- If the weather promises to be bad enough that you've decided to use snow chains, you first need to figure out where they go. Snow chains are designed to be put on the tires that do the driving on your car; that is, if you have a front-drive vehicle, the chains go on the front wheels. If you have a rear-drive car, the chains go on the back tires. So, snow chains may be put on just the front tires, but only if the vehicle is front drive or all-wheel drive.
- Front-drive vehicles tend to perform better in snowy and icy conditions; rear-drive cars may fishtail on slick surfaces. But, in either case, snow chains will help your tires gain traction on the streets.
- Be sure to carry your snow chains with you if you're planning a drive that might take you through treacherous wintry conditions. Even if the weather is sunny where you are, it can change dramatically with a little time and elevation. If you make the decision to put on the chains, make sure you pull over in an area that's a safe distance from the roadway. It's also a good idea to practice putting on your chains beforehand---it can be a tricky process, especially in the middle of a blizzard on the side of a busy road.
