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How to maintain and store tire chains

Aug 12, 2023

How to Maintain & Store Tire Chains

Proper maintenance and storage keep your chains reliable, rust-free, and ready for the next storm. Use the steps below and the linked resources.

  1. Clean after every use: Rinse off dirt, mud, and road salt; use mild detergent if needed. Dry completely to prevent rust. See the full care checklist in How to Get the Most Life Out of Tire Chains.
  2. Inspect for damage: Look for bent/broken links, stretched cables, or missing hardware. Replace worn parts via Tire Chain Parts & Accessories and keep installation & repair tools handy for quick fixes.
  3. Protect in storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Use a dedicated tote to keep sets paired and clean—e.g., the Medium Storage Tote for Tire Chains. More storage tips: Tire Chain Accessories.
  4. Avoid sharp edges: Don’t store chains against sharp tools or rough shelves that could nick links or side chains. Bag or box them before shelving.
  5. Light rust prevention: After drying, a light coat of rust-inhibiting lubricant on bare steel can help. Wipe off excess before bagging. See additional care pointers in the chain longevity guide.
  6. Check tensioning hardware: Inspect rubber rings, spiders, springs, cams, and hooks. Replace worn items with the right tensioners & adjusters. For cam-style chains, a cam-tightening tool or large T-handle cam tool makes final snugging easy.
  7. Keep a small tool kit with the chains: Include gloves and pliers so you can retension or repair roadside. Popular choices: 13" Truck/SUV repair pliers or the 18" professional pliers for heavier sets.

Before you put them away: After cleaning and drying, re-inspect, connect each pair neatly, and label the tote by tire size/vehicle. For next season’s first install, review the step-by-step install instructions and plan to re-tighten after rolling 50–100 ft.