A major factor in road accidents is a failure to prepare for poor driving conditions. Though it seems unnecessary now, it never hurts to know how to put on tire chains. Not even owners of four-wheel drive vehicles take tire chains for granted as they could make the difference between life and death when it comes to driving on icy, snowy mountain roads or highways.
The first thing you will need is tire chains of the correct size. Resist the temptation to just grab any set off the shelf. Always refer to the size guide or advice of an auto supply shop employee. Chains should fit well in order to prevent damage to your car as well as not having detrimental effects on your driving.
Take note, also, of the strength of each link in the chain and the thickness and build of the entire chain. Links should be durable to withstand stressful road conditions as well as the weight of the vehicle, while a chain should not be too heavy so as to weigh the vehicle down. As with toddler toys, ensure there are no sharp edges that may puncture your tires.
Now that you have the chains, you should practice fitting them correctly on your tires. This means learning how to put on tire chains BEFORE you go out driving in the mountains and get caught in a blizzard. You can practice the dry run until you feel reasonably confident of putting on tire chains quickly.
Preferably working on a flat surface, such as a roadside or parking space, park your vehicle, remembering to engage the parking brake. You can leave the vehicle in gear but this is not advisable. Take note that chains are put on the front wheels of a front-wheel drive vehicle and vice versa. Drape one chain evenly over a tire, fitting it as securely as you can. Repeat with the second tire and chain.
Drive your vehicle just far enough to expose the part of the tires that don’t have the chain fitted on yet, about a foot. Do not drive too far forward, or else the unfastened chains may fall off! Engage the parking brake, exit the vehicle and fit the remaining section of the chains onto the tires before tightening them with the closer link provided. The final part of this exercise sees you driving the vehicle about another 100 feet, exiting the vehicle and tightening the chains further to ensure a snug fit.
Driving with chains on in dry conditions will result in a bumpy ride, so don’t be alarmed. Don’t try to speed either as the purpose of having chains is to ensure a safer, not faster ride.
