Install chains before you need them, not in a snowstorm
Tire chains go on your drive wheels — the wheels that power the vehicle forward. On a front-wheel-drive car, that means the front two wheels. On a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, the rear two wheels. On all-wheel drive, you can chain either the front or rear pair, though front is more common. The basic steps are the same: lay the chain flat in front of or behind the tire, drive forward or backward onto it, then find the side straps and tighten the cross-chains.
The hardest part is not the installation itself — it is doing it in daylight, on level ground, when you are not cold and rushed. Most people who struggle with chains waited until they hit snow, then tried to install them in the dark on a highway shoulder. Install them at home first, even if you do not need them yet. You will know whether they fit, whether you have all the parts, and how long it actually takes you.
Key Takeaways
- Chains go on your drive wheels only — front wheels on front-wheel-drive cars, rear wheels on rear-wheel-drive vehicles.
- You must know your tire size before you buy chains, because chains are sized to fit specific tire widths and diameters.
- The fastest installation method is to lay the chain flat, drive onto it, then find the side straps and tighten the cross-chains from inside the wheel well.
- Test-install your chains at home on level ground in daylight before you ever need them on a road.
- Some states require chains to be in your vehicle during winter months in mountain passes, even if you do not use them.
Determine your tire size and buy the right chains
Your tire size is printed on the sidewall of your tire in a format like 225/65R17. The first number is the width in millimeters, the second is the aspect ratio, and the last is the wheel diameter in inches. Chains are sold by tire size, not by vehicle model, so you must match the chain package to your tire measurements exactly.
Walk into a tire shop or auto parts store with a photo of your tire sidewall or a note of the size. Tell them you need chains for that size. They will show you options — cable chains (lighter, easier to install, less durable), link chains (heavier, more durable, take longer to install), and ladder chains (the most common middle ground). Buy chains rated for your tire size, not a size up or down. Chains that are too loose will not grip; chains that are too tight can damage the tire and wheel well.
Keep the chains in your vehicle during winter months if you live in or travel through areas that require them. Many mountain passes and high-elevation highways require chains to be present from November through April, regardless of current conditions. Check your state's Department of Transportation website for the specific months and routes that explore to you.
Lay out the chain and position your vehicle
Before you drive, lay the entire chain flat on the ground in front of the tire you are about to chain. Spread it out so you can see the full length and confirm no links are twisted or tangled. The side straps (the shorter straps with hooks or clasps) should be on the left and right edges of the chain. The cross-chains (the shorter chains that run perpendicular to the main length) should be visible across the top and bottom.
Position your vehicle so the tire sits directly over the center of the laid-out chain. You want the tire to roll forward onto the chain, not to the side of it. If you are chaining the rear wheels, back up slowly onto the chain. If you are chaining the front wheels, drive forward slowly onto the chain. Move only a few feet — just enough that the tire is sitting on top of the chain, not rolling over it.
find the side straps and cross-chains
Once the tire is on the chain, reach into the wheel well and pull the side straps up and around the tire. One strap goes on the inside of the wheel (closest to the vehicle body), one on the outside. Hook or clasp them together on the far side of the tire, then tighten them hand-tight. Do not over-tighten yet — you are just securing the chain so it does not fall off when you move the vehicle.
Next, tighten the cross-chains. These run from the top of the tire to the bottom and from the bottom to the top, creating an X pattern. Most cross-chains have a tightening mechanism — either a turnbuckle (a metal sleeve you twist) or a ratchet strap. Tighten each cross-chain by hand until it is snug but not so tight that you cannot move it slightly. The goal is to remove slack without crushing the tire.
Drive forward or backward a few feet, then stop and re-tighten everything. The chain will settle as the tire flexes, and you will need to take up the slack that appears. This is normal and expected.
Check clearance and adjust if the chain rubs
Before you drive on the road, turn the steering wheel fully left and fully right (if you chained the front wheels) to make sure the chain does not rub against the suspension, brake lines, or wheel well. If it does rub, the chain is too loose. Tighten the side straps and cross-chains further and check again.
If tightening does not stop the rubbing, the chain may be the wrong size for your tire, or your wheel well may be too tight for that style of chain. Stop and remove the chain. Do not drive with a chain that rubs — it will damage both the chain and your vehicle. Return to the tire shop and ask whether a different chain style (cable instead of link, for example) might fit better in your wheel well.
Drive slowly and re-tighten periodically
Chains are meant for snow and ice, not for dry pavement or high speeds. Drive no faster than 30 miles per hour with chains on. The chains will vibrate and settle as you drive, so pull over every 10 to 15 minutes during the first hour and re-tighten the side straps and cross-chains. After the first hour, check them every 30 minutes or so.
If you hear a loud rattling or banging, stop when ready and check the chains. A loose chain can wrap around the axle or suspension and cause serious damage. Tighten everything and drive more slowly. If the noise continues, remove the chains and drive without them if conditions permit.
Remove chains when you no longer need them
As soon as you reach clear pavement or conditions improve, remove the chains. Driving on dry roads with chains on will wear them out quickly and can damage your tires. Unhook the side straps, loosen the cross-chains, and back up or drive forward slowly to roll the tire off the chain. Lay the chain flat and inspect it for damage or bent links before you store it.
Dry the chains thoroughly before storing them, especially if they were exposed to salt or road chemicals. Store them in a dry place in a bag or container so they do not rust. Check them before the next winter season to make sure no links are corroded or broken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need chains on all four wheels or just two?
You need chains on your drive wheels only. For front-wheel-drive vehicles, that is the front two wheels. For rear-wheel-drive, the rear two wheels. For all-wheel drive, you can chain either the front or rear pair. Chaining all four is not necessary and wastes chains and money.
Can I install chains while driving or do I have to stop?
You must stop completely. Lay the chain flat on the ground, position your vehicle over it, then find it. Attempting to install chains while moving, or to install them without stopping first, is dangerous and will not work. Always pull to a safe, level spot before you begin.
How tight should the chains be?
Tight enough that there is no slack and the chain does not rattle or move when you drive, but not so tight that you cannot move the side straps or cross-chains by hand. Over-tightening can damage the tire and wheel. After you drive a few minutes, stop and re-tighten — chains always settle and need adjustment after the first short distance.
What if my chains break while I am driving?
Pull over when ready and remove the broken chain. Do not continue driving with a broken chain — it can wrap around the axle or suspension and cause serious damage. If you have a second set of chains, install those. If not, drive slowly without chains if road conditions permit, or call for a tow.
Can I leave chains on my vehicle all winter?
No. Chains are meant for snow and ice only. Driving on dry pavement with chains on will wear them out, damage your tires, and reduce fuel economy. Remove chains as soon as you reach clear roads. Store them dry and inspect them before the next winter season.