A landscape covered in thick snow, sparkling snowflakes, dripping icicles — a beautiful sight for the “average person,” but a fierce enemy for you, the truck driver. When harsh winter sets in, without snow chains — in a better case — you may end up among the drivers stuck after just the first kilometer. Whether you manage a transport company or department, or represent your client as a domestic or international truck driver, the use of snow chains is mandatory under certain conditions. But which type should you buy? Is the more expensive always better? What pattern should it have? Should it be traditional, quick-fit, or automatic? Or should it simply be the same as last year? If this year you don’t want to curse road maintenance authorities during heavy snowfall, we’ve gathered the most important information that will definitely come in handy when buying snow chains. One of the first questions that probably comes to mind when purchasing snow chains is: which brand should you choose? Is it worth spending more on expensive equipment? Or is a cheaper option just as good? Would you rather spend the saved money on a seat heater or a leather steering wheel cover instead of costly snow chains? Here’s some good news: you don’t necessarily have to give up those comfort items even if you want a high-quality, durable snow chain. Although you might expect more reliable performance from a well-known brand, the reality is that due to intense price competition, manufacturers cut costs wherever they can. In the case of snow chains, this means that there are expensive, branded products on the market made from cheap materials, often sourced from China. In many cases, the entire manufacturing, assembly, and packaging process also takes place in China. Many local retailers usually deny this. Of course, it also happens that manufacturers themselves conceal Far Eastern origins from distributors.
If it’s snow chains, should they be expensive?
One of the first questions that probably comes to mind when purchasing snow chains is: which brand should you choose? Is it worth spending more on expensive equipment? Or is a cheaper option just as good? Would you rather spend the saved money on a seat heater or a leather steering wheel cover instead of costly snow chains? Here’s some good news: you don’t necessarily have to give up those comfort items even if you want a high-quality, durable snow chain. Although you might expect more reliable performance from a well-known brand, the reality is that due to intense price competition, manufacturers cut costs wherever they can. In the case of snow chains, this means that there are expensive, branded products on the market made from cheap materials, often sourced from China. In many cases, the entire manufacturing, assembly, and packaging process also takes place in China. Many local retailers usually deny this. Of course, it also happens that manufacturers themselves conceal Far Eastern origins from distributors.
Quality snow chains: how to recognize them
Never decide based solely on brand or retailer recommendations! Instead, look for quality certifications. These are often indicated on the snow chain packaging. Currently, one of the most widely accepted certifications is issued by GS/TÜV. After comprehensive testing and auditing of the manufacturing process, approved snow chains receive the GS (Geprüfte Sicherheit) mark from TÜV Rheinland. This means: tested safety. The GS mark is therefore a voluntary certification confirming that the product’s safety has been tested by an independent party and that production is continuously monitored. One of the strictest snow chain quality standards in Europe is defined by the Austrian ÖNORM V5117 (for passenger cars) and V5119 (for trucks). Snow chains that have GS/TÜV or ÖNORM V5117/V5119 certification are certainly of proper quality—regardless of brand.Ladder, trapezoid, or diamond pattern?
It may seem like a small and insignificant detail, but several experts emphasize the importance of the snow chain pattern. Tests have shown that ladder-pattern chains are not the best choice.