When winter weather hits with snow and ice, snow chains can be an indispensable aid for maintaining control and ensuring mobility in extreme conditions. It is important to know how to mount snow chains correctly so you avoid damage to the car and achieve optimal safety.
Here is a step-by-step guide to mounting snow chains on the car.
What you need:
- Snow chains that fit your tire sizes.
- Gloves to protect your hands from the cold and metal parts.
- A stable flat surface for installation (make sure you stand safely and away from traffic).
Step-by-Step Guide to Mounting Snow Chains
Step 1: Preparing the snow chains
- Start by making sure you have the correct snow chains for your tire sizes. Always check the manual for the snow chains to confirm that they fit your car.
- Take the snow chains out of their storage bag and lay them flat on the ground. Make sure they are not tangled and that all chain links are intact.
- Make sure the car is parked safely, and that the parking brake is engaged.
Step 2: Positioning the snow chains
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from the cold and from injuries caused by the chains.
- Place the chain behind the first tire to be fitted with chains. If you have a front-wheel-drive car, the snow chains should be mounted on the front wheels, and if the car is rear-wheel drive, they should be mounted on the rear wheels. If you have all-wheel drive, the chains should be mounted on all four wheels.
- Pull the chain around the tire and make sure the lying sections of the chain are distributed evenly on both sides of the tire.
Step 3: Securing the snow chains
- Begin by joining the chain at the top of the tire. Follow the chain instructions, as some systems use hooks or clips that must be attached at the top of the wheel.
- Pull the chains tightly around the tire, and make sure the central chain links sit symmetrically across the tire tread.
- Fasten the chain tensioning mechanisms, which may be an elastic cord, hooks, or tension brackets. Tighten the chains so they fit securely, but not so tightly that they damage the tire.
Step 4: Roll the car forward
- When the snow chains are mounted on both tires (or all four, if necessary), roll the car forward one or two meters. This gives you access to the part of the tire that has been in contact with the ground.
- After rolling forward, tighten the chains again if needed to ensure they fit correctly all the way around the tire.
Step 5: Check and adjust the chains
- Walk around the car and check all chains to make sure they are secure and evenly fitted on the tires. The chains should be tightened sufficiently to sit close to the tire, but not so tight that they can damage the tire.
- If your snow chains have tensioners or elastic straps that hold the chains in place, make sure to use them correctly.
Tips for Using Snow Chains:
- Drive slowly: Once you have mounted the snow chains, you should avoid driving faster than 50 km/h. Higher speeds can cause the chains to damage the tires or the car.
- Check the chains regularly: Stop regularly and check that the chains are still fitted correctly and tight enough. The chains can loosen while you drive.
- Avoid asphalt: Remove the snow chains as soon as you reach areas without snow or ice, as driving on asphalt with snow chains can damage both the chains and your tires.
How to Remove the Snow Chains
When you no longer need the snow chains, follow these steps to remove them correctly:
- Park the car safely and engage the parking brake.
- Loosen the chains by releasing the tensioning mechanisms.
- Roll the car forward slightly so you can loosen the rest of the chain that was in contact with the ground.
- Remove the chains from the tires, and make sure they are free of snow and ice before packing them away and storing them again.
Important Safety Precautions
- Practice mounting snow chains: It is a good idea to practice mounting the snow chains at home in dry weather so you are familiar with the process before you find yourself in an emergency on the road.
- Ensure visibility: If you mount snow chains on the road, you should wear a reflective vest and use a warning triangle to alert other road users.
- Check tires and chains before departure: Make sure your tires are in good condition and that the chains fit correctly before driving out in winter weather.
With this guide, you should be ready to mount snow chains quickly and safely so you can drive safely in snow and ice.