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I recently had a bad experience with snow chains - they broke!

I need to purchase a new set, there are quite a few options, can you please give me some good sound advice as to what to look for.

I have a two wheel drive station wagon and need to travel mountain passes and ski field roads.

Having lost a lot of confidence on snow effected roads, I need to know I have a good safe set of chains suitable for the conditions I am travelling.

Gaylene

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 22 August, 2008

It's an interesting question and like lots of these topics, once you start doing some research it's amazing how in-depth it can get.

After talking to a number of different experts and contacts, it would appear the brand 'snowsweat' is rated as being one of the best brands on the market (NZ made for NZ conditions).

Here is their website for your reference http://www.snowsweat.co.nz/

A couple of helpful tips -

Don't go for the cheapest chain set on the market if you are doing regular runs up the mountain.

Snowsweat for example, do a low cost set of chains called 'Quick Grip' which is a 3.5mm chain designed more for limited or emergency use. I believe they retail for around $70 per set.

The recommended chain for average use has a 5mm link and in general can be up to $100 more expensive than the cheaper option.

For heavy demand, you could expect to pay around the $270 mark to ensure long life.

Most Repco stores stock this brand.

Not all chains are the same, they are designed and manufactured to fit specific tyre sizes so be careful if looking at buying second hand.

Once fitted, vehicle speed should not exceed 20kph.

Also once fitted, it is strongly recommended they are re-tensioned after a couple of km's driving.