So it’s that time of the year again. You know what we’re talking about – winter wonderland also means it might just be time to put snow chains on your tires. Feeling a bit lost? Check out our easy step-by-step guide to help you put those chains on your tires the right way.
Why should I put snow chains on my tires?
Heavy snowfall in winter can make the roads slippery and unsafe. You can increase your traction and drive safely by putting winter tires or snow chains on your tires. However, some car owners find putting snow chains on their vehicles frustrating and difficult. In this post, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of installing snow chains on your tires without any hassle.
A step-by-step guide on how to put snow chains on your tires
Step 1 – Get the right snow chain
For the snow chains to work properly, they need to be tight and fit perfectly to your tires. Therefore, purchase the right snow chain for your tire. The measurements and specifications are on the tire’s sidewall.
For vehicles with front-wheel drive, put the chains on the front wheels, and for vehicles with rear-wheel drive, put them on the back wheels. If it’s all-wheel drive, put the chains on all the tires or the front wheels for better steering traction.
Step 2 – Drape the chains
Before draping the chain, lay it down near the tire you will be working on and make sure there are no twists and turns. After straightening, drape over the tire, with one end tucked under the front of the tire. Some drivers lay the chain in front of the car and then drive on; never do that! You need to guess, drive, and adjust to perfectly fit the chains, which can take up a lot of your time. However, if you’re draping it, you only need to move forward three to four feet.
Step 3 – Connect the chain
Now drive a little to reach the portion of the tire that was previously inaccessible. Before parking your vehicle, turn the wheel slightly for easy access. Next, connect the ends of each tire chain according to the chain’s anchor system. After connecting, check if it is tight and aligned properly. Repeat the same step for the other tires. Once you’re done putting the chain drive in, check if it is working properly. If not, tighten it.
Useful tips
- While installing the chain, make sure the hooks point outwards. If you install them improperly, you can damage the tires.
- Only drive with chains when you need them. Please don’t use them on dry pavement.
- If you’ve never put chains on your tires before, we recommend practicing it before going out. You don’t want to get into a game of trial and error in the middle of a snowstorm.
- Make sure the snow chains are part of your car emergency kit in winter.
- While driving with the chains on, don’t drive fast.
If in doubt or if you can’t get it right, we recommend you reach out to your friendly neighborhood repair shop. We’ve made it super easy for you to find one near you and to book an appointment!
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
