How to install snow chains

Winter weather has a reputation for being dangerous and unpredictable. There are days when you would rather sit at home with a mug of cocoa and read a book, but life requires you to get out on snowy roads. Uncertain driving conditions can arise even in the spring - you can take a trip through the Rocky Mountains and the weather can change from good to bad in a matter of minutes. In these cases, snow chains are required.

Since snow chains have recently reappeared on the market, let's see how to install them on a tire.

How to install chains on a bar

1. Determine how many tires you need chains — Snow chains are designed for use on all drive tyres. On front wheel drive, use them on both front tires. If your car is rear wheel drive, use them on both rear tires. For XNUMXWD and XNUMXWD vehicles, all four wheels must be equipped with snow chains.

2. Lay the tire chain on the ground Unravel and straighten the outer chain, inner chain and sections connecting the two sides. Lay them out with the outer part of the chain up.

   Functions: If the snow chains are equipped with V-bars, they will be on top.

3. Take the chains and put them on top of the tire. Roughly center the chains on the tire tread and straighten the links.

   Functions: for the best fit, the links should be untwisted as much as possible. Check the internal circuit and compare it with the external circuit.

4. Adjust the chains - so that they are approximately equal from the center of the tire. Position the connecting hooks so that you won't run into them when you pull forward to finish attaching the chains.

5. Pull your car forward “All you need is about a quarter turn of your wheel. In this case, part of the front end of the snow chain will be under the tire, and the fastening hooks must be open for use.

6. Connect outer circuits together — Start with the inner circuit. Hook the chain as tightly as possible. You will return to check its tightness again. Pass the outer chain through the farthest link without losing the opportunity to fasten it.

   FunctionsA: Some snow chains have holders so the hook cannot come off by itself. Move it into place, if there is one.

7. Pull the chains tighter - Check the internal circuit again and, if you can, adjust it more. If it still doesn't feel very tight, don't worry. When the outer chain is adjusted, it compensates for the slack in the inner chain.

8. Check Cam Adjusters - If there are cam adjusters on the external circuit, you will adjust them further. The cam adjuster looks like a semi-circular link in a slotted chain to which the two ends are attached.

   Functions: If your chains do not have cam adjusters and feel too loose, use a bungee cord on the outer chain to pull the sides together at three or more points.

9. Adjust cams - Using the cam adjuster, turn the cam until it tightens and locks. You will feel when it stretches. Adjust the remaining cams until the outer chain is tight.

Until recently, the general public did not think about installing chains on tires. Tire chains were left for trucks, while road tractors still use them exponentially more than cars. But with these simple steps, you can add chains to your tires.

If you have other problems with your vehicle or if you have any questions about installing snow chains, feel free to call a mechanic today.