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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 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 of 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 states. Check state laws before fitting tire chains.

Snow tires

If you mount snow tires on your vehicle, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load range as the original 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.

Do not install studded tires without first checking local, state and municipal regulations for possible restrictions against their use.

WARNING

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.

Tire chains

Since the sidewalls on some radial tires are thinner than other types of tires, they may be damaged by mounting certain types of tire chains on them. Therefore, the use of snow tires is recommended instead of tire chains. Do not mount tire chains on vehicles equipped with aluminum wheels; if unavoidable, use AutoSock (fabric snow chain). Install the tire chain after reviewing the instructions provided with the tire chains.

Damage to your vehicle caused by improper tire chain use is not covered by your vehicle manufacturer’s warranty.

NOTICE

  • Install AutoSock (fabric snow chain) on the rear tires for 2WD vehicles or for AWD vehicles. It should be noted that installing AutoSock (fabric snow chain) on the tires will provide a greater driving force, but will not prevent side skids.

  • Do not install studded tires without first checking local and municipal regulations for possible restrictions against their use.

CAUTION

When using AutoSock (fabric snow chain):

  • Wrong size chains or improperly installed chains can damage your vehicle's brake lines, suspension, body and wheels.

  • To prevent body damage, retighten the chains after driving 0.3 ~ 0.6 miles (0.5 ~ 1.0 km).

NOTICE

If you hear noise caused by chains contacting the body, retighten the chain to prevent contact with the vehicle body.

Chain installation

When installing AutoSock (fabric snow chain), follow the manufacturer's instructions and mount them as tightly as possible. Drive slowly (less than 20 mph (30 km/h)) 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 the noise stops.

Remove the AutoSock (fabric snow chain) as soon as you begin driving on cleared roads.

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.

  • The use of chains may adversely affect vehicle handling.

  • Do not exceed 20 mph (30 km/h) or the chain manufacturer’s recommended speed limit, whichever is lower.

  • Drive carefully and avoid bumps, holes, sharp turns, and other road hazards, which may cause the vehicle to bounce.

  • Avoid sharp turns or locked-wheel braking.

CAUTION

Snow chains

  • Chains that are the wrong size or improperly installed can damage your vehicle's brake lines, suspension, body and wheels.

  • Stop driving and retighten the chains any time you hear them hitting the vehicle.