Driving on Snow or Ice

When driving through deep snow, winter tires or snow chains may be required. If winter tires are required, make sure their size and type match the original tires. Otherwise, the safety and handling of your vehicle will be continuously affected. In addition, high-speed driving, rapid acceleration, sudden braking, and sharp steering movements are dangerous driving practices.

Use engine braking to slow the vehicle down. Sudden braking on snow or icy roads may cause the vehicle to skid. Keep a sufficient safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Brake gently. Note that although snow chains improve traction, they cannot prevent the vehicle from sliding sideways.

NOTICE

The use of snow chains is not permitted in some countries. Check the local regulations before using snow chains.

winter tires

If winter tires are installed on your vehicle, make sure the tire size and load rating match the original tires. Install winter tires on all four wheels to maintain balanced handling in all weather conditions. Please also note that the traction of winter tires on dry roads may be lower than that of standard summer tires. Therefore, drive carefully even on roads without snow. Obtain the maximum speed permitted for winter tires from your dealer.

WARNING

Winter Tire Sizes

Winter tires must match the size and construction of the standard tires. Otherwise, the safety and stability of your vehicle may be affected.

Do not use studded tires unless local regulations permit their use. The use of studded tires is restricted or prohibited in many countries.

snow chains

The sidewalls of radial tires may be damaged by some types of snow chains, because the sidewalls of radial tires are thinner. For this reason, we recommend using winter tires instead of snow chains. Do not install snow chains on wheels with alloy wheels, as the alloy wheels may be damaged by the chains. Use only snow chains with a chain diameter of 12 mm or less. Vehicle damage caused by improper installation of snow chains is not covered by the vehicle manufacturer's warranty.

Install snow chains on the front wheels only.

DANGER

• Make sure the snow chains match the size and specification for your vehicle. Incorrectly sized snow chains may damage the body and chassis. Such damage is not covered by the vehicle manufacturer's warranty. The mounting hooks of the snow chains may be damaged if they contact vehicle parts, and may loosen the chains from the tires. Use only snow chains that meet the SAE standard, Class "S".
• Check the snow chains for proper fit after each installation. Check again after driving 0.5 to 1 km. Retighten or readjust the snow chains if they are not fitted securely.
• Also, when installing the snow chains, do not turn the steering wheel fully to either side (do not drive with the steering wheel fully turned). Drive only a full turn at a speed below 10 km/h.
• If your vehicle's tires are size 205/55R17, do not use snow chains. You may damage your vehicle (wheels, suspension and body).

Installing Snow Chains

Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions when fitting the chains and tighten them as much as possible. Drive slowly with chains that have been loosely fitted. When you hear the chains touching the vehicle body or chassis, stop and tighten the chains. If the chains continue to touch the vehicle, reduce speed until the chains no longer touch the vehicle. Remove the snow chains as soon as you have driven onto a road clear of snow.

WARNING

Mounting Snow Chains

Position your vehicle on level ground and away from traffic. Turn on the hazard warning lights and place an emergency warning triangle behind the vehicle, adjusting its position if necessary. Always shift to Park (P), apply the parking brake, and turn off the engine before starting to install the chains.

WARNING

snow chains

• Driving with snow chains installed may have a long-term effect on handling.
• Do not drive faster than 30 km/h or the speed limit set by the chain manufacturer, whichever is lower.
• Drive carefully and avoid striking the chains against other objects (such as curbs). When driving over potholes, sharp turns, and other hazardous conditions, uneven movement may cause the vehicle to skid.
• Avoid sharp turns or braking with locked wheels.

DANGER

• Snow chains of the wrong size, or chains that are not tightened sufficiently, may damage the chassis, body, brake hoses and wheels of your vehicle.
• When you hear the chains touch the vehicle, stop and retighten the chains.