Snowy or Icy conditions
To drive your vehicle in deep snow, it may be necessary to use snow tyres or to install tyre chains on your tyres. If snow tyres are needed, it is necessary to select tyres equivalent in size and type of the original equipment tyres. Failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle. Furthermore, speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications, and sharp turns are potentially very hazardous practices.
During deceleration, use engine braking to the fullest extent. Sudden brake applications on snowy or icy roads may cause skids to occur. You need to keep sufficient distance between the vehicle in operation in front and your vehicle. Also, apply the brake gently. It should be noted that installing tyre chains on the tyre will provide a greater driving force, but will not prevent side skids.
Tyre chains are not legal in all countries. Check the country laws before fitting tyre chains.
Snow tyres
If you mount snow tyres on your vehicle, make sure they are radial tyres of the same size and load range as the original tyres. Mount snow tyres on all four wheels to balance your vehicle’s handling in all weather conditions. Keep in mind that the traction provided by snow tyres on dry roads may not be as high as your vehicle's original equipment tyres.You should drive cautiously even when the roads are clear. Check with the tyre dealer for maximum speed recommendations.
Snow tyre size
Snow tyres should be equivalent in size and type to the vehicle's standard tyres. Otherwise, the safety and handling of your vehicle may be adversely affected.
Do not install studded tyres without first checking local, state and municipal regulations for possible restrictions against their use.
Tyre chains
Since the sidewalls on some radial tyres are thinner than other types of tyres, they may be damaged by mounting certain types of tyre chains on them. Therefore, the use of snow tyres is recommended instead of tyre chains. Do not mount tyre chains on vehicles equipped with aluminum wheels; if unavoidable, use AutoSock (fabric snow chain). Install the tyre chain after reviewing the instructions provided with the tyre chains.
Damage to your vehicle caused by improper tyre chain use is not covered by your vehicle manufacturer’s warranty.
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Install AutoSock (fabric snow chain) on the rear tyres for 2WD vehicles or for AWD vehicles. It should be noted that installing AutoSock (fabric snow chain) on the tyres will provide a greater driving force, but will not prevent side skids.
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Do not install studded tyres without first checking local and municipal regulations for possible restrictions against their use.
When using AutoSock (fabric snow chain):
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Wrong size chains or improperly installed chains can damage your vehicle's brake lines, suspension, body and wheels.
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If you hear noise caused by chains contacting the body, retighten the chain to prevent contact with the vehicle body.
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To prevent body damage, retighten the chains after driving 0.5~1.0 km (0.3~0.6 miles).
When installing AutoSock (fabricsnow chain), follow the manufacturer's instructions and mount them as tightly possible. Drive slowly (lessthan 30 km/h (20 mph)) with chainsinstalled. If you hear the chains contacting the body or chassis, stop and tighten them. If they still make contact, slow down until the noise stops.
Remove the AutoSock (fabric snow chain) as soon as you begin driving on cleared roads.
Mounting chains
When mounting snow chains, park the vehicle on level ground away from traffic. Turn on the vehicle Hazard Warning flashers and place a triangular emergency warning device behind the vehicle if available. Always place the vehicle in P (Park), apply the parking brake and turn off the engine before installing snow chains.
Tyre chains
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The use of chains may adversely affect vehicle handling.
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Do not exceed 30 km/h (20 mph) or the chain manufacturer’s recommended speed limit, whichever is lower.
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Drive carefully and avoid bumps, holes, sharp turns, and other road hazards, which may cause the vehicle to bounce.
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Avoid sharp turns or locked wheel braking.
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Chains that are the wrong size or improperly installed can damage your vehicle's brake lines, suspension, body and wheels.
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Stop driving and retighten the chains any time you hear them hitting the vehicle.