Important Rules for Using Tire Chains
Always Pre-fit Tire Chains Before Use Is Required! Tires of a given size designation can vary in actual size
by as much as 25%- depending on the tread design and/or the manufacturer of the tire.
· Do not exceed 30 m.p.h. with tire chains installed.
Expected Chain Life
· Refer to vehicle owners manual to determine the type and
This chart shows how slow speeds and tight tire
suitability of tire chain use on the vehicle.
chain installation provide maximum life.
· Avoid prolonged use of tire chains on bare pavement.
Normal Installation:
· Do not deflate tire to install tire chains.
(Chains installed as tightly as possible by hand)
· If a cross chain should brake, STOP IMMEDIATELY, repair or
100%
30 mph
remove. Replacement chain, parts or repair kits and tools are
available from retailers to fix tire chains.
57%
40 mph
· Avoid hitting curbs with tire chains installed.
31%
50 mph
· Make certain your tire chains are properly sized for your tires.
Loose Installation:
· A proper fit is the key to performance.
(Chains loosened by one side chain
link- each side)
· Tire chains are not designed for towing vehicles or to be used for
any other purpose.
50%
30 mph
· When installing or removing tire chains, pull off highway or road in a
16%
40 mph
safe area away from traffic. Follow directions for installing tire chains.
Install tire chains as tightly as possible by hand for maximum chain life. 7%
50 mph
· Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Avoid spinning or locking of
Remember: Conditions which require tire chain use
wheels. After initial installation, drive approximately 1/4 mile, stop
are hazardous. Increased speeds increase stopping
and retighten tire chains. Observe all safety rules outlined above.
distances and decrease traction. For the safety of
Extra side chain links may be cut off or secured to side chain or
you and others, drive cautiously & within chain con-
fasteners. Keep tire chains snug to tight throughout their use.
dition speed limit at all times.
Only after retightening should rubber tighteners be installed.
S.A.E. Minimum Clearance Specifications For Tire Chains:
Note: For design purposes "D" is the maximum grown tire section width as established by the Tire & Rim Association (TRA).
The minimum clearances specified must be maintained around spring clips, spring bolts, fenders, braces, splash pans, fuel lines, brake
lines, brake controls, and wherever necessary.
Tire size must be known in order to select a tire chain of correct fit. For passenger cars, vans, and small pick-up trucks it is important to
check the owner's manual. The restricted wheel well clearances in most of today's down sized and front wheel drive vehicles may
require the use of S.A.E. Class "S" tire chains or prohibit their use, as noted in the owner's manual.
Note: 1. All tires containing an "R" designate radial tires. All chains for sizes with a letter designation such as P175/70R-14
will fit regular tires i.e., 175/70-14.
2. Most tire size designations shown do not indicate radial construction. This is done by replacing the dash with a
capital "R" in the tire size listing. Example: 10.00-20 becomes 10.00R20. Chains listed can be used on Radial or
Regular tires.
3. Snow Tires, mud & snow (M&S) tires and other oversized tires may require a larger size tire chain.
1. SAE Class "S": Regular passenger tire chains and cables for vehicles with restricted wheel well clearances.
2. SAE Class "U": Regular & "All Square" tire chains for vehicles with regular wheel well clearances.
3. SAE Class "W": Those passenger tire chains that use light truck components, as well as some light truck PL chain.
TIRE CHAIN MINIMUM CLEARANCE CHART
Minimum Wheel Well Clearances
"A" Above Tire Tread
"C" Sidewall
SAE Class "S"
1.46 " / 37 mm
.59" / 15 mm
.91" / 23 mm
1.97 " / 50 mm
SAE Class "U"
SAE Class "W"
2.50 " / 63.5 mm
1.50" / 38.1 mm
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