knowledge/rules--regulations/) - [Knowledge centre](https://knowledge.onspot.com/knowledge-centre-for-winter-driving-and-traction) - The product - [Overview](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/the-product/overview/) - [Testimonials](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/the-product/testimonials/) - [FAQ](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/the-product/faq/) - [Documents, manuals and brochures](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/the-product/documents-manuals-brochures/) - [Tech specs](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/the-product/tech-specs2/) - [Spare parts](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/the-product/spare-parts/) - [Configurator](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/configurator/) - About us - [Overview](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/about-onspot/overview/) - [History](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/about-onspot/history/) - [News & Press releases](https://intblog.onspot.com/news-press-releases) - Blog - [Blog articles](https://intblog.onspot.com/) - [All about automatic snow chains](https://knowledge.onspot.com/en-gb/all-about-automatic-snow-chains) - [Traction aid for heavy vehicles](https://knowledge.onspot.com/en-gb/traction-aid-for-heavy-vehicles) - Find us - [For Dealers & Service](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/find-us/for-dealers--service/) - [Events](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/find-us/events/) - [E-Training](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/training/) - [English](https://onspot.com/?s=false) - [Contact us](https://www.onspot.com/en-GB/contact-us/) # Different types of snow chains for trucks Written by [Ulrik Andersson](https://intblog.onspot.com/author/ulrik-andersson), September 14, 2020 Snow chains are an old and proven method for getting traction in icy road conditions. Even if chains look similar, there are different types of chains for the truck driver to consider. And, as usual, different types have different benefits. Your final choice should be a result of your specific needs and preferences. The working principle for snow chains is quite simple: By introducing rough metal chains between a tyre and the icy road surface, friction is dramatically increased, and you get traction. So, would different types of chains make any difference in practice? Well, to some extent, but in the end, a chain is a chain, and the differences between them are more about comfort and handling. Let's have a look at some different types. Conventional snow chains – what to consider Proper size There are no one-size-fits-all snow chains for heavy vehicles. A chain too small cannot be mounted at all, while a chain too loose, may break and cause damage to the chassis – or worse. Accordingly, you will need different sets of snow chains to fit your different tyre dimensions. Different axles Some snow chains are adapted for specific wheels and are differently designed if they are intended for wheels on a drive axle, a steering axle, or a trailer axle. Mesh size and pattern The way the snow chains are 'weaved' will affect both weight and comfort. A small mesh size provides a smoother and more comfortable ride, but at the price of such chains are heavier and more bothersome to mount and dismount. Also, the pattern will be of significance. For example, a ladder pattern is good for forward and reverse, but less effective sideways, while a diamond pattern is effective in all directions. Material quality Different steel qualities are available. Hardened steel chains are more resistant to wear and will last longer. On the other hand, they are more expensive and will also increase road wear. Also, the link dimensions may vary. Big links will provide better grip in muddy or snowy roads, but the drive will be bumpier and less comfortable for the driver. Tensioning There are different mechanisms for tensioning the chains when mounting. Some are designed for quick and convenient tensioning, while others will take more time and effort to have the chains properly adjusted to fit. 'Non-chain' chains There are some traction aids built on the snow chains principle and design, but without actually using chains. For example, a mesh can be 'weaved' by steel wire or cable instead of chains, or even textile (which provides a good grip on snow). Such non-chain traction aids may provide some benefits by their lighter weight and convenient handling, but in practice, they are not very suitable for regular use on heavy vehicles. Sturdy and effective steel chains will remain the preferred choice by most drivers. Automatic snow chains Automatic snow chains are engaged and disengaged from the cab by pneumatics. By their working principle, strands of steel chain are continuously slung under the drive wheel, providing traction similar to conventional snow chains. In comparison to traction aids that require manual mounting, there is no need to take into account different tyre dimensions because the system is adjusted to fit when installed. Browse our free online resource, [All about automatic snow chains](https://knowledge.onspot.com/en-gb/all-about-automatic-snow-chains), to learn more.    [All about automatic snow chains](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/all-about-automatic-snow-chains) ![Ulrik Andersson](https://intblog.onspot.com/hubfs/Ulrik%20Andersson%202024%2016-9%20vertical_edited%20II.jpg) #### About [Ulrik Andersson](https://intblog.onspot.com/author/ulrik-andersson) ## Comments ### Subscribe to blog updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Automatic Snow Chains (74)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/automatic-snow-chains) - [Fleet Managers (53)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/fleet-managers) - [Rescue Driving (44)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/rescue-driving) - [onspot (43)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/onspot) - [Commercial Drivers (42)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/commercial-drivers) - [Improving Fleet Productivity (37)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/improving-fleet-productivity) - [For Mechanics (35)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/for-mechanics) - [Slippery Roads (31)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/slippery-roads) - [Content for commercial drivers (28)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/content-for-commercial-drivers) - [Improve performance on icy roads (26)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/improve-performance-on-icy-roads) - [Truck driver safety (24)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/truck-driver-safety) - [automatic tire chains (21)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/automatic-tire-chains) - [Winter equipment (19)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/winter-equipment) - [School bus driving (18)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/school-bus-driving) - [Traction aid for heavy vehicles (18)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/traction-aid-for-heavy-vehicles) - [Maintenance (17)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/maintenance) - [Snow chain (16)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/snow-chain) - [Winter driving tips (16)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/winter-driving-tips) - [traction (16)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/traction) - [Commercial Driver (15)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/commercial-driver) - [tire chains (15)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/tire-chains) - [School Bus Safety (14)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/school-bus-safety) - [driver safety (14)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/driver-safety) - [icy conditions (13)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/icy-conditions) - [How to keep up with the schedule (12)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/how-to-keep-up-with-the-schedule) - [e-training (12)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/e-training) - [All about automatic snow chains (11)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/all-about-automatic-snow-chains) - [snow chains (11)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/snow-chains) - [Rescue Vehicles (10)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/rescue-vehicles) - [Response time – a challenge for the rescue driver (10)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/response-time-a-challenge-for-the-rescue-driver) - [Fire Truck (9)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/fire-truck) - [Improving performance on icy roads (9)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/improving-performance-on-icy-roads) - [school bus driver (9)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/school-bus-driver) - [Ambulance (8)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/ambulance) - [Fleet Maintenance (8)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/fleet-maintenance) - [Fleet Productivity (8)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/fleet-productivity) - [Response Time (8)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/response-time) - [Delivery (7)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/delivery) - [Engineering (7)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/engineering) - [Autonomous Vehicles (6)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/autonomous-vehicles) - [Service (6)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/service) - [Traction aids for heavy vehicles (6)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/traction-aids-for-heavy-vehicles) - [All about automatic tire chains (5)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/all-about-automatic-tire-chains) - [Tips on driving a school bus in adverse conditions (5)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/tips-on-driving-a-school-bus-in-adverse-conditions) - [Black ice (4)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/black-ice) - [Off Season Productivity (4)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/off-season-productivity) - [fleet efficiency (4)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/fleet-efficiency) - [improve performance on slippery roads (4)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/improve-performance-on-slippery-roads) - [improving uptime (4)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/improving-uptime) - [Happy New Year (3)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/happy-new-year) - [Schedule (3)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/schedule) - [checklist (3)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/checklist) - [health tips for drivers (3)](https://intblog.onspot.com/topic/health-tips-for-drivers) - [5 ways to improve uptime of your fleets! 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