How to properly put chains on the wheels of a car: instructions with photos and videos

Winter trips on snowy roads or mountain serpentines require not only driving experience, but also proper preparation of the car. One of the key safety elements in such conditions is snow chains. They increase wheel grip on the road by 2-3 times, preventing slipping and skidding. However, improper installation can result in tire damage, suspension damage, or even an accident.

This article will help you figure out how to choose chains for your car, put them on without errors and avoid common problems. We will cover all stages - from preparing tools to checking tension after installation. And for those who have never used chains, we will give step by step photos and video instructions with explanations.

Which snow chains are suitable for a passenger car?

Not all chains are universal. Their choice depends on wheel size, drive type and operating conditions. Main types:

• 🔗 Ladder chains — a classic version with transverse “steps”. Suitable for deep snow and ice, but may create vibration on asphalt.
• 🌀 Diamond-shaped (mesh) - softer, with less noise. Optimal for mixed surfaces (snow + asphalt).
• 🔄 Automatic (quick release) — installed without jacking, but cost 2-3 times more.

Check before purchasing labeling on the packaging - it must correspond the size of your tires (for example, 205/55 R16). If the chains are too loose, they will hit the arches; if they are narrow, they will break when moving. For accuracy use compatibility tables from the manufacturer (for example, Konig, Thule or Rud).

Please note link material:

• 🔩 Steel - the most durable, but heaviest (weight from 8 kg per set). Suitable for SUVs and frequent trips in the snow.
• 🧊 Aluminum - 30-40% lighter, but less wear-resistant. Optimal for infrequent use.
• 🔗 Plastic - cheap, but suitable only for short-term driving on packed snow (for example, chain bracelets).

Preparing for installation: what needs to be done before installation

Installing chains on the side of a snowy road is the worst option. It is better to practice in advance in a garage or parking lot. Here's what you need to prepare:

Clear wheels and arches of snow/ice

Check the integrity of the chains (there are no broken links)

Place the chains on a flat surface (not on snow!)

Prepare gloves, a flashlight and a jack (if needed)

Make sure there is a first aid kit and warning triangles nearby-->

If the chains are new, be sure to check them for manufacturing defects: unfold and inspect each link for cracks or weak solder joints. Defective chains can break when driving and damage brake hoses or CV boots.

Important to consider weather conditions:

• ❄️ At temperatures below -15°C Plastic chains become brittle and should not be used.
• 🌡️ If the snow is wet (about 0°C), steel chains will rust faster - they need to be dried after the trip.

Step-by-step instructions: how to put chains on wheels

Let's look at the installation using an example stair chains (the most common type). The whole process will take 10-15 minutes per wheel, if you follow the algorithm:

1. Lay out the chains on the ground so that the locks are on top. Make sure there are no twists.
2. Place the chain on the wheel, starting from the inside. The lock must be on the outside of the tire.
3. Connect the ends and engage the main lock. Do not tighten the chain too much - after movement it will sit down on its own.
4. Lock the tensioner (usually a hook or strap). It prevents sagging.
5. Drive 10-20 meters and check the tension. If necessary, tighten the chains.

For diamond chains the process is similar, but instead of locks they are often used plastic latches. They need to be fixed especially carefully - with strong tension they break.

What to do if the chain is stuck between the wheel and the arch?

If the chain slips and gets stuck, DO NOT try to pull it out by hand while driving. Stop, jack up the car and carefully remove the chain using pliers. Check if the brake line or CV boot is damaged.

Circuit type	Installation time (1 wheel)	Difficulty	Do I need to jack it up?
Stairs	10-15 min	Average	No
Diamond-shaped	8-12 min	Low	No
Automatic	3-5 min	Minimum	No
Chain bracelets	2-3 min	Minimum	Yes (for stretching)

If you have four-wheel drive, the chains must be installed on all four wheels. For front-wheel drive and rear wheel drive For a car, two chains on the drive axle are enough. But remember: without chains on the second axle, the car may skid when braking.

Common installation mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced drivers sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns. Here are the most common:

⚠️ Attention! If the chain is installed crookedly and hits the fender liner, this can lead to brake hose rupture. Check the symmetry of the installation after the first 50 meters of movement.

• 🔧 Too much tension — the chain should sag by 1-2 cm. Otherwise, it will break when moving.
• 🚗 Installation on worn tires - if the tread is smaller 4 mm, the chains will slip.
• ❄️ Use on clean asphalt - this accelerates the wear of chains and tires by 5-7 times.
• 🔄 Untested tensioner - if it is weak, the chain will slip at the first turn.

Another common problem is disc incompatibility. On alloy wheels with protruding bolts, the chains may catch on the fasteners. In this case, you need chains with protective rings (for example, Konig XG-12 Pro).

How to ride with chains: speed, braking, turns

Chains change how a car behaves on the road. Here are the key rules:

• 🚦 Maximum speed - no more 50 km/h. It's better to stay on ice 30-40 km/h.
• 🛑 Braking distance increases by 20-30%. Start braking early, without sudden movements.
• 🔄 Turns do it smoothly - the chains can “cut” the trajectory due to increased grip.
• 🚗 Distance to vehicle in front should be 2 times more than usual.

On automatic transmission avoid the regime Sport or Manual - it increases the load on the transmission. On mechanics try to drive in a higher gear to reduce slipping.

⚠️ Attention! When driving with chains turn off the ESP system (if there is one). Otherwise, the electronics will operate falsely due to uneven wheel traction.

If the chains begin to rattle or vibrate, this is a sign:

• Loosening the tension (needs to be tightened).
• Snow gets between the chain and the tire (needs to be cleared).
• Broken links (need to be removed and inspected).

How to remove and store chains after use

You need to remove the chains immediately after driving onto clean asphalt. Continued driving on them will damage both the tires and the chains themselves. Algorithm:

1. Stop on a flat surface, turn on emergency light.
2. Loosen the tensioner and locks.
3. Remove the chain from the wheel, starting from the outside.
4. Rinse the chains with warm water (no detergents!) and dry.

For storage use sealed case or plastic bag. If the chains are steel, treat them before installation WD-40 or other anti-corrosion compound. Store in a dry place - moisture causes rust within 2-3 weeks.

Chain life:

• 🔩 Steel - 5-7 seasons with proper care.
• 🧊 Aluminum - 3-4 seasons.
• 🔗 Plastic - 1-2 seasons (only for rare use).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about snow chains

Is it possible to install chains only on the front wheels if the car is front-wheel drive?

Technically yes, but it's dangerous. Without chains on the rear axle, the car will "yaw" when braking, especially on descents. It is optimal to place chains on at least one axle, but better on both.

What to do if the chain breaks while driving?

Stop immediately, turn on your hazard lights and inspect for damage. If 1-2 links are broken, you can temporarily connect them with wire (only for getting to the nearest service station!). If the chain is completely broken, remove it so that the debris does not damage the suspension.

Can chains be used on summer tires?

No! Summer tires are not designed for low temperatures - they “sore” and lose grip. Chains on such tires will not help, but will only speed up their wear. Use chains only with winter tires (velcro or spikes).

How can I check if the chains fit my wheels?

Check the compatibility chart on the packaging. Can also be measured tire section width and disc diameter, then compare with the circuit parameters. For example, for a tire 205/55 R16 chains with markings are suitable 165-225/65-75/R16.

Do I need to balance the wheels after installing the chains?

No, balancing is not required. The chains are installed temporarily and do not affect wheel alignment. However, after removing the chains, check to see if the discs are bent (especially if you drove over bumps).