Should I Carry Tire Chains Year Round?

Driving in regions where the weather can shift quickly, especially in mountainous or high-elevation areas, brings up a common question: Should you carry tire chains year-round? While tire chains are most often associated with winter conditions, there’s a practical argument to be made for keeping them in your vehicle during more than just the snowy months. Whether or not to store chains in your trunk all year depends on your location, your vehicle, and how often you drive in unpredictable conditions. Still, understanding the advantages and drawbacks of year-round readiness can help you make the right decision.

What’s the Purpose of Tire Chains?

Tire chains give you some extra traction on icy or snow-covered roads by digging into the surface and preventing the vehicle from slipping, which can lead to a serious car accident. In states with severe winters, such as Colorado, Washington, and even parts of California, and of course, here in Montana, chains are sometimes required by law during snow events, especially on mountain passes known for heavy snowfall, like Lookout Pass or Homestake Pass. Even in less snowy areas, an unexpected winter storm can leave drivers stranded without traction devices. That’s why many people choose to carry them throughout the colder months. However, once winter passes and roads warm up, the need for chains seems to vanish. But if you travel frequently or live in a region with unpredictable spring or fall weather, it may be worth considering whether tire chains should remain part of your vehicle’s standard emergency kit.

What Are the Benefits of Keeping Chains Year Round?

While chains are mostly useful during winter, there are a few practical reasons to keep them with you throughout the year. You never know when unexpected conditions might crop up, especially if you travel across state lines, into the mountains, or off paved roads. Weather isn’t always easy to predict, and some areas experience snow well into the spring or early in the fall. Also, if you have the space to store them in your vehicle, chains are one of those emergency tools you’d rather have and not need than the other way around. They can also be used in muddy conditions, where tires might otherwise get stuck, though they aren’t ideal for routine off-road recovery. Here are some reasons to keep tire chains in your vehicle year-round:

• You frequently drive in mountainous or high-elevation areas where snow is possible in shoulder seasons.
• You travel across states with unpredictable or shifting weather conditions.
• You want to be fully prepared for emergencies, even outside of traditional winter months.
• You carry a well-stocked vehicle emergency kit and have room for chains without sacrificing space.

Downsides to Consider

On the flip side, tire chains are bulky, heavy, and not always convenient to keep in your trunk. If you drive a compact vehicle or need that space for other supplies, it may make more sense to store them seasonally. Chains can also corrode or degrade over time, especially if they aren’t cleaned after winter use and are left in a damp environment like a trunk or cargo area. Keeping them in your car during warm, humid months without maintenance can reduce their lifespan. Another important point: tire chains are not legal to use on dry or bare pavement. Doing so can damage your tires, ruin your chains, and tear up the road surface. Even if you carry them year-round, you should only use them when conditions call for it and when allowed by local laws.

Where You Live Matters

For some drivers, this decision is simple. If you live in a low-elevation, warmer-weather part of the state where snow and ice are nearly nonexistent, there’s little reason to carry chains beyond the winter season. However, if your area experiences unpredictable storms, spring snowfalls, or early fall frosts, it may be worth keeping them in the vehicle a bit longer. Frequent travelers, particularly those heading into national parks or mountain areas, should keep in mind that the weather can change quickly with elevation. A sunny valley can lead to a snow-covered pass within a matter of miles. In these cases, having chains can prevent delays or dangerous driving conditions, and may even be required by park officials or transportation authorities.

Maintaining and Storing Tire Chains

If you want to keep chains in your vehicle year-round, just make sure they’re clean, dry, and stored in a way that keeps them from rusting or getting damaged. A durable storage bag or box works well to keep dirt and moisture out. Periodically inspect your chains for broken links or corrosion, especially before winter begins again. If your chains are coated or have rubber components, extreme heat from summer storage inside a vehicle can cause them to degrade more quickly, so proper containment is crucial. Deciding whether to carry tire chains year-round depends largely on your personal driving habits and where you live or commute to. If you're often near snow-prone areas or like to be prepared for any situation, keeping chains in your trunk can provide peace of mind. However, if space is limited or your climate is consistently warm, seasonal storage may be a more practical option. At Western Justice Associates, PLLC, we understand that, ultimately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Simply consider how often you encounter unpredictable weather, how much you value emergency preparedness, and how much storage space you’re willing to dedicate. Whether you carry them twelve months a year or just during the colder ones, having tire chains ready when you need them can make all the difference on the road.