How to Measure for Tire Chains

Properly fitted tire chains make driving safer in extreme weather conditions.

Tire chains fit snugly around the drive wheels on your vehicle to add needed traction in extreme weather conditions. In northern climates or at high altitude, the state's transportation department can mandate the use of tire chains in areas where snow tires and four-wheel drive vehicles alone are not sufficient to navigate the road conditions. Measure your tires accurately to ensure a proper fit when obtaining tire chains for your vehicle.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Place the end of the tape measure at the edge of the rim and measure out to the edge of the tread. Note this measurement which is the width of the tire's sidewall.

2. Measure the diameter of the tire by placing the end of the tape at the edge of the tread and measuring all the way across the face of the tire. Record this measurement as the tire's width.

3. Align the end of the tape with the outer edge of the tread and measure across the tread to the inner edge of the tread. Note this measurement as the width of the tread.

Tips & Warnings

• Speak with a knowledgeable professional when purchasing tire chains for the first time. If you do not have the vehicle with you, note the tire size off the sidewall of the tire and bring that along with your tire's measurements when purchasing tire chains.

• Check your owner manual for the manufacturer's recommendations of tire chains. The manufacturer may recommend tire chains on most, but not all, of its vehicles. Cable tire chains may be an alternative on vehicles not recommended for standard tire chains. Test fit tire chains on your vehicle before you actually need them. Attempting to figure out how put on tire chains on the side of the road in packed snow is a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation.

Resources

• Tirechain.com: Measurement
• California Department of Transportation: Winter Operations - Tire and Chains
• National Park Service: Tire Chains
• Washington State, Department of Transportation: Chain Installation Services
• Washington State, Department of Transportation: Do I Need to Carry Chains When Traveling Through the Pass?
• Oregon Department of Transportation: How to Put on Cable Tire Chains