Ford Explorer Quiz
Wheels and Tires

Using Traction Chains

In this manual: Wheels and Tires
Introduction — 10At a Glance — 3Child Safety — 11Seat Belts — 10Personal Safety System™ — 1Supplemental Restraint System — 10Pedestrian Protection — 1911 Assist — 3Keys and Remote Controls — 10MyKey™ — 8Doors & Locks — 9Liftgate — 7Safety — 3Steering Wheel — 11Wipers and Washers — 5Lighting — 13Automatic High Beam Control — 3Windows and Mirrors — 6Instrument Cluster — 4Information Displays — 4Climate Control — 6Cabin Air Quality — 2Seats — 9Garage Door Opener — 2Auxiliary Power Points — 3Storage Compartments — 2Starting and Stopping the Engine — 5Unique Driving Characteristics — 4Fuel and Refueling — 8Engine Emission Control — 3High-Voltage Battery — 1Infection Transmission — 8All-Wheel Drive Vehicle — 1Brakes — 5Reverse Brake Assist — 4Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 3Hill Descent Control — 3Park Aid — 8Cruise Control — 4Adaptive Cruise Control — 19Driver Assistance — 12Drive Mode Control — 4Loading — 6Tow/Haul — 6Driving Tips — 5Roadside Emergencies — 8Customer Assistance — 9Fuses — 3Maintenance — 21Vehicle Care — 12Wheels and Tires — 8Capacities and Specifications — 16Connectivity — 3Wi-Fi Hotspot — 3Audio System — 6SYNC™ 3 — 14Accessories — 1Ford Protect — 1Scheduled Maintenance — 5Appendices — 4
~2min read

Use snow chains on rear wheels only. Install snow chains in pairs. Do not use self-tightening snow chains.

Use snow chains only on the following tire sizes:

  • 255/60R18
  • Install only chains with a link thickness of 10 mm or less.
  • 255/65R18
  • Install only chains with a link thickness of 10 mm or less.
  • 265/60R18
  • Install only chains with a link thickness of 10 mm or less.
  • 255/55R20
  • Install only chains with a link thickness of 10 mm or less.

We recommend using steel wheels of the same size and specification if snow chains are required, because chains may chip aluminum wheels.

When using winter tires and traction devices, observe the following recommendations:

  • Avoid fully loading the vehicle whenever possible.
  • Purchase snow chains from a manufacturer that clearly marks the body and tire size limitations.
  • When driving with snow chains, do not exceed 50 km/h or the maximum speed recommended by the chain manufacturer, whichever is lower.
  • Drive carefully. If you hear snow chains rubbing or banging against the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not help, remove the snow chains to prevent damage to the vehicle.
  • Remove snow chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use snow chains on dry roads.
  • If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary spare tire, do not use snow chains on the axle with the temporary spare tire.
  • Use snow chains that fit snugly against the tire sidewall to prevent the chains from contacting the wheel rims or suspension. See the following illustration.

If you have any questions regarding snow chains, please contact your authorized dealer.

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