My rules re chains:

Read your owners manual to see what type of chains are right for your vehicle. Some vehicle, Saturn for one, make you sign a form when you buy a new vehicle stating that you have been informed to use only cable chains. Regular chains will damage the vehicle.

Learn how to put them on in your driveway. Do not wait 'til it is snowing like crazy to learn.

Carry them all the time, or at least all the time during winter months, or whenever going high up in the mountains.

I am pretty lucky, I have purchased chains for every vehicle I have owned since the early '70's, and never had to put them on. Sure as heck, first time I don't own chains I will need them...