As part of preparation before winter hits, you need to know your tire size when purchasing a set of chains. Sizing information is on the tire's sidewall, and is usually the first grouping of letters and numbers to the right of the brand. The grouping may begin with a "P" if you are driving a car or "LT" if you are driving a pickup. If it is a European car or tire, there may be no letter, but in all cases, the numbers also include a slash (/) mark to separate the dimension details. This information may be the first thing a sales representative asks for when placing your order.
It may be best to have a mechanic hook up your set so that you can reduce the risk of breakage or a mistake in putting them on. However, you may be confronted with putting them on yourself when driving into snowy conditions, or local law enforcement requires you to do so on a specific mountain pass or highway in a snowstorm. In times that you may encounter such conditions, pack a shovel in the trunk so that you can dig around your tires if necessary during the installation process.
There are two ways you can apply a set to your car. One way is to drape the set around each wheel and then connect each one at the bottom of the tire. This type of installation may require having a shovel handy, particularly when stuck in deep snowdrifts. To take up the slack on the set, use a tensioner or adjuster to hook up and pull the set tight for a good fit. Another installation technique is to spread the chains out behind the tires and to drive in reverse over them, and then hook at the top of the tires and apply the tensioners. This strategy works best when you are off to the side of the road and there is some clear pavement from which to work.
Do not think that once you have emergency treads that you can drive fast. Chain manufacturers generally recommend that the vehicles using these sets do not go above 30 mph. Driving any faster runs a risk of breakage and damage to the tire or the vehicle. Going slow also gives you the benefit of more control in slick conditions. Also, check your auto manufacturer's guide as to whether two sets or just one set is advised for your particular vehicle. Some manufacturers strictly limit application to a front set only. Other automakers allow for two sets, and this can help in adding braking power to the rear wheels.
Since you have to drive so slow with the chains on, you should remove the sets as soon as possible when it is safe to do so. Some cities prohibit the times allowed for driving with chains as they can damage road pavement. Check local laws if you plan to travel to towns where you are unfamiliar with what the local code is for this issue. Removal of sets takes just a few minutes, as opposed to installation, which can take more time to get the perfect fit.
When it is time to use chains on tires in the snow, be careful that you respect the weather conditions. It is important to not take driving risks with these types of treads. Safe winter driving begins with knowing your vehicle's limits to get to your destination safely.
