By Norman Ford · Updated October 2026
Truck tire chains: types, sizing and how to put them on
In mountain states, chains are not optional in a storm; they are the law and the only way over the pass. Drivers who chain up quickly and correctly get moving again, and drivers who learn on an icy shoulder in the dark have a much worse night. A little preparation before winter makes all the difference.
Parts of a truck tire chain
Tap each part to see what it does and what to check.
Tap a numbered balloon for the part's job, check and spec.
| ITEM | PART | WHAT IT DOES | CHECK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Side chains | Run around the inside and outside of the tire and hold the cross chains in place. | Bent or worn links and damaged fasteners. |
| 2 | Cross chains | Run across the tread and provide the grip. | Worn or broken cross chains; replace with matching spares. |
| 3 | Fasteners | Hooks or cam locks that close the side chains. | Hooks should close fully and face away from the tire. |
| 4 | Tensioners | Rubber or spring tighteners that keep the chain snug. | Cracked rubber tensioners lose grip; carry spares. |
| 5 | Tire | Chains must match the tire size exactly. | Tire size on the sidewall must match the chain's listed size. |
Types of truck chains
- Ladder chains have cross chains straight across the tread, like ladder rungs. They are common and simple.
- Diamond or alternating patterns keep more chain in contact with the road, giving smoother ride and steadier grip.
- Reinforced or V-bar chains have studs or bars on the cross chains for more bite on ice.
- Singles, doubles and triples cover one tire, a dual pair, or a dual pair with a center chain. Dual-tire chains cover both tires of a pair.
- Cable chains are lighter and easier to handle, but may not meet all states' requirements for heavy trucks.
Check that the chains you buy meet the rules in the states where you will use them.
Sizing chains
Chains are sized to the tire size molded on the sidewall. Buy chains listed for your exact size, and for the position you plan to chain, such as single or dual drive tires. Our guide to semi truck tires explains how to read tire sizes. Tread depth affects fit slightly; chains that barely fit new tires may be loose on worn ones.
Chaining up, step by step
- Stop in a safe place. Use designated chain-up areas where they exist. Never stop in a travel lane.
- Secure the truck. Set the brakes, turn on the hazards, put on a high-visibility vest, gloves and a headlamp.
- Lay the chains out flat. Untangle them on the ground with the hooks facing up so they will face out when fitted.
- Drape the chain over the tire. Center it on the tread, with the inside side chain tucked behind the tire.
- Pull the ends together. Roll the truck forward a short distance if needed so you can reach the ends at the bottom.
- Connect the inside fastener first, then the outside, taking up slack evenly.
- Fit tensioners to keep the chain snug.
- Drive a short distance, stop and retighten. Chains settle as they turn.
Practice the whole routine on a dry day before the season. It is much easier to learn in a yard than on a snowy shoulder.
Chain laws
Chain requirements come from the states and vary by route, season and conditions. Some states require trucks to carry chains during a set season on certain routes; others require chains only when a control is posted. Colorado, for example, requires commercial vehicles on part of I-70 to carry chains from September through May. Our chain law checker by state links to each state's official road information.
Driving with chains
- Keep speeds low and follow posted limits for chained vehicles.
- Avoid sudden acceleration, braking and sharp turns.
- Listen for a chain hitting the truck; stop and fix it right away.
- Remove chains when the road is clear; running chains on dry pavement damages chains, tires and the road.
Chains and tires
Chains and tires work together. Deep tread on drive tires gives better traction before you need chains. Our guide to winter truck tires covers tire choice for winter routes, and the guide to truck tire brands explains how to compare makers. A chain that comes loose can cut a tire; if that happens, see our guide to truck tire repair.
Storage and inspection
After use, rinse road salt off the chains, let them dry and store them in a bag or bin. Before each season, lay them out and check for broken links, worn cross chains and damaged hooks. Carry spare cross links, repair links, extra tensioners and a pair of pliers or a link tool.
What chains cost you
Chains are a seasonal cost, as are the extra hours and tire wear that come with winter driving. Tires wear faster on chained runs and on salted roads. The tire cost per mile calculator helps put tire costs into your rate.
Which tires to chain
The tires to chain depend on the state's rules and the level of control in effect. Typically, the drive tires come first, because they put power to the road. Some rules specify a set number of drive tires and, at higher levels, add tires on the steer axle or the trailer. Read the posted signs and the state's rules. When in doubt, chaining more tires gives more traction and stability.
Chain-up gear to carry
- Chains for the required number of tires, sized for your tires.
- Spare cross chains, repair links and extra tensioners.
- Heavy gloves, waterproof outerwear, boots with good grip.
- A headlamp and spare batteries.
- A kneeling pad or tarp to kneel on.
- A high-visibility vest.
- Pliers or a chain tool for repairs.
Practicing before winter
Practice once each season, on a dry day in the yard. Time yourself. Note which steps are awkward, and adjust: maybe pre-sorting chains into bags by tire, or marking the inside and outside ends. A driver who has practiced can chain up several tires in a reasonable time; a driver who has not can take far longer, in the dark, cold and traffic.
Removing chains
When the chain control lifts and the road is clear, stop in a safe place, release the tensioners, unhook the outside then inside fasteners, and drive forward off the chains. Lay them out, shake off snow and ice, and pack them so they will not tangle for the next use. Running chains on dry pavement wears them quickly and can damage tires and the road surface.
Alternatives to chains
Some states allow approved traction devices, such as certain textile or automatic chain systems, under some chain control levels. Automatic chains, mounted on the truck and lowered with a switch, spin short chains under the tires on demand. Check whether any alternative meets the rules where you run before relying on it.
Chains and tire damage
Correctly fitted chains do little harm to tires. Loose chains can slap the tire and the truck, and a broken cross chain can cut tread or sidewalls. Check chains at every stop while they are on.
Where we fit
We dispatch 26 ft box trucks and larger across the West and everywhere else, planning winter loads with chain laws and closures in mind. Learn more about our dispatch service.