How to Install Metal Tire Chains
A tire chain, or snow chain, is a device attached to vehicle tires to provide improved traction when driving upon snow or ice-covered surfaces. You'll need to sacrifice speed for safety when using tire chains, limiting your driving speed to a maximum of 25 miles per hour. Installing a tire chain may seem to be a difficult job, but is actually a simple and straightforward one. Learn how to install tire chains to prevent your vehicle from sliding out of control when driving on a snowy day.
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Instructions
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1
Park your vehicle on level ground, and on a spot where it will not obstruct traffic flow. Engage your vehicle's emergency brake, and turn off the engine.
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2
Locate your vehicle's drive wheels. Lay the chains flat on the ground parallel to each other along the path of the tire track, with the metal hooks facing down. Adjust the position of the chains so that the cross chains would be touching the tread area or surface of each tire. Drive the vehicle slowly, halfway onto the chains.
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3
Look at the metal connectors on both ends of the chains. Hold each inner (closest to the engine) connector at both ends of the chains with each hand. Drape the chains over the tire while holding each connector, and hook both connectors together.
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4
Pull and adjust the chains so that they will wrap around the tires snugly with as little slack as possible. Hold each outer (closest to you) connector at both ends of the chains with each hand, and hook both connectors together. Make sure the outer connector is as tight as it will go.
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5
Hook a bungee cord on the upper rim chain at the outer side of the tire. Run the bungee cord 360 degrees around the outer rim of the tire and hook it to the rim chain every quarter along the way so that the bungee cord will pull the chains as tight as possible. Repeat this step beginning with Step 3 to install the chains on the other tire.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice attaching your tire chains before it snows to make sure that you will not encounter unforeseen problems.
Turn the steering wheel for a better angle in case you have trouble reaching the inside of the tire.
Various states have regulations regarding the use of tire chains on different types of vehicles. Get in touch with your state's motor vehicle department to know their regulations.
Different vehicles have different types of tires. Read the owner's manual of your vehicle regarding the correct type and size of tire chain that should be used for your vehicle.
Only use chains when necessary, since they increase tire wear.
References
- Photo Credit snow image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.com
