How To Install Tire Socks

Because snow and ice are always a wintertime possibility, it’s a good idea to carry traction devices wherever you go. In many cases, quick-fit chains work great. But for vehicles with low clearance between the wheel well and the tire, tire socks are a smart and easy-to-use alternative.

Quick Start: How To Install Tire Socks in 5 Steps

1. Identify your vehicle’s drive wheels.
2. Install each sock starting at the top of the tire.
3. Move your vehicle forward a few feet.
4. Adjust tire socks to ensure a good fit.
5. Drive carefully and keep speeds below 30 MPH to avoid wheel spinning, damaging the tire socks or vehicle, or losing control of the vehicle.

Extra Tip: DO NOT DRIVE ON BARE PAVEMENT.

Need Help? Your local Les Schwab can offer tips on how to install and remove tire socks.

What Are Tire Socks and How Do They Work?

Tire sock traction devices are an alternative to chains that work especially well with low-clearance vehicles, but are fast and easy to install on any car or truck. The special fabric on tire socks creates traction, clinging to snowy surfaces through friction and mechanical grip.

Where To Put Tire Socks Based on Drive Type

For best results, install tire socks on the driving wheels of your vehicle. If your car or truck is front-wheel drive, the tire socks go on the front. Rear-wheel drive? Put them on the back. If you have an all-wheel drive vehicle, check your owner’s manual. Not sure? The experts at Les Schwab can help.

Make Sure To Purchase the Right Size

First, you’ll want to get the right set of tire socks for your vehicle at your local Les Schwab. Your size of tire socks depends on the size of your wheels and tires. To get the right size tire socks, simply check the sidewall on one of your tires and compare that information with the size on the tire sock bag. To make sure your tire socks fit your vehicle, come to Les Schwab. Our pros will double-check them for your car or truck.

Step-by-Step: How To Install Tire Socks

When installing tire socks, follow these quick steps for a proper fit.

Step 1: Park Safely and Engage the Parking Brake

Put your vehicle in park and use the emergency brake for extra safety.

Step 2: Prepare the Tire Sock and Your Work Area

Now, take everything out of your clean, tire sock bag. In it, you’ll likely find two tire socks, a set of instructions, and a pair of plastic, waterproof gloves to keep your hands dry in the snow. Lay the bag on the ground to keep your knees from getting wet.

Step 3: Fit the Tire Sock Over the Top of the Tire

Fit each tire sock over your tire from the top to the bottom.

Step 4: Roll the Vehicle Forward Half a Tire Rotation

Release the parking brake and move your vehicle forward a few feet to allow the tire socks to center on your wheel.

Step 5: Secure the Tire Sock and Check Fit

Put your vehicle back in park and use the emergency brake again. Then, pull the remainder of your tire sock into position. Your tire socks should completely center themselves once you start driving.

Step 6: Keep Speeds Below 30 Miles per Hour (MPH)

While you’re driving with tire socks installed, make sure to use your vehicle’s traction control (if available), avoid spinning your tires, and keep your speeds below 30 miles per hour.

How To Remove and Care for Tire Socks

How To Remove Tire Socks

Removing tire socks is quick and simple:

1. Park safely and engage the parking brake.
2. Pull each sock off the top portion of the tire.
3. Move the vehicle forward a few feet.
4. Repark the vehicle and re-engage the parking brake.
5. Remove the remaining fabric completely.
6. Air dry tire socks before storing.

How To Make Tire Socks Last Longer

When installed correctly, used only on snow and ice, and stored correctly, tire socks can be reused over and over.

• Use only on snow or ice.
• Never use tire socks on bare pavement.
• Don’t drive faster than 30 MPH while using tire socks.
• Don’t leave them on while parked for an extended period of time.
• Air dry completely before storing in a cool, dry place.
• Check for wear and damage before every use.
• Consult the product manual for any additional information.

Tires Socks Come With Our Return Guarantee

Be ready for anything winter can throw your way. Get a set of tire sock traction devices along with a few tips on how to install them, at Les Schwab. Remember, if your tire socks are unused, have been properly stored, and undamaged at the end of winter, you can return them to any Les Schwab for a full refund in the spring.¹ See the Les Schwab tire chain warranty for more. Or keep them in your vehicle for those just-in-case moments.

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¹ Provided the snow socks are in the original packaging and in new condition. See warranty for details.