Installing snow tires and
chains
WHEN TO USE SNOW TIRES OR
CHAINS
SNOW TIRE INSTALLATION
TIRE CHAIN SELECTION
Snow tires should be installed on all
wheels.
Regulations regarding the use of tire
chains vary according to location or
type of road, so always check local reg-
ulations before installing chains.
Snow tires or chains are recommended
when driving on snow or ice.
Installing snow tires on the front wheels
only can lead to an excessive difference
in road grip capability between the front
and rear tires which could cause loss of
vehicle control.
On wet or dry roads, conventional tires
provide better traction than snow tires.
Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains,
with the exception of radial cable chains
or V−bar type chains.
SNOW TIRE SELECTION
If you need snow tires, select tires of
the same size, construction and load
capacity as the originally installed tires.
When storing removed tires, you should
store them in a cool dry place.
CHAIN INSTALLATION
Install the chains on the front tires as
tightly as possible. Do not use tire
chains on the rear tires. Retighten
chains after driving 0.5 − 1.0 km (1/4 −
1/2 mile).
Mark the direction of rotation and be sure
to install them in the same direction when
replacing.
Do not use tires other than those men-
tioned above. Do not install studded tires
without first checking local regulations for
possible restrictions.
CAUTION
When installing chains on your tires, care-
fully follow the instructions of the chain
manufacturer.
CAUTION
ꢀ Do not drive with the snow tires
incorrectly inflated.
Do not use snow tires other than the
manufacturer’s recommended size, as
this may cause dangerous handling
characteristics resulting in loss of
control. Otherwise, an accident may
occur resulting in death or serious
injuries.
If wheel covers are used, they will be
scratched by the chain band, so remove
the covers before putting on the chains.
ꢀ Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph)
with any type of snow tires.
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