How To Put On Chains

Tire chains are often essential for drivers in snowy, icy and mountainous areas, but putting them on can be tricky if you don't know what you're doing.

1. The first thing you need to do is make sure the chains you buy fit your tires. The packaging usually tells you what size tire the chain is for. If there is any doubt, ask an employee at the store. For front wheel drive, the chains should go on the front two tires. For rear wheel drive, they go on the rear wheels, and for some trucks or conditions, you need chains on every wheel.

2. Pick an open stretch of road to put the chains on. With the parking brake engaged and the car in gear, put the chains on the 3/4 of tire that is not touching the road.

3. Drive a few feet forward, just enough to expose the part of the tire that was on the road. With the parking break engaged and the car in gear, put on the rest of the chain.

4. Next you need to tighten the chains using a closer link.

5. Once that's done, you should drive for 50 to 100 feet and get out and retighten the chains. Some chains have rings that fit on the inside of the tire to guide the chains into place. With these chains, make sure the open connection is on the bottom of the wheel. Connect the bottom ring after you place the chain on and it's going around the inside of the tire. For this you'll probably need to get right under the car.

6. To remove the chains, disconnect the inside rings or chains. Then lay the chains on the ground so that they are not in the path of the wheels. Then drive a few feet forward. When you put the chains back in their package, make sure they are not wet or tangled.

That's all there is to it. Happy driving!