The first number tells you the tire width; the second numbers tells you the tire height ratio (the ratio of the sidewall height to the width); and the third number tells you the diameter of the wheel, usually denoted in inches. [1] X Research source The chain packaging will indicate which size tires they fit. [2] X Research source If you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask a store employee for help.
You may opt to put chains on all four tires of a front or rear-wheel drive vehicle for added safety and control during extreme weather conditions. [4] X Research source
Tuck the chains between the bottom of the tire and the ground to hold them in place when you drive forward. Some types of snow chains will have rings fastened to the chains. These rings go along the inside of the wheel and should rest on the bottom of the tire, near the ground, during installation. [5] X Research source This type of chain will require you to get under your car in order to install them, and may require a little adjusting to make sure they are on straight.
If you are installing the chains on the left tires, turn your steering wheel to the right to point the tire inwards. If you are installing the chains on the right tires, turn your steering wheel to the left to point the tire inwards. Put the car in “park” and engage the parking brake once more.
Traditional chains can be tightened with a link-tightening tool, but try not to use these tools on link unit chains. A bungee cord with hook fasteners is a common way to make chains fit even tighter over your tires, especially if the chains don’t have built-in tightening cams. These can usually be bought anywhere where snow chains are sold. [9] X Research source
Once you’ve had a bit of experience putting on snow chains, you can start installing chains on your front or rear tires simultaneously. This will drastically speed up the process.
If the tire is resting on top of the connections, you will need to pull forward a little bit until you can fully access them. [13] X Research source If you attached additional bungee cords during the chain installation, you will need to remove those before you begin removing your snow chains. [14] X Research source
Allow the chains to dry before putting them back in their packaging so they don’t rust. Take care not to twist or tangle the chains so that they will be easy to install the next time they are needed. [16] X Research source
