Transporting ADR liquids is an activity that requires a high level of safety, especially when travelling in adverse weather conditions. In winter, ice and snow can considerably complicate the handling of road tankers, leading many companies to question which is the best option to ensure the safety of their vehicles and cargo: Tyre chains or winter tyres?
Tyre chains: When and why use them?
Tyre chains have long been a crucial tool for improving truck traction on slippery surfaces such as snow and ice. They are placed over tyres to provide an extra layer of grip, which is especially useful on steep slopes or icy roads.
Advantages of tyre chains:
- Efficiency in extreme conditions: In areas where snowfall is heavy or roads are extremely icy, chains offer a level of traction that many tyres cannot match. This can be crucial in preventing skidding and accidents, especially for tanker trucks loaded with hazardous liquids.
- Easy to install: Although it may require some time and skill, chains are relatively easy to attach and remove, allowing drivers to quickly adapt to road conditions.
- Relatively low cost: Compared to winter tyres, chains are often a cheaper option. If budgets are limited, chains can be an excellent one-off solution for extreme snow situations.
Disadvantages of tyre chains:
- Tyre wear: Frequent use of chains can cause accelerated tyre wear. In addition, if not installed correctly, they can damage both tyres and rims.
- They require time and skill: Although not a difficult task, installing chains can be a tedious job in the middle of a snowstorm or in cold conditions.
- Not ideal for all surfaces: Chains do not work well on dry or wet roads, as excess friction can damage them. They can also be noisy when rolling on asphalt, which can cause discomfort on long journeys.
Winter tyres: Why are they a safer option?
Winter tyres are specifically designed to provide better traction in cold conditions. Unlike traditional tyres, they feature a special rubber that does not become hard at low temperatures, allowing for better grip on snow, ice and wet roads.
Advantages of winter tyres:
- Better traction and stability: Thanks to their composition and design, winter tyres offer excellent traction on cold, snowy or icy roads. This not only improves safety, but also allows drivers to have firmer control of the vehicle, which is essential when transporting ADR liquids.
- More convenience: Unlike chains, which require installation and removal, winter tyres are ready for use at any time, without any additional intervention by the driver.
- Longer durability: Winter tyres are designed to last longer than chains in winter conditions, as their rubber is optimised to withstand cold temperatures without losing elasticity.
Disadvantages of winter tyres:
- High cost: Winter tyres are often a higher initial investment compared to tyre chains. This can be a financial barrier for some companies, especially if trucks operate in regions with moderate winters.
- Not ideal for warm climates: Although perfect for cold conditions, winter tyres are not suitable for warm climates or summer use. This means that they must be replaced with standard tyres during the warmer months, which means additional expense.
- Faster wear in warm conditions: If used on dry or warm roads, winter tyres can wear more quickly than summer tyres, which means more maintenance costs in the long run.
What is the best option for ADR liquid tankers?
The answer depends largely on the road conditions that road tankers face and the frequency of winter travel.
- If snow and ice conditions are severe and sporadic, tyre chains can be an effective, economical and emergency solution. They are an excellent choice for unforeseen situations or for roads in mountainous areas or country lanes.
- If winter journeys are constant and weather conditions are unfavourable on a regular basis, investing in winter tyres may be the safest and most convenient option. These tyres offer continuous traction, without the need to install or remove chains, and are designed to last much longer than chains, providing greater stability and safety.
If you would like to find out more about dangerous goods transport or any of our services, please do not hesitate to contact us.