Driving Your Vehicle

Snow Chains

~2min read

The sidewalls of radial tires are thinner than those of other types of tires, and they may be damaged by installing certain types of chains.

That is why winter tires are recommended instead of chains. Do not install chains on vehicles with aluminum wheels; if chains must be used, use cable chains. If chains will be used, we recommend using genuine HYUNDAI parts and installing the chains after reading the instructions included with the chains. Any damage to your vehicle resulting from the use of an unsuitable chain is not covered by the vehicle manufacturer's warranty.

WARNING

The use of chains may significantly affect the handling of your vehicle.

  • Do not exceed 30 km/h or the speed limit recommended by the chain manufacturer, whichever is lower.
  • Drive carefully and avoid bumps, potholes, sharp turns, and other obstacles that could cause the vehicle to bounce.
  • Avoid sharp turns and braking with locked wheels.

Intelligent

  • Install chains on the front wheels. Note that installing chains on the tires will provide greater traction for your vehicle, but will not prevent side slipping.
  • Do not install chains until you have checked the regulations on possible restrictions on their use at the local and municipal level.

Installing Snow Chains

When installing chains, follow the chain manufacturer's instructions and tighten them as securely as possible. Drive slowly (less than 30 km/h) on cleared roads. If you hear the chains contacting the body or chassis, stop and retighten them. If this continues, reduce speed until the noise stops. Remove the chains as soon as you start driving on clear roads.

When installing chains, park the vehicle away from traffic flow. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and place a warning triangle behind the vehicle, if you have one. Always shift to Park (P), apply the parking brake, and turn off the engine before installing chains.

NOTICE

When using cable chains:

  • Chains of the wrong size or improperly installed chains may damage the brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels of your vehicle.
  • Use SAE Class "S" chains or cable chains.
  • If you hear the chains contacting the body or frame, stop and retighten them.
  • To avoid damaging the body, retighten the chains after driving 0.5 to 1.0 km.
  • Do not install chains on vehicles with aluminum wheels. If chains must be used, use cable chains.
  • Use chains with a link thickness of less than 15 mm to avoid damaging the chain connections.

Test yourself

A quick Hyundai i20 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.