Tire snow chains: how to install
Chains are necessary for safe driving on snowy or icy roads. Know the different types, the price and how they are placed. Look here for additional insights: best snow tire chains
If you carry the chains in the luggage compartment, we explain how to place them.If you don't already have them, we help you choose from the various options available.
Classic metal chain
Attached to a flexible cable, the classic metal chain overlaps the tire tread, drawing parallel lines, zigzags and rhombuses.
At the pavement level, run the flexible cable behind the tire and connect the ends to form a ring.
Check that the flexible cable remains behind the tire.It is necessary that the rim created by the cable is well centered on the wheel, behind it, so as not to run the risk of the wheel stepping on it in progress.
Cover the tire with the chain mesh in an orderly fashion, loosening it on the outside.
Join the ends together to close the mesh and tighten the assembly.Pass the ends of the chain through the rings, respect the paths and fittings mentioned in the instructions and make the set very tense.
The tighter the chains, the greater the grip.If you have self-locking tensioners, you do not need to stop the car several times to secure them.Otherwise, check the chain tension regularly throughout the journey.
If you carry the chains in the luggage compartment, we explain how to place them.If you don't already have them, we help you choose from the various options available.
Classic metal chain
Attached to a flexible cable, the classic metal chain overlaps the tire tread, drawing parallel lines, zigzags and rhombuses.
At the pavement level, run the flexible cable behind the tire and connect the ends to form a ring.
Check that the flexible cable remains behind the tire.It is necessary that the rim created by the cable is well centered on the wheel, behind it, so as not to run the risk of the wheel stepping on it in progress.
Cover the tire with the chain mesh in an orderly fashion, loosening it on the outside.
Join the ends together to close the mesh and tighten the assembly.Pass the ends of the chain through the rings, respect the paths and fittings mentioned in the instructions and make the set very tense.
The tighter the chains, the greater the grip.If you have self-locking tensioners, you do not need to stop the car several times to secure them.Otherwise, check the chain tension regularly throughout the journey.
Textile chain
Made of special fabric (canvas) with non-slip properties.Wrap the part that is not in contact with the tread (top) of the tire, move the car a little further and cover the wheel completely.The installation of the textile chain is very simple, but the adhesion is less and the duration of the fabric is limited.
There are other more expensive systems, useful for those who live in cold areas, such as blade chains, which attach to the rim, or winter tires, to install during the months of greatest risk.
Tips for installation
Use chains suitable for the size of the tires and always place them on the drive wheels, which are almost always in front.
Bring a rug, gloves for the cold, to protect your hands, and a flashlight if you need to install the chains at night.
Try to mount the chains during the day, with favorable weather, to avoid any difficulties in the operation when the weather conditions are adverse.
The car's behavior changes when using chains, for example, the braking distance is greater.Drive smoothly and do not exceed 50 kilometers per hour.
Made of special fabric (canvas) with non-slip properties.Wrap the part that is not in contact with the tread (top) of the tire, move the car a little further and cover the wheel completely.The installation of the textile chain is very simple, but the adhesion is less and the duration of the fabric is limited.
There are other more expensive systems, useful for those who live in cold areas, such as blade chains, which attach to the rim, or winter tires, to install during the months of greatest risk.
Tips for installation
Use chains suitable for the size of the tires and always place them on the drive wheels, which are almost always in front.
Bring a rug, gloves for the cold, to protect your hands, and a flashlight if you need to install the chains at night.
Try to mount the chains during the day, with favorable weather, to avoid any difficulties in the operation when the weather conditions are adverse.
The car's behavior changes when using chains, for example, the braking distance is greater.Drive smoothly and do not exceed 50 kilometers per hour.