If you’ve been living in Washington for anything longer than five minutes, you’re well aware that the weather around here likes to keep us on our toes, especially when it comes to the mountains. One minute you’re cruising up the I-5, and the next, you’re crawling up the Snoqualmie Pass because the snow’s building up quicker than you can say, “Wait, did I bring the chains?”
When the winter season rolls around and the Cascades and Olympics get a good dose of it, having tire chains on the car not only helps, but it is also often required. If this is the first time you’ve actually had to use them on the car, fear not. Many Washington drivers purchase them and promptly leave them packed away until they need them.
This guide will take you, step by step, in an easy, casual way through the process of installing your tire chains. No big words. No angst. Just the information you need to safely and efficiently put chains on your vehicle and get on down the road, regardless of what Mother Nature has in store.
And if you’d like to have your car checked out prior to entering the snowy areas, we invite you to stop off at Courtesy Auto Service and Tire inside Tacoma Mall. We offer checks on tires, alignment, electrical diagnosis, and anything else you’d need checked prior to heading into the snowy environment.
Alright, let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Start Here: What You Need Before You Even Touch a Chain
The process of installing tire chains is much better when you have a few things ready beforehand:
- The right size tire chains (Check the sidewall of your tires for figures like 225/65R17)
- Work gloves (cold metal chains at 25°F are not fun)
- A flashlight (If you’re chaining up in the dark—very common in the PNW winter)
- A flat, safe place to pull over
Also, make sure that you know where your tire chains are in the car. Not buried under four bags of groceries and the entire ski closet.
But keep this in mind: Some cars require specific tire chains, especially if they have small wheel wells. Courtesy Auto Service and Tire can also help you check if you’re not sure.
Step 1: Pull Over Somewhere Safe
When the signs indicate “CHAINS REQUIRED,” locate a pull-out or chain-up area that will provide you with room. Turn on the flashers so that the cars behind you understand what is occurring.
Whenever possible, avoid stopping on a slope. It is easier on level ground.
Step 2: Lay Out Your Chains and Untangle Everything
Remove the tire chains and lay them flat on the ground. This stage is like untangling Christmas lights. It is frustrating if you do it hurriedly, but it is easy when you do it patiently.
Ensure that:
- Nothing is twisted
- The chain links are pointing in the right direction
- Both sides are spread evenly
Skipping this part will cause a big mess.
Step 3: Drape the Chains Over the Tire
Next, carefully lift the tire chains and place them over the top of the tire, much like a blanket.
Try To:
- Center the chains
- Keep them even on both sides
- Ensure that the hooks or cross-links are pointing outward
This is the bit where typically the reaction is, “Oh! This is not so bad.”
Step 4: Roll Forward Just a Little
Get back into the car, loosen the parking brake, and creep forward inch by inch, about a foot or two.
This will give you access to the rest of the chain so that you can close everything up.
Important: Apply the parking brake when exiting the car.
Step 5: Connect the Inner Side First
Next is the part where you go around the rear of the tire. This is a bit awkward, but it can certainly be done.
- Grab the inner connector
- Clip or hook it together
- It should feel snug, not super tight
Securing the inside first will make the outside much easier.
Step 6: Fasten the Outside Connector
This is the easier side since it is right in front of you.
- Pull the chain toward you, so it’s snug.
- Connect the external fastener
- Ensure that the excess chain does not dangle
If the tire chains that arrived already have tensioners, you will connect them. But if not, don’t worry because you will add them using rubber tensioners next.
Step 7: Add Rubber Tensioners (Huge Help!)
Rubber tensioners resemble a stretchy starfish. They attach themselves at several points around the chain. They also help pull the chain taut.
They have a tremendous impact because:
- Chains remain on track
- There are fewer clanking noises
- The ride feels smoother
- They prevent early chain breakage
If you don’t already have tensioners, get a pack, they’re dirt cheap and well worth it.
Step 8: Drive Forward and Double-Check Everything
Once both chains are on:
1. Move ahead for about 40-50 feet
2. Pull over again.
3. Check your chains.
Look for:
- Loose spots
- Twists
- Uneven tension
- Chain ends sticking out
In most cases, you will only require a slight adjustment—and this is completely normal.
How to Drive with Tire Chains On (Important!)
Chains are not designed for high-speed driving or on dry roads. Some rules:
Keep below 25-30 mph
· Do not accelerate sharply
· Do not spin your tires
· Take them off immediately when the “Chains Required” area ends
Driving on bare asphalt surfaces with chains could damage the tires, suspension, wheel wells, and even the tire chains.
How to Take Chains Off
It is basically a reversing of the process:
1. Pull over to a safe location
2. Unhook the outside fastener
3. Unhook the inside fastener
4. Pull the chains away from the tire
5. Move the vehicle ahead by pressing the accelerator with the left foot
Remove any excess snow and pack them together so that they do not get rusty or entangled.
Other Options for Getting Traction on Snow and Ice that Do Not Involve Tire Chains
These chains are great, but they do not provide the easiest mode of travel. Some of the other ways that drivers in Washington use are:
1. Snow Tires
Snow tires are the best choice if you frequently go to the mountains.
Benefits include:
- Improved grip
- More predictable stopping
- Improved steering on ice & slush
They make winter driving less stressful.
2. Studded Tires
Legal in Washington from November 1 through March 31, studded tires provide assistance on icy roads. However, they are loud on pavement, wear down the pavement, and do not perform well on packed snow surfaces.
3. Tire Socks
Traction “socks” go over your tires, and they actually provide good assistance on freshly fallen snow. They’re very easy to put on and make excellent emergency aids.
4. Traction mats or gravel
If you do get stuck, traction mats or simply a handful of gravel beneath your tires can help you get out of the situation.
Prior to Taking the Winter Roads, Visit Courtesy Auto Service and Tire in Tacoma
You don’t have to wonder about the condition of your tires, battery, and brakes when you go into the mountains.
This is where Courtesy Auto Service and Tire, located conveniently inside Tacoma Mall, can help:
- Check tires for winter readiness
- Brakes and alignment check
- Diagnose any existing electrical problems (affecting the traction control system)
- Assist with selection of snow tires or chains
- Ensure that your car is ready for driving on icy roads
We’re trusted by Tacoma drivers for honest advice and excellent service, exactly what you need before heading into unpredictable mountain weather.
Conclusion
Putting on tire chains is not nearly as involved as it seems, and after you do it once, it becomes a pretty easy process. It’s all about preparation, and it’s a matter of being familiar with the gear, having the time, and not trying it out on the side of the mountain when it’s freezing.
And whether it’s a family road trip, a ski holiday, or simply getting through a pass, having the right vehicle can make all the difference. It’s why so many people trust Courtesy Auto Service and Tire of Tacoma with getting their vehicle ready for winter.