How to easily put on snow chains on car tires
With low-elevation snow battering Interstate 80 in Placer County, California, on Jan. 16, tire chains were a requirement if you wanted a safe drive.
Driving your car in snow or after a winter storm requires you to put chains on your tires. Use this guide to learn how to put on snow chains.
Mount Rainier, Washington claims the distinction as the snowiest place in America with an average of 57 feet per year. You don't need to live in the snowiest city to need snow chains, though. If you live in an area that experiences consistent snow in the winter months, then it's vital you know how to install car snow chains.
Chains will give you much-needed traction on snowy and icy roads. Follow this guide to know the easiest way to install chains on your tires this winter.
1. Buy the right tire chains for snow
The first step in the process is to buy the right sized chains for your vehicle's tires. Look at your tire's sidewall for the size specs and then match that to the sizing printed on the chain packaging. While chains are adjustable to a certain point, they aren't a universal fit.
For most people, you only need to apply chains to two of the tires. Front-wheel drive cars need chains on the front tires, while rear-wheel-drive cars need them on the back tires. Four-wheel drive cars can have them on the front tires for steering traction.
Photo by Canislupus
2. Drape the snow chains over the tires
Start by draping the chains over the tire with one end tucked under the front of the tire. You'll see many guides telling you to lay the chains out in front of the tire. Don't do this; it's a rookie mistake.
Laying the chains out in front of the tires will require you to guess how far forward to drive to get in the perfect position to wrap the tire. By draping the chain over the tire, you know you only need to drive forward two or three feet. Now the tire is in the perfect spot on the chain.
3. Connect the ends of the tire chains
Now that both ends are free, you can connect them and have the chain wrapped around the tire. Make sure you get the chains as snug as you can to the rubber of the tire. Use the available adjustment on the chain to create a snug fit.
4. Test the tire chains and adjust
You aren't done after installation. Now you need to drive forward a few hundred feet and turn the wheel a bit. This will allow the chains to settle in, which will also cause them to loosen a bit.
Stop the car with the connection point in an accessible area. Retighten the chains to ensure you have a snug fit.
Photo by S. Hermann & F. Richter
5. Use your snow chains correctly
Keep in mind that in some of the snowiest US cities, the law requires that you use chains when conditions are snowy. So check your local DOT laws to know if you're required.
Be sure to remove your chains when the roads clear. Driving on paved roads in your chains can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and damage your chains.
Drive safe this winter with your snow chains
By following this guide to install your car snow chains, you'll be ready when the snow falls. To be even better prepared, buy your chains now and do a practice run. That way, you get a feel for how they work on your vehicle's tires. Find out if you need to put on your snow chains by keeping an eye on the severe winter weather reports.
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