DIY Network

Selecting and Installing Tire Chains From "Auto Primer" episode DAPR-106

	A recent improvement in tire chains is the addition of tensioners that tighten the chains against the treads and help prevent excess vibration.
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DIY's Auto Primer is an introductory course on the basics of keeping your car safe and trouble-free. In this special winter edition, host Leilani Munter takes on winter driving. From how to select and install tire chains to prepping your engine for winter adventures, Auto Primer gives viewers the knowledge to handle old man winter, plus tips on stocking your car for cold-weather survival. In this segment Leilani Munter describes the variety of tire-chains available and how to install them on a vehicle.

Materials featured in this segment:

Ladder-style tire chains
Diamond-pattern tire chains
Ladder-style cable tire chains
"Z" pattern cable tire chains

Winter Driving Tip: Driving in snow and ice requires alert senses and patience. For safety, increase your following distance when driving in the snow and slow down. If you should start to slide, take your foot off the brake and steer in the direction of the slide.

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Figure A

Tire Chain Basics

Tire chains can help enhance your traction when driving in snow. There are several styles available. The traditional ladder-design (figure A, left) has been around for years and works well, but there have been some improvements made in recent years. The diamond design (figure A, right) covers a larger surface area of the tire and uses smaller, lighter links, so they'll cause less vibration when driving.

An improvement in recent designs is the addition of a rubber tensioner (figure B) that serves to pull the chains more tightly and securely on the tire. Another improvement is the use of aircraft cable (figure C) rather than chains. This design follows the traditional ladder design, but is much lighter than chains. These are particularly well-suited for low-profile and sports vehicles.

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

The "Z" design (figure D) also uses the lightweight cable which zig-zags across the tread of the tire to cover more surface area and offers even better traction since a portion of the cable remains in contact with the road regardless of where the tire is in its rotation. This design is particularly good for vehicles with ABS braking systems or any kind of traction control.

Figure E

Installing Tire Chains

There may be variations in tire-chain installation procedure depending on the style or brand you choose, so read and follow the instructions and safety precautions that come with yours. Here are the basic steps for installing tire chains as shown in our demonstration.

• Pull a safe distance off the road and onto a flat surface.

• Set the emergency brake.

• Determine if your car is front wheel drive or rear wheel drive.

• Lay chains flat on the ground, parallel to each other. Make sure there are no twists or kinks.

• Drape the chains over each tire (figure E) making sure the "J" hook or speed hook is on the inside.
  

• Make sure the smooth side of the cross member end hooks are lying against the tires.

• Reach behind the tire and fasten the speed hooks by inserting end of the cable into the metal fastener (figure F). An adjuster near the end of the cable can be used to tighten the cables for a smaller tire.

• On the front of the tire, fasten the "J" hooks through fastener at the end of the chain (figure G).

  Figure F

  Figure G

  
  

• Pull the slack toward the outside edge of the tire.

• Pull forward several feet and pull the rest of the slack towards you.

• Insert the lever fasteners through the third links from the opposite ends of the outside chains and pivot the levers back on themselves.

• Fasten them under the keeper links.

• Secure the extra links with zip ties or remove them with bolt cutters.
  

  Figure H

• Add rubber tensioners (figure H) to lengthen the life of the chains.

• Remember to keep the chains snug throughout operation and apply rubber adjusters only after the chains have been tightened.

• If you can slip your hand between the tire and the chain, under a cross chain or a side chain, then the chains are too loose.

• If cross chains or side chains are loose fitting, open the outer bow lever and move the inner "C" hook to the next tighter link, move the bow lever to the next tighter link. Re-close the bow lever and recheck the tightness.

• After installing tire chains, drive approximately 1/4 mile, stop and re-tighten if necessary.
  

1. Don't touch the cold chains with your bare hands. Wear protective gloves when working with tire chains in the cold.

2. When chains are installed on your vehicle, limit driving speed to 30 mph.

3. Try to avoid spinning your wheels excessively when chains are installed.

4. Use chains only in snow or icy conditions. Remove them when driving on pavement without snow or ice.

5. Be prepared. Practice chain installation in advance so the job will be quicker and easier you have to install them under adverse weather conditions.

In the article that follows, Leilani discusses some basic things that you can do to prepare your vehicle for winter.

Note: This is a summary of steps and tips shown in this episode of Auto Primer. These are general guidelines and applicable to most contemporary vehicles. There may be variations in procedures depending on vehicle manufacturer, model, age or condition of vehicle and in the applicable parts, products or kit. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or product that you select. Also, familiarize yourself with your owner's manual before doing any work on your vehicle.

RESOURCES :

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books

Tires, Suspension and Handling
ISBN: 1560918314
Author: John C. Dixon
(Society of Automotive Engineers

Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896