Snow Chains

One more before I hit the sack. I know the laws in my area, but what damage, exactly, will snow chains do to asphalt when they are not needed? Will they slowly chew it up, or compromise the integrity of the asphalt? Is it quick damage, or slow and unnoticeable?

Are you talking about chains on your vehicle or farm equipment? I would think the heavier the vehicle, the more damage it will do (if there isn't snow on roads).