How to Install a Peerless Tire Chain

Before the time arrives where you actually need your tire chains because of severe weather, it is wise to practice installing them. Make sure that you know the vehicle's correct tire size to obtain the proper tire chains. When driving on tire chains, pay close attention to weather and road conditions, and use caution, never driving in excess of 30 mph while the chains are installed. This advice is according to the Peerless tire chain installation instructions.

Instructions

1. Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface. Park off-road, away from traffic, or in a spot such as your driveway. Turn off the engine and set the vehicle's emergency brake. Turn the steering wheel so that the front wheel faces away from the vehicle, if the vehicle is four-wheel drive.

2. Unroll the tire chains and lay each on the flat surface. Lay the chains so that the hooks on the end of the cross chains are facing up. Inspect each for broken or damaged links or other components. Fully straighten out any kinks or tangles in the chains. Lay the chain flat near the tire that you will install it on.

3. Drape the chain over the top of the tire. Make certain that the ends of the cross chains face away from the tire tread, and the lever lock is on the outside of the tire.

4. Tuck the first cross chain under the tire. Start the vehicle and slowly drive the vehicle forward about 1 foot, until the lever lock is approximately lined up with the axle. Shut off the vehicle and set the emergency brake.

5. Pull the end of the side chain, on the tire's inner sidewall, up so that it meets the hook attachment. Remove slack from the chain, and insert the hook into a link on the side chain. Choose a link that allows the chain to fit snugly. This secures the chain on the inner sidewall side.

6. Grasp and pull the end of the side chain up on the tire's outer side, so that it meets the lever lock. Remove the slack from the side chain and insert the lever lock through a link in the side chain that allows the chain to fit snugly.

7. Examine the cross chains to make certain that they are centered over the tread of the tire. Loop the last link of any excess chain over the lever link, and count the number of excessive side chain links on each sidewall to make certain that the number of excessive links matches.

8. Pull the free end of the lever lock up, 180 degrees toward the top of the tire. Choose a link in the side chain that will allow the chain to be tight, and attach the lever lock end to this link.

Tips & Warnings

• Drive the vehicle for 1/4 mile and retighten the chains on both the inner and outer sidewall.

• Cut off any excess side chain links, using bolt cutters or a Dremel.

References

• Peerless: Passenger Tire Chains Installation