Does the Locking Mechanism Need to be Opened or Closed Installing the Pewag Snox Tire Chains

Question:

Honda CRV-2017 Touring 235R60-18. Hardest install of any chain I have owned. Some of your install videos have the blue quick release open for install review of pwsxv580 other videos it is closed 2017-gmc-terrain The Pewag manual says closed for install, and this makes it exceptionally difficult to get the chain over the tire. On my third try, I had some limited success but many of the straight sections of chain between diamonds were nowhere near the center of the tread, even after driving on the tire to self center. I also note that in your videos as well. Any suggestions?

asked by: William

Expert Reply:

The blue locking mechanism located on the outside of the tire chains will need to be in the open position for installation. The Pewag Snox Pro Self-Tensioning Snow Tire Chains part # PWSXV580 fit a range of different size tires therefore some tire sizes may be a little more difficult to install than the others. When we installed them on a GMC Terrain with 235/55-18 tires we found that the fit was a little loose therefore we did not need to leave the locking mechanism open for install but when we installed them on a Hyundai Santa Fe with 235/60-18 tires the fit was much tighter an we needed to unlock the mechanism prior to installation to get them to fit. The mechanism was later closed once fitted around the tires.

Installing tire chains is not an exact science and will be different from vehicle to vehicle. If you are having problems getting the chains to center then you may want to drive back and forth while tugging at the chains a few times to center them.

expert reply by: Conner L