How to install snow tire chains


How to: Put on Snow Chains and Drive Safely

If you travel to the mountains or snowy areas regularly, sooner or later you’re going to have to use tire chains. Start by getting the right set for your vehicle at your local Les Schwab.

Quick-fit chains are not your grandpa’s tire chains. They are MUCH simpler to put on and take off. Here are a video, step-by-step instructions, and driving safety tips for installing quick-fit tire chains on your vehicle.


Do These Two Things Before You Leave

When you need chains, driving conditions are nasty. Snow is coming down, passing traffic is spraying slush, dirty water is dripping off your wheel wells, the road is slick, and it may be dark. Don’t make this the first time you put on your chains.

  1. Practice installing your new chains once BEFORE you travel. Take advantage of a dry garage or driveway to make sure your winter tire chains are the right size and you’re comfortable putting them on. If needed, the professionals at Les Schwab Tire Centers can help.

  2. Put together a simple winter road trip safety kit with warm gloves, waterproof layers, and other items to make your winter driving more safe and comfortable. In the winter, always carry this emergency kit and tire chains in your vehicle.


When and How to Install Your Tire Chains

Once you’re comfortable installing your chains, you’re ready to hit the snow.

  1. Be Safe. If you’re on the road, pull off as far as possible onto a safe shoulder. Flip on your hazard lights. Put on your waterproof layers, hat, headlamp, and gloves from your winter road trip kit.

  2. Identify the Correct Tires. If your vehicle is front-wheel drive, the chains go on the front. If it’s rear-wheel drive, chains go on the back. If it’s all-wheel drive, please check your owner’s manual. If you’re not sure, you can ask the experts at Les Schwab for help.

  3. Pull Out Chains & Instructions. With your vehicle parked, open the bag and pull out your instructions and your first chain. Each bag comes with two chains. The plastic instruction mat that comes with your chains can be used as a barrier between you and the snow to keep you dry.

  4. Untangle Your Chains. Holding them from the plastic-covered cable, make sure everything is straight and the chains are not looped over one another. Hold up your chains so the yellow end is in your left hand and the blue end is in your right.

    The chains should hang loosely and the metal hooks seen along the yellow and blue sections should be facing away from you so they don’t damage your tires.

  5. Place Chains onto Your Tire and Connect the Cable. Lay your chains on the ground and push them behind the tire, yellow cable end first, from the right side to the left.

    Once the chains are centered behind the wheel, grab both ends and pull them up over the top of the tire. You should feel the chains against your axle.

    This will allow you to easily connect the yellow and blue ends of the cable by slipping one end into the other and pulling them into place.

  6. Connect the Red Hook. Now that the cable is connected on top, look for the red hook directly opposite the cable connection. Connect the red hook on the right to the first available gold link on the left.

  7. Check the Diamond Shape. Push the connected chain over the top of the tire. You should see the diamond shape in the chains against your tire. Between each of those diamonds is the center rail, which should be placed down the middle of the tire tread.

  8. Connect the Red Chain Along the Bottom. Now that the cable is connected on top, look for the red hook directly opposite the cable connection. Connect the red hook on the right to the first available gold link on the left. Push the connected chain over the top of the tire.

    The bottom of the chains includes a red draw chain with bungee on your right, and a chain guide on the left. Pull these out towards yourself.

    Take the long red chain and run it through the chain guide and pull as tight as you can with both hands. Don’t pull using the bungee. As you pull, one of the chain links will find its way into the notch on the red chain guide, locking it into place.

    Using the bungee end of the red chain, pull it through one or both of the red loops and secure it to a gold-side chain opposite the red loops. If you can’t get it through both loops, that’s ok, pull tight through one and attach it to a side chain to the left of the loop.

  9. Repeat on Second Tire. Repeat these steps to install chains on the other side of your vehicle.

  10. Drive Forward Slightly. The next step is to drive forward about 15 feet, or a full car length. This gives the chains a chance to relax and settle on your tires.

  11. Re-tighten Chains. To take up any slack, unhook the rubber end of the red draw chain and pull it tight again. Once it’s tight, guide the red chain through the loops and, again, securely latch the bungee end to the gold-side chain.

  12. The chains should be tight on the tire. And, be sure to stop if you hear them making any contact with your vehicle. If your chains are still loose, unhook the bungee and adjust the red hook straight across from the chain guide. Unhook and reattach to the tightest position on one of the three gold chain links. It’s okay if the extra links are hanging loosely. Now, you’re ready to reattach your bungee.


How to Drive with Snow Chains on Your Tires

While driving with tire chains, listen for a loud sound of slapping, or metal on metal. If you hear any indication that a chain may be broken or hitting your car, STOP as soon as safely possible. Loose or broken chains that flap can wrap around a strut or shock component, causing big damage to your vehicle. To help prevent damage, here are a few tips for driving when you have winter chains installed on your vehicle.

  • Don’t go over 25 miles per hour, or else you can damage the chains or your vehicle
  • Never drive on bare pavement
  • Avoid locking or spinning your wheels by starting or braking suddenly
Removing Snow Chains from Your Tires

Pull over in a safe location and remove the chains. Start by unhooking the bungee and chain from the guide, removing them from the tensioner. Unlatch the red hook, and then undo the blue and yellow cable connection. Once all of your chains are off and lying flat on the ground, pull backward or forward slowly a few feet so you can safely pick them up.


How to Pack and Store Snow Chains

At the end of your trip, lay your chains out in the garage and let them dry. If you pack them wet, they can rust.

Also check them for wear, especially if you’ve driven them on asphalt for any distance. Look for flat spots, and replace the chains if you find some.

Link at left shows flattening from wear. Link in center shows sharp edge from wear that can damage a tire.


We’re Here to Help

Remember, if you don’t use your chains all winter long, you can return them with proof of purchase to any Les Schwab for a full refund in the spring.

Get your next set of Quick-Fit chains, along with a few tips on how to install them, at your local Les Schwab, where doing the right thing matters.

Want more tips on winter road safety? See 19 Winter Driving Resources You Can’t Do Without.

Get More Winter Tips

How to Put on Snow Chains on Your Tires: DIY Steps

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If you’re lucky enough to live in an area that gets legitimate winter weather, you’re probably well aware of the annoyance and dangers that a snowstorm can prevent to motorists. Many people opt for winter tires to improve their vehicles’ traction in bad weather, but they’re expensive. Of course, people could stay off the roads altogether in winter weather, but in some places, that’s just not a practical option nor does it solve the issue of getting to and from work, the grocers, or taking your kids to school.

Tire chains, to a degree, help get around those issues with an affordable way to greatly improve traction. They can be installed and uninstalled in minutes, and can truly be the difference between a normal commute and a day spent being pulled out of a ditch.

Even if you do live where the air hurts your face, you might not know much about chains if you’ve relied on winter tires for the majority of your driving life. The Drive’s editors have experience installing chains and have made almost every mistake in the book so you don’t have to. Let’s dive in.

Tire chains come in many sizes and types., Depositphotos

Tire Chain Basics 

Estimated Time Needed: 10-30 minutes

Skill Level: Beginner

Vehicle System: Exterior/Tires and Wheels

What Are Tire Chains

Tire chains are a physical part that’s wrapped around your tires to greatly improve traction in snowy, icy, and slippery conditions. They can be added to standard or winter or all-season tires. They are sold separately from the vehicle and its tires, and can be carried for use when necessary.

Tire Chain Installation Safety

When installing tire chains, it’s not really the chains themselves that present the danger. It’s the road conditions and other drivers that you’ll really need to worry about.

  • Test your tire chains before setting off to ensure there are no loose or dangling parts that could fly off and cause damage.
  • Ideally, you’d install the chains in a quiet parking lot before setting off, but in some cases, you’ll be doing the work on the side of the road. If this is the case, pull as far off to the side as you can and use emergency indicators to help increase your chances of being seen.
  • Make sure your car is in the park with the parking brake engaged to prevent roll-aways and dangerous unintended movement.

Everything You’ll Need To Install Tire Chains

There’s good news! The only thing you’ll truly need to install tire chains is the chains themselves. It’s a good idea to carry a roadside safety kit with emergency markers/reflectors for your own protection, but those things won’t actually help you install the chains.

Organizing your gear so everything is easily reachable will save precious minutes waiting for your handy-dandy child or four-legged helper to bring you the sandpaper or blowtorch, too. (You won't need a blowtorch for this job. Please don’t have your kid hand you a blowtorch—Ed.)

You’ll also need a flat workspace, such as a garage floor, driveway, or street parking to install your tire chains. Check your local laws to make sure you’re not violating any codes when using the street because we aren’t getting your ride out of the clink.

Find a safe spot to work., Depositphotos

Here’s How To Install Tire Chains 

If you expect that you’ll need tire chains, find a flat space, and try to get out of the way of other drivers. 

Let’s do this! 

Installing Tire Chains

  1. Make sure you know which are the driven wheels on your car. If your vehicle is front-wheel drive, you’ll need to install chains on the front wheels, while rear-wheel drives get them—you guessed it—on the rear. All- and four-wheel drive vehicles can use four chains.
  2. Put your vehicle in park and make sure that the parking brake is engaged before you start this process.
  3. Pull out the chains one at a time and ensure that there are no tangles or damage.
  4. Lay the chains out next to your car’s wheels on the ground. 
  5. Carefully drape the chains over the desired wheel. Be sure to unravel the chains down around the circumference of the tire. It should wrap approximately three-quarters of the way around.
  6. Since you’ll be moving the vehicle, tuck the ends of the chains under the tire to hold them in place.
  7. Drive forward a few feet to get access to the portion of the tire that was previously on the bottom. You shouldn’t need to move more than three or four feet.
  8. Turn the wheel slightly before turning it back off again. This will allow easier access to the tire. Make sure to place the vehicle in park and reset the parking brake.
  9. Connect the two ends of each tire chain together using the included anchor system. 
  10. Before setting off, make sure that the chains are evenly installed and that they run straight around the sides of the tire. If they are loose or misaligned, fix the issue to avoid having the chains fly off when the vehicle is in motion.
  11. Drive forward for 100 feet or so. This will let you get a look at how well the chains are installed and will tell you where tightening or adjustments are needed.

Sometimes You Need a Certified Mechanic

As much as The Drive loves to put the "you" in do-it-yourself, we know that not everyone has the proper tools, a safe workspace, the spare time, or the confidence to tackle major automotive repairs. Sometimes, you just need quality repair work performed by professionals you can trust like our partners, the certified mechanics at Goodyear Tire & Service.

Pro Tips to Install Tire Chains

  • Don’t let a big snowstorm be the first time you try to put your chains on. First, numb fingers don’t do such a great job at, well, anything, really. Next, consider where you’re like to be installing those chains. The side of the road is a terrible place to be fumbling with chains.
  • Don’t drive with chains on unless you need them. They can damage your tires and reduce traction on dry pavement.
  • Make sure your chains actually fit your tires before you need them. Chains come in different sizes, so it’s important to shop for the right ones.
Chains are cheaper than winter tires and work better in many cases., Depositphotos

FAQs About Installing Tire Chains 

You’ve got questions, The Drive has answers!

Q. Are Chains Better Than Winter Tires?

A. Chains do provide better traction on snow and ice than winter tires. They’re also far cheaper than a good set of winter rubber. The issue is having to carry and install them every time there’s bad weather, and then uninstall them on the other side of the storm.

Q. Are AutoSocks Better Than Chains?

A. In testing performed by Consumer Reports, products like AutoSocks are about as effective as a mid-range winter tire. The publication also notes that, for people living in areas with serious winter weather, nothing is better than a solid set of dedicated winter tires.

Q. How Much Do Chains Cost?

A. Remember, you get what you pay for. Winter chains can be had for as little as $40 online, but it’s best to research the most reliable and well-reviewed brands. On average, prices range from around the $40 mark to upwards of $150. 

Let’s Talk, Comment Below To Talk With

The Drive’s Editors!

We’re here to be expert guides in everything How-To related. Use us, compliment us, yell at us. Comment below and let’s talk! You can also shout at us on Twitter or Instagram, here are our profiles.

Jonathon Klein: Twitter (@jonathon.klein), Instagram (@jonathon_klein)

Tony Markovich: Twitter (@T_Marko), Instagram (@t_marko)

Chris Teague: Twitter (@TeagueDrives), Instagram (@TeagueDrives)

Video 

Featured Products

When it comes to tire chains, The Drive’s editors realize you could spend days just sifting through half of the products available. That’s why we’ve selected a few of our favorites to help get you started on the right track. These products are affordable, useful, and well-reviewed.

How to install chains on truck wheels (manual)

Category: Interesting news.

The truck tire industry is developing rapidly. Designers improve the rubber compound, improve the tread pattern - and still, in winter it is impossible to do without such an old-fashioned accessory as snow chains . Consider why the driver needs chains and how to install them correctly.

Snow chains are used off-road, in ice and to improve the grip of wheels with the road.

Due to the fact that the pattern of the chain protrudes outward and the contact area of ​​the chains with the road is smaller than that of the wheel, there are gaps between the chain and the tire, the vehicle's flotation is improved, and wheel slip is prevented.

The main purpose for which truck drivers put chains on their wheels - is to ensure a confident ride on slippery roads and in snowdrifts, to increase the stability and controllability of the car due to better grip.

  • In the mountainous regions of Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Spain and France, as well as in the Scandinavian countries, drivers are required to wear snow chains on their wheels to reduce the risk of an accident.
  • From November 11, 2018, similar restrictions apply in the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union: in winter, cars and light commercial vehicles must be equipped with winter tires, and trucks and buses put into circulation on the territory of the EAEU - with snow chains.

Experienced drivers always carry chains on their wheels. They rescue not only on the ice, but also help out at the cargo terminal if the snow is falling faster than it is removed by public utilities.

The variety of types allows you to find an option for any task - for certain types of trucks, for example, MAN and Scania, chains can be of different “caliber”, and their pattern is made in the form of “honeycombs”, “ladders”, etc. - depending on the type of road surface.

For heavy trucks and trucks, studded chains are mainly used to ensure tire grip in the most difficult areas.

How to use chains correctly

In Europe and Scandinavia, road sections where chains must be used are marked with special signs. Not far from dangerous areas - sites for installing chains.

The requirements for installing chains in different countries are different: somewhere it is enough to “arm” only the drive axle, somewhere you need to put chains on all the wheels of the tractor and even on the wheels of the semi-trailer. Before you travel in winter, check the chain requirements for your itinerary.

Before leaving for flight , it is important to check the condition of chains and store them in special cases or strong plastic bags. Worn out chains break in transit and can shatter headlights and fender liner, damage the fuel tank and cargo, get stuck between the wheels and cause an accident.

The chains must fit the wheel size of your truck. The specifics of its installation, the type of fastening and the degree of tension depend on the type of chain.

Do not accelerate and brake sharply when driving with chains on wheels, exceed the recommended speed: 50 km/h for metal chains and 80 km/h for soft chains (rubber, plastic). As the speed increases, centrifugal force can cause the chains to loosen, causing the chain to vibrate and contact the fender liner.

Immediately after the pavement has been replaced with clean asphalt, the chains must be removed - otherwise they will wear out quickly. After removal, the chain must be cleaned and dried.

How to install chains on wheels: instructions

  • Stop in a free area, where there will be a margin of a couple of meters for the truck to drive back and forth.
  • Check that the chains are in good condition, without damage. Spread them out and place them next to the wheels so that the tie down chain is on the outside of the tire.
  • Prepare easy access to the wheels: raise them with air suspension, remove wheel arch liners if possible
  • Distribute the chain on the wheel, drive slowly back or forth until the chain is three-quarters of its length on the wheel
  • Fasten the chains: connect the inside first, then the outside.
  • Pass the tie-down chain on the outside through the rings and tension with the lever.
  • Wind the free end of the tie down chain around one of the side chains and fasten.
  • Repeat with the rest of the wheels - to save time, it is better to put chains under each wheel and run over them at the same time.
  • After installing the chains, drive a couple of meters, get out of the cab and check the tension of the chains.
  • If necessary, adjust the tension by tightening the chain.

Quality used spare parts for Scania trucks can be found in our catalog

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Installation of snow chains on truck tires. Ladder type and Honeycomb type

Snow chains are a valuable addition to your forklift. Snow chains are a device to be used in an emergency situation and, therefore, when using them, it is necessary to observe the precautions and the attached rules of use in order to obtain the expected results, as well as to avoid possible problems arising from incorrect use of the chains.

Anti-skid chains are designed to prevent wheel slippage and increase the passability of the loader when driving on difficult road sections - ice, rolled snow, virgin snow.

Before using snow chains, it is necessary to determine the possibility of their installation on the vehicle. Recommended minimum clearances between the wheel and various parts of the loader required for installation:

Precautions and instruction manual.

  1. Snow chains fit all tire sizes indicated on the packaging label. Be sure to read the brochure of the operation and maintenance manual of the car, observing all possible restrictions on use.
  2. After purchasing the snow chain, it is recommended to carry out a trial installation in order to check the correctness and feasibility of installation, as well as to obtain the necessary skills when using the device.
  3. The snow chains must be inspected before each assembly. If the snow chain is damaged or broken, it is strictly forbidden to use the snow chain.
  4. Snow chains should not be used if the wear on the running surface of the chains is more than 1/3 of the original thickness when purchased.
  5. The snow chain must be fitted to the drive wheels and the tires on each axle must be of the same model.
  6. After installation, check that no part of the snow chain will be in contact with parts of the truck.
  7. Before driving the front loader, check that the snow chain is fitted correctly.
  8. After driving a short distance (at least 30m), stop and check that the snow chains are well centered and tight. If this is not the case, then they must be tightened again.
  9. The speed of the truck must be suitable for road conditions and not exceed 20 km/h.
  10. After a long drive, as well as after emergency braking, chain contact with asphalt, concrete (or other similar surfaces), check the installation condition and wear of the device.
  11. Driving in chains on hard surfaces (asphalt, concrete and other similar surfaces) leads to rapid wear of the chains and the undercarriage of the loader.
  12. When using snow chains, abrupt start of movement and sudden braking are strictly prohibited. this leads to rapid wear of the chains.
  13. After using the snow chains, it is advisable to wash and dry them.
  14. Warranty covers manufacturing defects. The warranty covers only the replacement of the defective kit. The warranty does not cover cases of improper use and abrasion of the links. The manufacturer within 6 months from the date of sale guarantees trouble-free operation under conditions of proper operation.

Installation of snow chains type "Ladder"

Anti-skid chains are mounted on the drive wheels of the loader. Installation of anti-skid chains must be carried out before entering a difficult road section.


For different manufacturers of wheels for loaders with the same wheel marking, the actual dimensions can vary significantly.


To take into account the difference in wheel sizes, an additional jumper (pos. 7) is provided in the anti-skid chains. It is attached with staples to the end links of the tail chain (pos.6).

The need for an additional jumper is determined during the first installation. If the anti-skid chain hangs freely on the wheel during tension, warps on its side and further tension does not give the chain a snug fit to the wheel, then the additional jumper should be disconnected.

Mounting order:

1st method - without jacking up the loader

1. Carefully straighten the snow chain (chain links must not be twisted). Lay snow chains on the road surface and run the drive wheels over them. The locking hook (pos.2) with the locking ring (pos.3) must be located on the outside of the loader. Secure the loader in a position that prevents spontaneous movement on the road.


2. Throw the free part of the chain on the wheel. Spread the transverse branches of the chain (pos.4) evenly around the circumference of the wheel.

3. On the inner side of the wheel, hook the locking hook (pos.1) to one of the links of the tail branch (pos.6). Hook hook only on odd tail chain links 1, 3, 5, etc. (for loaders with a small distance between the wheel and other parts).

4. From the outer side of the wheel, thread the locking hook (pos.2) into one of the end links of the tail branch (pos.6) and turn the locking hook towards the locking ring (pos.3).

5. Insert the locking ring into the groove of the locking hook. If necessary, make an additional tension of the chain (reattach the locking hook and the hook for the following tail links). Longitudinal and transverse branches should grip the tire tightly.

6. After passing a small area, make an additional tension of the chain by hooking the hook (pos.2) on one of the following links of the tail chain.


After the first installation, the extra tail links (not used) must be cut off or tied so that they do not touch the body or other parts of the loader during movement.

2nd method - with jacking up the loader:
  1. Apply the handbrake to the loader.
  2. Install chocks under the rear wheels.
  3. Jack up the loader with the wheel above the road to a height of 25-40 mm.
  4. Put on the device in the same way as the 1st method (starting from point 2).

Removing the tool from the wheel is carried out in the reverse order.

Mounting snow chains type honeycomb

Anti-skid chains are mounted on the drive wheels of the loader. It is advisable to install snow chains before entering a difficult road section.


For different manufacturers of wheels for loaders with the same wheel marking, the actual dimensions can vary significantly.


To take into account the difference in wheel sizes, an additional jumper (pos. 5) is provided in the anti-skid chains.

It is attached with staples to the end links of the tail chain (pos. 4). The need for an additional jumper is determined during the first installation. If the anti-skid chain hangs freely on the wheel during tension, warps on its side and further tension does not give the chain a snug fit to the wheel, then the additional jumper should be disconnected.

Mounting order:

1. Secure the vehicle in a position that prevents spontaneous movement on the road. Put the snow chain on the wheel in such a way that the tensioning rings (pos.6) are on the outer side of the wheel, and the locking hooks (pos.1) and tail links (pos.4) are in the lower part of the wheel. Spread the transverse branches (pos.2) evenly around the circumference of the wheel.

2. Hook the locking hook (pos.1) on the inner side of the wheel for one of the links of the tail branch (pos.4), or for the ring, i.e. as close as possible to the other half of the snow chain.

3. Hook the locking hook (pos.1) on the outer part of the side of the wheel for one of the links of the tail branch (pos.


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