Tyres
How to fit snow chains and where to practise
Check compatibility and the driven axle in your handbook, practise fitting them before winter, and only stop somewhere safe.
Use chains that are compatible with your tyres and follow the vehicle handbook: it will say which wheels to fit them to and what driving limits apply. Practise in a flat, safe open area before snowfall; do not practise at the roadside.
Choose chains that fit your car
Read the tyre size and compare it with the chain manufacturer’s compatibility chart. Also check your car’s handbook: wheel-arch clearance and the type of drive determine which devices are permitted and which axle they must be fitted to.
Do not choose chains based only on your car’s model and year: wheels, trim and dimensions can vary. If conventional chains are not permitted, ask the manufacturer or a tyre specialist which approved devices are compatible. Keep the packaging and check that all the parts are present before your journey.
Practise away from traffic
Choose a private car park or a flat, clear space. Keep the vehicle stationary with the parking brake on, and have the instructions to hand. Wear gloves, lay the chain out without tangles and follow the manufacturer’s steps in order. Once fitted, check its tension and position as instructed.
Practise removing and packing them too, so you know how to reverse the process. Do not practise on a bend, hard shoulder or beside moving vehicles. If the handbook specifies a particular axle, follow it: a poorly fitted chain can damage a tyre, wheel rim or wheel arch.
When you need them on the road
If a local order requires winter equipment, make sure you have compatible chains in the car. When conditions mean you need to fit them, stop in a designated area or another safe place well away from the carriageway. Follow the manufacturer’s speed limits and stop if you hear knocks or unusual noises or feel vibrations.
Chains improve grip only in the conditions and on the surfaces for which they are designed. They do not remove the risk of ice or allow you to drive at your usual speed. Remove them when conditions and the manufacturer’s instructions call for it. If you cannot fit them safely, do not continue; contact the road operator or assistance service.
To revise road signs and winter driving rules, Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers topic-based study, exam quizzes and a review of your mistakes.
Frequently asked questions
Which wheels should the chains be fitted to?
It depends on the drive system and the manufacturer’s instructions. Check both the car and chain handbooks; some cars have specific clearance restrictions.
Can I learn to fit them on a snowy road?
Practise before winter in a flat, safe car park. On the road, stop only in a protected area away from traffic; do not fit chains in a lane or on an exposed hard shoulder.