There’s no shame in not knowing how to put snow chains on your semi-truck. Some truckers just haven’t encountered snow on their previous hauls, whether it’s due to the routes they have run or just simple inexperience. With winter in full swing, there’s never been a better time to learn. Luckily, White’s International Trucks has created this handy step-by-step guide to teach you everything you’ll need to know.
1. Get Ready
This may seem obvious, but you should put your snow chains on before you need them. When you notice snow piling up, pull over. If the highway you are on has a designated chaining area, use that, but either way, make sure you park in a safe place. Do not install your chains if you lack sufficient light, or if an extreme weather condition like a blizzard is taking place.
Remember that only your drive wheels require chains. You will have to keep them on until the snow stops. Remove the chains if the road becomes clear of snow.
2. Lay Out & Inspect Chains
Before you can install the chains, you should lay them flat and inspect them. Never use broken or damaged chains on your rig.
3. Drape Chains Over Wheels
Start by lifting the chains and draping them over each drive wheel, with equal lengths of chain hanging over the front and back. The front end of the chain should go as close to where the wheel touches the ground as possible, so tuck it into the base. Center the chain on the tire and make it as straight as possible.
4. Drive Over Chains
Enter your cab and start your engine. Drive your truck slowly just a few feet to allow the tires to roll over the chains. When this is done, stop your truck, park, and turn off the engine so you can continue to work on the chains.
5. Tighten & Secure
Using an adjusting wrench, tighten up the cams on your chains so that they are fastened in place. Make sure they are snugly fitted on each wheel before using bungee cords to hook the chains together. (The hooks should be facing out towards you). Before you take off, drive forward a bit to make sure that the chains will not fall off. Once you are confident that they will stay on, you can get on your way!
We here are White’s International Trucks hope this guide makes applying chains to your semi-truck easier. For more information or to view our range of truck models, visit us at one of our seven locations throughout South Carolina, including Goldsboro and Wilson. We can’t wait to see you here!
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