Snowchains are an emergency item which are used to provide traction on ice & snow. They come in two types: ladder and diamond pattern

In Victoria it is illegal to enter a alpine national park without snowchains during the ski season, even in 4WDs. It is important to carry chains in a 4WD because when you enter into skid situation the only thing controlling you is brakes and steering and then technically a 4WD becomes a 2WD, this is due to the fact that the drive of the vehicle has no bearing on the outcome.

As mentioned previously, the only thing controlling you is brakes and steering if you enter into a skid situation, therefore on a 4WD it is necessary to fit snowchains to the front wheels in order to assist with steering.

WARNING: There are exceptions to this rule, some vehicles even need to fit chains to all four wheels to alleviate problems with the vehicles traction control. To overcome this, even if you think your vehicle is standard, check your car’s manual. This will give you a clear indication of what is necessary when fitting chains to your vehicle.

•In most cars, the power-train sends power from the engine to only two of the wheels.
•The wheels that receive this power are called ‘drive wheels’.
•Chains must be fitted to the drive wheels of the vehicle.

•Tyres are usually sized using 3 numbers.
•The number is printed on the wall of the tyre.
•The letters in the tyre size are not required
•The most common tyre size in Australia is: 205/65/15
•The numbers represent:
1. Width of tyre (mm)
2. Profile/height (% of width tyre)
3. Diameter of rim (inches)

In most cars, the power-train sends power from the engine to only two of the wheels.
•The wheels that receive this power are called ‘drive wheels’.
•Chains must be fitted to the drive wheels of the vehicle.

Ladder chains have chains going in an east-west direction only, with these it is still possible to slide sideways as there is not always contact of chain to road, with a diamond pattern chain the chain is run in a two way diagonal pattern and hence the chain is always touching the road and you will always have traction with the surface.

When snowchains are attached to the vehicle, you must not travel over 40 kph this is the recommended speed because otherwise the chains may break and damage the vehicle.

•Legally all vehicles entering an alpine resort between 1 June - 31 October must carry & fit chains when directed.
•If caught without, it’s a fine of up to $2000.
•When directed fit chains at bays where you see the "Fit Chains Here" sign.
•Unless directed 4WD vehicles may progress without chains fitted.

•Never work on a vehicle while passengers are getting in or out.
•A vehicle with soft suspension may sink onto your hands or fingers.
•Beware of van’s with sliding doors which open over the wheel arch.
•Vehicles moving in & out of fitting bay’s or on the road may not see chain fitters.•Prevent cuts, scratches &, skin cracking wear gloves, or use barrier cream.
•Watch out for bits protruding from the wheel arches.

•Chains fitted diagonally.
•Flapping loose chain.
•Tyre tread worn down.
•Fitting chains to some vehicles is not possible.
•Chains become worn, a chain is considered worn if it is below 50% of its original thickness.

1) Lay chain out on the ground and make sure nothing is tangled.

2) Carefully raise the chain and spread them on the wheel and check that the tension chain is on the external side.

3) Slowly drive forwards or backwards with the vehicle until the end of the chain is at ¾ of the wheel height.

4) Hook carefully the inside of the chain and then the outside.

5) Let slide the tension chain through the rings and tighten it with the lever. Wind up the exceeding part of the tension chain through the side chain and fasten it with the elastic end. We suggest to retighten the chain after a short run.