Ensure your safety this winter by learning how to install snow chains on tires.
Time 10 - 20 minutes
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$50 - $200
Introduction
Get the confidence you need to handle treacherous roads this winter by learning how to install tire chains.
In many areas nationwide, winter weather turns roads icy and treacherous for long stretches of the year. You can get special snow tires to help your vehicle handle better in the snow, but even those are sometimes not enough to get through the heaviest winter storms. One of the best and most proven ways to give your car more traction in the snow is by throwing snow chains on your tires. Wrapping a snow chain around a tire allows it to bite deeper into the snow and ice, preventing your wheels from spinning out as easily. They’ll make your car a bit clunkier to drive and limit your speed, but that’s an easy trade-off when dealing with slick roads.
I am installing tire chains on a sedan with front-wheel drive, so I will be attaching tire chains to both of the front tires. If you have a rear-wheel drive car, you should install the chains on the rear tires. For all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles, you can install chains on all four wheels to maintain an even level of traction. Before purchasing, ensure that the chains you select are compatible with your tire size. The tire chains I purchased are self-tightening snow tire chains, which allow them to tighten automatically while driving. Note that not all tire chains have this feature, so if yours don’t, you will need to use chain tensioners. I highly recommend investing in automatic self-tightening chains to avoid the hassle of manual adjustments.
Are snow tire chains legal?
Restrictions on using snow tire chains vary by state, as each state has its own regulations on public road use. For instance, in some states, it is mandatory that drivers have snow tire chains on their vehicles when signs indicate their necessity or during specific times of the year on designated roads. In other states, they are outlawed on all public roadways. Since it would take an entire article to cover each state’s snow tire chain guidelines, it’s best to do a quick Google search for your state’s requirements to ensure you comply with the regulations.
Tools Required
- Snow tire chains
Watch Snow Chain Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Project step-by-step (7)
Step 1
Layout the chains flat on the ground
Start by untangling the chains and disconnecting any cables if necessary. Make sure that the wire hooks are facing down toward the ground. The blue cable side of the snow chains should be positioned at the back, on the inside of the tire and closest to the vehicle, while the red side should be in the front, farthest from the vehicle. Note that the split in the chain indicates where the tire will rest during installation.
Step 2
Slide the chains around the tire
Wrap the chain around the tire and spread it out evenly, ensuring it’s aligned as in the previous step. Check that the split in the chain is located where the tire meets the ground.
Step 3
Connect the back cable
Take the blue cable from the back and connect the ends by latching the knob into the keyhole. This will allow the back of the chain to wrap around the back of the tire and leave it draping over the tire for now. Ensure that the hooks face outward, away from the tire, and not inward.
Step 4
Connect the top tensioner
Take the top tensioner and lift the red tension lever upward. Pull the cable from the tensioner and secure it into the green connector hook. Keep the red tension lever upward, then adjust the chain around the back of the tire to ensure it is centered on the tire.
Step 5
Connect the bottom tensioner
Flip the red tension lever upward and repeat the process on the bottom tensioner. Be sure to watch your hands to avoid getting them pinched when the chain tightens.
Step 6
Flip the tension levers down
Finally, flip both red tension levers down so the tensioners tighten the chain around the tire. Follow the same process for the other tires that require snow tire chains.
Step 7
FAQ
How fast can you drive with tire chains?
30 mph is the max speed limit to drive with snow tire chains installed.
Do you need chains on all four tires?
For all-wheel drive vehicles, all four tires should be chained. If your vehicle is rear-wheel drive, the chains must go on the rear wheels. For front-wheel drive, the chains should be placed on the front wheels.
Do I need tire chains if I have 4×4 or all-wheel drive?
Even if you have all-wheel drive, in extreme winter driving conditions, you may need to install tire chains, especially if you are traveling on roads that require them.
Do tire chains work on black ice?
Yes, using snow tire chains will improve your car’s traction when driving on black ice.
How long do tire chains last?
Snow tire chains can last for several years if you follow the speed limit guidelines and install them correctly.
