PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
How do I put chains on car tires?
Is it hard to put tire chains on? My sister and I want to go cross-country skiing in the mountains. As a safety measure, I want to put chains on my tires, but I don’t know how.
Phoebe Mah · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
That sounds like a fun activity to do with your sister! Putting chains on your car tires is a helpful way to get your car ready for winter.
- Purchase the right chains for your car tires. You can check your owner’s manual for the size of your tires so you know what size chains to purchase.
- Figure out which tires need the tire chains. If you have a front-wheel-drive vehicle, you will need to put the chains on the two front tires. If you have a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, you will put the chains on the two rear tires. Check your owner’s manual if you have all-wheel drive.
- Park your vehicle on flat ground. Make sure the wheels are straight. Turn off the car.
- Working one tire at a time, drape the chain over the tire. Make sure the chain is centered on the top of the tire and the diamond shape of the chains is spread out across the tire.
- The chains will have hooks or clamps to attach them to your car. Make sure the hooks or clamps are on the outside of the tire (facing you) when you attach them.
- Follow the instruction sheet on how to secure the clasps for your type of tire chains.
- You may need to start your car and move the vehicle forward a few feet to readjust and tighten the chains.
- When the chains are locked into place, drive the vehicle for roughly five to 10 minutes to test the chains. During the testing phase, remember to make left and right turns to ensure the chains are properly secured. The chains may loosen up during the drive, so you may need to tighten the clasps again.
Remember that driving with snow chains has special requirements. Avoid locking your tires by braking suddenly. Never drive over 25 mph, and avoid driving on pavement if at all possible.
While tire chains can offer traction when driving on icy roads, snowy or cold conditions can still lead to unexpected accidents. For added peace of mind, consider getting a roadside assistance membership.
Jerry
offers customers a modern roadside assistance membership. Along with traditional benefits, you get Uber-like tracking for the status of your service and the ability to contact your service provider directly for as low as $4.16 a month.View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies