How to Install Tire Chains

Here are two videos from Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) showing how to install tire chains on both light vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles. It is a good idea to try installing your tire chains when the weather is not miserable to gain experience and shorten the installation time when you really need them.

8 Steps to Installing Winter Tire Chains

1. Lay the chains out on the ground with the traction part of the cross link facing the ground. Ensure the chains are free of twists and tangles.
2. Place the chain over the tire with the fastener on the outside and the traction part facing up, away from the tire. Ensure the side chains and fastener hooks are not under the tire. Place excess loose crosslinks under the tire. Hook the inside fastener as tight as possible, followed by the outside fastener pulling as tight as possible.
3. Drive forwards or backwards over the chain until the hooks are at axle height, about halfway up the tire.
4. Hook the inner chain first, as tight as possible, leaving just enough room to hook the outer fastener.
5. First, hook the middle fastener tightly.
6. Next, hook up the inside rail as tight as possible.
7. Hook up the outside rail as tight as possible.
8. If chains are equipped with tightening device (d-cam tightener), tighten now. If not, use bungee cords to remove slack.

This video shows general instructions on how to install tire chains on any type of vehicle:

How to Install Tire Chains on a Commercial Vehicle

This video shows how to install tire chains on the dual wheels of a large commercial vehicle:

Learn More

• Other related articles on this site
• Commercial Vehicle Tire and Chain Requirements - Government of BC
• Designated Winter Tire and Chain Routes in BC
• Chain Up - TranBC

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