how to install snow chain

Snow chains can be a tough nut to crack. People make a lot of mistakes during the process of buying as well as installing snow chains which eventually cost them a lot of money and time. A comprehensive guide was the need of the hour and here's Tyreplex coming to your rescue once again. Continue reading for a step by step explanation of everything you need to know about buying and installing snow chains:

Buying the snow chains

Identify the drive of the vehicle and the tyre size - Snow chains need to be installed only on the wheels that drive a vehicle i.e. the wheels to which the engine throws its power. The drive of the vehicle will determine how many snow chains you need and which tyres do they need to be fitted on. Depending on the engine and transmission layout of the vehicle, the drive can either be front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel in nature.
- For a vehicle with front-wheel drive, the snow chains will be installed on the front two wheels of the vehicle.
- For a vehicle with rear-wheel drive, the snow chains will be installed on the rear two wheels of the vehicle.
- A vehicle that is all-wheel drive/4 wheel drive/4X4 will need snow chains on all the four tyres of the vehicle.
- For two-wheelers, it is recommended that you install the chains on both the tyres.

Buy a chain built for your tyre size - The chains you buy should be snug and properly fit your tyres. Chains that are larger or smaller than your tyre size will do more harm than good. While looking for chains, be sure to hunt according to your tyre size rather than the model or variant of your car. The tyre size of your vehicle can be found from the tyre sequence printed on your tyre's sidewalls. To know more about how to find your tyre size - click here.
Protect your hands with gloves - The process of installing the chains is bound to get your hands dirty and extremely cold. You might also have to remove snow from your tyres and wheel wells. Make sure you protect your hands and wear insulated gloves while installing the chains. The last thing you want spoiling your adventure is a frostbite on your hand. Waterproof gloves are preferable, as they are also likely to become wet as you work.

Also Read: Snow Tyres In A Nutshell – Advantages And Disadvantages

Installing The Snow Chains

Step 1: Untangle the chains

Snow chains can often get tangled up and you will have to untangle them first if you wish to install them on your vehicle's tyres. Make sure you untangle them before you put your gloves on to make the process more convenient.

Step 2: Pull one chain over the first wheel.

Once the chains are untangled, lay them on the ground around the tyre from back to front and then pull the chain from either side of the tyre towards the top of the tyre.

If your snow chain has handles attached then lay the handles around the tyre from back to front and then pull them together to meet at the top of the tyre. Laying the chain from back to front will make sure that all the loose ends face you and not the back of the tyre. Ensure that the chains fit snugly and properly across the entire width of the tyre even if they are just partially attached onto the tyre.

Step 3: Connect the chain keepers, hooks and draw chains

Snow chains often come with ring-like structures called keepers that help in properly securing the chain to your tyres. Use the keepers to connect the chain with your rim by following the instructions that came with the chains.
Some chains also have hooks that join to other linkages within the chain itself to help the chain wrap around the tyres.
The bottom of the chains might also include a red draw chain with a 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.
Different chain sets often utilize different methods to ensure that they wrap the entire tyre securely.
The keepers, hooks and draw chains ensure that the chains don't fall off as you move the vehicle forward while completing the installation.

Step 4: Repeat the process on the other drive wheel/wheels.

Once this process is completed for one of your tyres, install the chains on the rest of your engine-driven wheels. The next step will involve driving the car slightly forward so make sure your partially installed chains are fitted nice and proper.

Step 5: Move your vehicle a few feet forward

With the chains partially installed on each of the drive wheels, move the vehicle forward to bring up the bottom portion of the tyres that you have not been able to secure the chains to. You might need an extra set of eyes outside your car as you drive forward to help you know when to stop. If you're alone, we suggest you make extremely small forward movements and keep stopping and checking how much you more you need to move.

Step 6: Secure the remaining part of the chain.

Once the unchained portion is accessible, secure the chains like you did initially by attaching the cables and connecting the keepers, hooks and draw chains. The chains should now be secure and snug on all the tyres.

Step 7: Test the chains

Your installation is now complete and you're almost ready to start your journey. However, we suggest that before you leave, you drive for a short distance and check for any indications of your chains being loose.

The ride in your vehicle will usually be louder than normal if they are loose. If you can hear sounds coming directly from your wheels, it may well be an indication that your chains are not fitted properly. Step out immediately and inspect the snow chains for any slack or loose ends.

Image Credits: theunion.com, ski.com.au, hommeles.com