Now comes the fun part. Reach down and take hold of the longest ends of the chains. Drape them over the tire so that the long strands hang down evenly, one end along the inside (axle side) of the tire and the other end hanging along the outer rim of the tire.

• Take a look at the closing mechanism. Again, different models may work differently, but most operate as a hook or a clip which holds the ends of the chains together. Most mechanisms fit through an open link on the other end of the same strand. Then they're closed shut to hold the strands fast.
• The hook-up: Hook the mechanism into an open link which will make the strand into a nice, tight circle. It is important to make the strands as snug as possible, but allow yourself a link or two of slack if it means easier closure. We'll take up the slack in the next step.
• Inside, then outside: Hook the inside strand first. Then hook the outer strand. Then move to the other side of the car and repeat the process.