How to Install Link Snow Chains
When you are traveling snowy mountain roads, chances are good you will need to use chains for your tires. Chains are generally installed on the rear tires of a front-wheel drive vehicle, where they provide the most traction. While most people consider chaining up a daunting chore, it can be simple and quick, and it is well worth the time spent in terms of safety.
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Things You'll Need
- Car or truck
- Tire chains
- Work gloves
- Coveralls
- Chain adjusters or spiders
Instructions
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1
When you encounter winter road conditions, pull to the side of the road away from traffic where the surface is fairly level. For each tire, lay out a chain unit.
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2
Note the connecting ends. One side of the chain unit will have a simple "C" hook, which connects to a loop on the opposite end of the chain; this goes on the inside of the tire, toward the vehicle chassis. The other side will have a levering fastener, which goes on the outside of the tire.
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3
Make sure that the "C" hook is inside the tire and the hook ends of the crosspieces are facing up away from the tire surface to prevent punctures. Then lay the chain over the tire. Make sure that the chain is centered along the center line of the tire, with an equal overhang on each side.
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4
Adjust the tire chain so that you can tuck the first cross-link beneath the front of the tire where it meets the ground. Place the connecting ends of the tire chain unit straight out to the sides where they will not get caught beneath the tire.
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5
Pull up any slack as you work the chain toward the back of the tire, positioning cross-link pieces so that they are perpendicular to the tread lines. Allow any excess chain to rest behind the tire on the ground.
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6
Drive your vehicle forward several inches until it has passed over the ends of the chains and they are accessible to fasten. Have a helper watch and signal when you have gone far enough.
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7
Put on your work gloves and coveralls. Getting down near the tire, fasten the "C" hook to a link at the opposite end of the chain unit on the inside of the tire. Pull the chain as taut as possible, and shoot for the second or third link when you fasten the inside hook.
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8
Fasten the outside lever hook to a chain link at the opposite end on the outside of the tire. You should aim for the same link number as you hooked on the inside surface. For example, if you put the "C" hook on the second link, fasten the lever hook on the outside to the second link.
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9
Complete the chaining up of the tire by attaching your spider. Beginning at the 12 o'clock position, hook into a chain link. Then hook at 6 o'clock, 2 o'clock, 8 o'clock, 10 o'clock, and 4 o'clock.
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10
Check the fit of your chains before getting back on the road. If there is room to slip your hand between the chain and your tire, the chains are too loose. You must tighten them, inside and out, for safety's sake.
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11
Drive up to a quarter of a mile and pull over. Inspect your chains, tightening them if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Always unfasten your tire chains from the inside to the outside.
Do not drive faster than 25 mph when using tire chains. Excessive speed will cause them to break.
Do not drive on bare roads with tire chains. Stop and remove them.
