Why do people put chains on tyres in snowy weather?
Question from Maya Kirby
Snow makes road surfaces slippery, reducing friction. Cars can’t cling to the ground, making steering, starting and stopping more difficult. Chains sink into the snow, grabbing hold of the surface and giving the wheels something to pull against.
Answered by Laura Mears for Brain Dump in How It Works issue 116
To feature in our Brain Dump section, send us your questions to howitworks@futurenet.com or message us on Facebook or Twitter
For more science and technology articles, pick up the latest copy of How It Works from all good retailers or from our website now. If you have a tablet or smartphone, you can also download the digital version onto your iOS or Android device. To make sure you never miss an issue of How It Works magazine, subscribe today!