Snow or Icy Conditions

To drive in deep snow, it may be necessary to use winter tires or to install snow chains on the tires. If winter tires are required, select tires equivalent in size and type to the original equipment tires. Failure to observe this requirement may adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle. In addition, excessive speed, rapid acceleration, sudden braking, and sharp turns are potentially very dangerous practices.

When decelerating, make full use of engine braking. Sudden braking on snowy or icy roads may cause skidding. Keep a sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Also, apply the brake pedal gently. Note that installing snow chains on the tires will improve traction but will not prevent sideways skidding.

NOTICE

Snow chains are not permitted in all countries. Check the laws of your country before installing snow chains.

Winter Tires

If you install winter tires on your vehicle, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load range as the original tires. Install winter tires on all four wheels to maintain balanced vehicle handling in all weather conditions. Keep in mind that traction provided by winter tires on dry roads may not be as high as with the original equipment tires. Always drive carefully, even when roads are clear. Check with your tire dealer for the maximum recommended speed.

WARNING

Winter Tire Size

Winter tires must be equivalent in size and type to the original vehicle tires. Otherwise, the safety and handling of the vehicle may be adversely affected.

Do not install studded tires without first checking local, state, and municipal regulations regarding possible restrictions on their use.

Tire Chains

Because radial tire sidewalls are thinner, they can be damaged by installing some types of snow chains on them. Therefore, it is recommended to use snow tires instead of snow chains. Do not install snow chains on vehicles equipped with aluminum wheels; snow chains may damage the wheels. If it is necessary to use snow chains, use wire-type chains with a link thickness of less than 15 mm (0.59 in). Damage to your vehicle caused by improper use of snow chains is not covered by the vehicle manufacturer's warranty. Install snow chains on the front tires only.

CAUTION

• Make sure the snow chains are the correct size and type for your tires. Improperly fitted snow chains may cause damage to the vehicle body and suspension and are not covered by the vehicle manufacturer's warranty. Also, snow chain connecting hooks may be damaged by contact with vehicle components, causing the snow chains to come off the tire. Make sure the snow chains are SAE Class "S" certified.
• Always check the chain installation after driving approximately 0.5 to 1 km (0.3 to 0.6 mile) to ensure a secure installation. Tighten or reinstall the chains if they are loose.
• Even with the correct chains installed, do not make a full turn (turn the steering wheel fully to one side) while the vehicle is moving. (If you make a full turn, drive at a speed below 10 km/h.)
• If your vehicle has 185/55R15 or 195/45R16 size tires, do not use tire chains; they may damage your vehicle (wheels, suspension and body).

Chain Installation

When installing chains, follow the chain manufacturer's instructions and tighten them as tightly as possible. Drive slowly with chains installed. If you hear the chains contacting the body or chassis, stop and retighten them. If they still make contact, reduce speed until they stop. Remove the chains as soon as you start driving on cleared roads.

WARNING

Installing Chains

When installing snow chains, park the vehicle on a level surface away from traffic. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and place a warning triangle behind the vehicle, if available. Always place the shift lever in P (Park), apply the parking brake and turn off the engine before installing snow chains.

WARNING

Snow Chains

• Using chains may adversely affect vehicle handling.
• 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 road hazards that could cause the vehicle to jump.
• Avoid sudden turns or locked-wheel braking.

CAUTION

• Chains of incorrect size or improper installation may damage the brake lines, suspension, body and wheels.
• Stop and retighten the chains each time you hear them striking the vehicle.