How to Install Tire Chains

This guide uses the newer cable chain style for illustration. Cable chains are becoming more popular because many newer cars tend to have less clearance in the wheel wells, and older style link chains may not fit. Attachment isn’t significantly different but check your owner's manual to see if Class S chains are required.

Inspect the chains for fraying or broken links. Chains are intended to be used on the drive axle; in this example chains are being installed on the front tires of a front wheel drive minivan.

Drape the cable over the top of the tire. Cable connections or links should face away from the tire tread when the chains are installed to avoid having any sharp edges digging into the tire (see the photo close-up below). Your chains may also use a lever or other connection that needs to be on the outside of the tire.

Drive slowly forward about a foot - I like to plant a "marker" to help show me when I've gone far enough. Set the brake and redrape the chain on the tire if it falls to the ground. Some people like to lay the chains out in front of the tires and drive onto them, but I find that my hands stay warmer with the drape method.

Secure the inside of the chain – you may also find it helpful to loosely connect the outside of the chains first to keep them from falling onto the axle. On a front wheel drive vehicle you can turn the wheels to one side to give yourself more working room. A pad comes in handy for this step to keep your knees (or back!) off the snow. It doesn't hurt to toss an old pair of light gloves in with your chains too.

Once the cable is secure on the inside of the tire, begin working the chains around the wheel. Try to remove as much slack as possible and then use the keyhole or latch to secure the outside cable. You may need to readjust the inside chain if you have too much slack after tightening the outside latch.   

Use wire ties or clips to tie any cable loose ends to the chain so they won’t damage the fender well. Your chains may come with or require the use of a rubber bungie cord to further tighten the chains around the tire.

Drive a hundred feet or so and check the chains for tightness; most likely you''ll need to take some more slack out. Most manufacturers recommend keeping your speed below 30 or 40 mph. Stop and adjust the chains periodically.

General precautions:

    
• Practice at home first. You may need to adjust the fit by removing a link or two.

    
• Choose a flat, safe spot away from traffic to install your chains.

    
• Set your brake or use a chock to prevent the car rolling while you are installing chains.

    
• Pay attention to any banging noises – loose chains can play havoc with your fenders and loose chains can wrap around an axle causing loss of control.

 For more winter driving help see Winter Driving - Are you prepared?

Recent Comments (3 total):