Snow Chains or Snow Tires on 2011 Chevy Silverado 1500
Question:
I have to drive through Logan Canyon during the winter. I also have a steep 300 ft gravel driveway. I have great all season tires, but I slide on my driveway with them. I was considering buying snow tires for the truck, but do I really need them or will the chains be okay. Having 4 WD is it best to put them on all 4 tires?
asked by: DAVID C
Expert Reply:
A good set of tire chains will provide better traction than snow tires in deep snow and ice and also help a ton with your steep driveway when it's slick.
The advantage of snow tires is there isn't a low speed limit like with chains and you don't have the setup process. The issue is that snow tires can handle really stange on dry pavement since the treads are soft and the tires themselves are skinner. This means if you don't plan on constantly being in the snow and think you'll be dealing with ice here and there, chains are going to be the better option. They are also significantly easier on the wallet.
I might also check with local laws because in some states snow tires by themselves are not sufficient and chains are still required.
I took a look at the online version of the owner's manual for your 2011 Chevy Silverado and it states to only use chains on the rear tires. It also cautions that the truck features limited wheel well clearance so I recommend using a set of chains that are Class S rated like the excellent Konig # TH01594267 if you have 265/65-18, 265/70-17, or 265/75-16 size tires. The Class S rating means they are designed specifically for vehicles like yours and require minimal clearance for installation. The self-tensioning design on these particular chains allow you to simply loop them around the tire and drive off - they will tighten and center by themselves.
I have attached a short video demonstration that you can check out. Please let me know if you have a different tire size than what I mentioned above and I will be happy to make another recommendation.
Products Referenced in This Question
Konig Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - Square Link - Self Tensioning - 1 Pair
- Tire Chains
- Tire Chains
- Steel Square Link
- Rim Protection
- Deep Snow
- On Road Only
- Automatic
- Class S Compatible
- Drape Over Tire - Make Connections
- Konig
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
pewag Mud Service Tire Chains - Ladder Pattern - Square Links - Manual Tensioning - 1 Pair
- Tire Chains
- Tire Chains
- Steel Square Link
- No Rim Protection
- Mud
- On Road or Off Road
- Manual
- Not Class S Compatible
- Drive On and Connect
- pewag
more information >
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