TIRE CHAINS FOR CARS, TRUCKS & SUVS

Tire chains and other traction devices should be used only when driving in heavy snow and ice. Especially when those snow-covered roads are steep and winding. The use of tire chains can also be legally mandated for traveling on specific roads or highways during storms. See your state’s real-time road conditions and chain requirements.

When using snow chains or tire socks, do not exceed speeds of 25 miles per hour to avoid damaging your chains. Additionally, never drive on bare pavement. This is especially important with tire socks, as they can be quickly ruined when used on anything other than snow. To know when to remove your chains or tire socks, simply look for patches of bare pavement on the road ahead. Those bare spots can often indicate that you’ve reached the end of the storm or at least an end to the need for chains. Pull over to a safe location and remove the chains or tire socks in the opposite way they were installed. Once you’re home, lay your chains and tire socks out in a garage or other dry location and let them dry. If you pack them wet, the chains may rust, or the tire socks can get moldy and musty.

Determining the right chains or traction devices for your vehicle starts by checking the overall clearance between the top of your tire and the inside of the wheel well. Vehicles with low clearance may require snow socks or cables. See your vehicle owner’s manual for specifics.

When winter driving conditions worsen to the point that your traction tires are not providing enough grip, it is time to install your traction devices. Additionally, the region where you are driving may require traction devices. See your state’s real-time road conditions and chain requirements. Here’s how to install tire socks and quick-fit chains from Les Schwab.

With quick-fit chains from Les Schwab, you’ll be ready for winter driving. These chains are easy to install with our step-by-step guide found in every package of quick-fit chains. Looking for installation instructions for tire socks? Check out this how-to video.

1. Place chains onto your tire and connect the cable
2. Connect the red hook
3. Check the diamond shape
4. Connect the red chain along the bottom
5. Using the bungee end of the red chain, pull it through one or both of the red loops and secure it to a gold-side chain opposite the red loops
6. Repeat for the second tire

No. Adding chains to all four tires is not necessary. If your vehicle is front-wheel drive, the chains go on the front. If it’s rear-wheel drive, chains go on the back. If it’s all-wheel drive, please check your owner’s manual. If you’re not sure, you can ask the experts at Les Schwab for help.

Most regions have special laws and restrictions around traction tires, including the use of studded tires as well as traction devices. See those laws and current weather conditions for your region.