Installing tire chains can really be an intimidating experience for many motorists. Here are some simple directions to make the job much easier.
Directions
Step 1:
First, it should be determined whether the car is rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. Tire chains have to be always installed on the driving wheels.
Step 2:
For troubleshooting, the owner manual can be consulted for any reference related to “class S” or limited clearance for tire chains. If the tires need some clearance product then the service manual can be consulted for more guidance as traditional chains are not meant for your car.
Step 3:
Pull over to the road completely away from the traffic.
Step 4:
Before going under the car, set the emergency brake and turn off the engine. The passengers can stay in the car or can wait away from the traffic at a safe place.
Step 5:
The next step is to lay chains flat on the ground to make the each side parallel. Make sure that the links have no twists.
Step 6:
Wrap the chains over each back tire and the speed hook or ‘J hook’ fastener has to be kept inside. A lever fastener with a ‘keeper’ link is on the other side of the chains.
Step 7:
The smooth side of the cross member end hooks should be lying against the tires. These parts will be recognized when the chains are seen.
Step 8:
Behind every tire, the speed hooks have to be fastened by inserting ‘J’ hooks through the third link from the chain’s other end. The slack has to be pulled towards the outside edge of the tire.
Step 9:
Now move the car several feet forward and pull the rest of the slack towards yourself. The lever fasteners has to be inserted through the third links from the opposite ends of the outside chains, the levers have to be pivoted back on themselves and then they have to be fastened under the keeper links.
Step 10:
Drive several feet forward, and then pull all slack out of the chains. Now they have to be refastened as tight as possible. Make sure that there are same numbers of loose links on every side of the chains.
Step 11:
The extra links have to be secured with zip ties or they can be removed with bolt cutters.
Step 12:
To increase the life of the chains, rubber lighteners can be added.
Tips & Precautions
- For protecting your clothes and body from grime and dirt, use a plastic tarp or waterproof canvas. Installing a tire chain is normally not a clean work.
- Tire chains are not very necessary for SUVs and 4×4 vehicles except where the law requires in some places. The traffic rules should be checked to be aware of exceptions for unusual harsh conditions.
- Maximum speed limit suggested in the instructions or on the tire chain box should not be exceeded.