How do you fit snow chains?

Answer 1

First, choose snow chains that are the correct size for the tires that they will be used on. The wrong chains will either not fit at all or beat up the vehicle badly. The long chains that run the length of the chains are referred to as 'rails' and the short traction chains that run between the rails are referred to as 'crosslinks'. Be sure that the chains come with the T-bar or L-bar to tighten the camlocks if the chains have them. Also be sure to have a few rubber bungie cords on hand to help retain the chains.

To install them, pick a safe spot, engage the parking brake and/or block the wheels not being chained (usually the steers). Stretch out the chains, untangle them if necessary and make sure the camlocks (tightening mechanism employed by some, not all, chains) are all loosened/lengthened. Find the middle of the chains and pick them up by the rail without camlocks at that point. Take them to the tire and push the rail over the tire and drape the ends in front and back of the tire so that the rails hang approximately equal on the inside and outside of the tire. If the crosslinks have 'teeth' for traction, make sure these are not facing the tire. Now each rail should be able to be connected to it's opposite end with the hooks or clamps as tightly as possible. If not, roll the vehicle just enough one way or the other to connect them. If the chains have camlocks, tighten just as many of them that you can still get your fingers between the rails and the tire's sidewall but not between the crosslinks and the tread. Don't strangle the tire, it will damage it. Use bungie cords to pull back any loose ends to prevent damage to the vehicle. If there are no camlocks, use bungie cords stretched from rail to to rail across the wheels inside and outside (not across the tread). Drive the vehicle ahead 50 feet or so and check how tight the chains are. If they have loosened, remove the bungies, loosen the camlocks, and try to tighten the chain ends, then reinstall the bungies and tighten the camlocks as before. Trouble free driving should ensue.

Some tips:

• It may sound crazy, but do this in your driveway in warm weather to at least one tire. It will help familiarize you with the process. Trying to learn to install chains in the conditions they will be needed just sucks, it's going to be cold, dark, wet and slushy or snowy, on the side of the road with cars and trucks splashing by.

• Slow down. Stay under 30 mph/50 kph. The faster you go, the less traction you have and the more likely the chains will break and cause serious damage to your car.

• Remove your tires to install the chains if you must, but be aware this can add another element of danger. Do it safely.
• Stop and check the chains periodically (every 30 minutes or so) while driving and adjust them if necessary.

• Chains operate best in snow and compact snow. Driving on bare or icy pavement can cause them to overheat (it's true) and break, which will damage the vehicle.

• On rear wheel drive vehicles, use chains on steer tires only if absolutely necessary and even then, only on one side. Front wheel drive vehicles will need chains on both steer tires.