Why do I need chains?
By law, in the official ski season, all vehicles have to carry chains when going to Falls Creek and Mt Hotham. This means that you will be prepared if icy conditions eventuate. The law applies whether you have a normal car or a 4-wheel drive, and even if the weather is clear and sunny with no recent snow.
What sort of chains do I need?
Chains go over your tyres to bite into an icy surface to help prevent the tyres from slipping.
In icy conditions, diamond pattern chains are the safest. They are designed so that there is always some chain contacting the road. Diamond pattern chains are recommended if the road is icy, or snow and ice are likely during your stay.
Ladder chains have "rungs" across the tyre surface. In between the "rungs" the tyre contacts the road with no chain in between. Ladder chains are a little cheaper and are often preferred when the chance of actually fitting them is quite low.
You need to know your tyre size when hiring chains. This is written on the side-wall of your tyre, eg 205/70R15.
How do I know when to put chains on?
On the road to Falls Creek, most days chains are not required. Watch for signs that say Fit Chains Here. If you see one, or if you feel any slipping of your wheels then it is time to put on chains.
There are a number of chain fitting bays where you can pull right off the road to put chains on. If you need to put chains on and there is no bay in the immediate vicinity, drive carefully till you can stop where you can be seen, and passed, by other traffic.
You should also put on chains if you come to a long line of people putting on chains or if police or mountain staff direct you to.
Sometimes the Fit Chains sign also says Engaged 4WD Excepted. If you have a 4WD and you are confident driving in snow and ice, then you can choose not to put them on but you must be in 4WD or all-wheel drive mode.
Be aware that smaller 4WDs are not as heavy as big ones and may be more inclined to slip. If the road is covered in hard packed snow and ice it is still a good idea to fit chains to small 4WDs and all-wheel drives.
When do I take chains off?
Before coming down the hill, if the road is clear, and there are no signs to the contrary, take chains off.
If in doubt, ask a parking attendant whether they are still needed.
If you need chains to come down, leave them on until the road is mostly clear. Driving on a clear road with chains on can damage tyres, chains and the road.
How do I put diamond pattern chains on?
How do I put ladder chains on?
|
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 05 June 2008 )
|
Chains
