Cable tire chains help drivers maintain vehicle control during snowy and icy conditions. Their use is often required to drive on steep mountain passes during inclement weather, and they are commonly used in the lowlands following periods of heavy snow or ice. Installing cable chains for the first time can be difficult, and the process is often unpleasant because of the weather conditions involved. Still, the safety benefits afforded by cable tire chains are considerable and make the process well worth learning.
Turn off your engine and set your parking brake.
Put on appropriate clothing. Installing tire chains is typically a wet, dirty job. Wear heavy, waterproof shoes and pants, along with a warm and waterproof coat. Use gloves thick enough to keep your hands warm, but thin enough to allow easy gripping of the chains.
Locate your drive wheels. Cable tire chains must be mounted on the wheels that transfer power from your car to the ground to function. Most non-high-performance cars have their drive wheels in the front, while most trucks their have drive wheels in the rear. Check your vehicle's owners manual if unsure.
Unroll the cables onto a flat surface. Check the cables and ensure that all components remain connected and rust-free.
Arrange the cables loosely. Lay the cables over the top of the tire, centering them over the tire tread. Make sure the raised ends of the cross member hooks face toward you, away from the tire tread. (Hooks facing a tire's tread or sidewall can cause punctures.) Tuck the bottom-most cross member under the front side of the tire, then start your car and move it forward roughly one foot, drawing the chain underneath the tire. Turn off your engine and re-engage the parking brake when finished.
Attach the cable on the inner side of the tire. Pull the ends of the side cables upward to meet the keyhole latch. Thread the cable knobs through keyhole latch, making sure to periodically tighten the side cable to remove any slack. Excess cable should be secured to the clips of the side cable.
Attach the cable on the outer side of the tire. Again pull the ends of the side cables toward and then through the keyhole latch, tightening the side cable as necessary to remove slack. Check the cross members to ensure they remain centered on the tire tread.
Re-tighten the chains. Start your car, release the parking brake, and drive about a quarter of a mile. Stop, set the brake, then check the chains and re-tighten them to remove any slack missed in the previous two steps.
