Snowy or icy conditions
To drive your vehicle in deep snow, it may be necessary to use snow tires or to install tire chains on your tires. If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select tires equivalent in size and type of the original equipment tires. Failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and handling of your car. 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 tire chains on the tire will provide a greater driving force, but will not prevent side skids.
Tire chains are not legal in all countries. Check the country laws before fitting tire chains.
Snow tires
When mounting snow tires on a vehicle, make sure they are the same size as the original ones and use tires that are recommended in this manual. Using tires other than the recommended ones may cause abnormal noise while driving. The maximum weight that tires can withstand is different by vehicle so make sure you use the right-sized tires. Mount snow tires on all four wheels to balance your vehicle’s handling in all weather conditions. Keep in mind that the traction provided by snow tires on dry roads may not be as high as your vehicle's original equipment tires.You should drive cautiously even when the roads are clear. Check with the tire dealer for maximum speed recommendations.
* Recommended tires
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185/65 R15 |
205/55 R17 |
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Kumho (WINTERCRAFT WP71) |
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Continental (CONTI PREMIUM CONTACT5, WINTER CONTACT TS850P) |
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Snow tire size
Snow tires should be equivalent in size and type to the vehicle's standard tires. Otherwise, the safety and handling of your vehicle may be adversely affected.
Do not install studded tires without first checking local, state and municipal regulations for possible restrictions against their use.
Tire chains
Since the sidewalls of radial tires are thinner, they can be damaged by mounting some types of snow chains on them. Therefore, the use of snow tires is recommended instead of snow chains. Do not mount tire chains on vehicles equipped with aluminum wheels; snow chains may cause damage to the wheels. If snow chains must be used, use wire-type chains with a thickness of less than 12 mm (0.47 in). Damage to your vehicle caused by improper snow chain use is not covered by your vehicle manufacturers warranty.
Install tire chains only on the front tires.
When using tire chains, attach them to the drive wheels as follows.
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Front wheel drive vehicle moves the front wheel as a power source. Thus, snow chains must be mounted to front tires.
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After mounting snow chains, drive slowly. If you hear noise caused by chains contacting the body, slow down until the noise stops and remove the chain as soon as you begin driving on cleared roads to prevent damage.
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Wrong size chains or improperly installed chains can damage your vehicle's brake lines, suspension, body and wheels. Therefore, when installing snow chain, follow the manufacturer's instructions and mount them as tightly possible. Drive slowly (less than 30 km/h (20 mph)) with chains installed.
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Make sure the snow chains are the correct size and type for your tires. Incorrect snow chains can cause damage to the vehicle body and suspension and may not be covered by your vehicle manufacturer warranty. Also, the snow chain connecting hooks may be damaged from contacting vehicle components causing the snow chains to come loose from the tire. Make sure the snow chains are SAE class “S” certified.
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Always check chain installation for proper mounting after driving approximately 0.5 to 1 km (0.3 to 0.6 miles) to ensure safe mounting. Retighten or remount the chains if they are loose.
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Even with the appropriate chain installed, do not make a full turn (turn the steering wheel fully to one side) when driving the vehicle. (If you are making a full turn, drive with the speed below 10 km/h.)
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If your vehicle has 205/55R17 size tires, do not use tire chain; they can damage your vehicle (wheel, suspension and body).
When installing chains, follow the manufacturer's instructions and mount them as tightly as you can. Drive slowly with chains installed. If you hear the chains contacting the body or chassis, stop and tighten them. If they still make contact, slow down until it stops. Remove the chains 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.
Tire 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 re tighten the chains any time you hear them hitting the vehicle.