Fitting Tesla snow chains rarely happens at a convenient time: at night, in a car park on a mountain pass, with frozen fingers and a queue of cars behind you. If you’re well prepared, however, it only takes a few minutes per wheel. Here’s a step-by-step guide, from practising in the garage to putting the wet chains away.
Fitting snow chains on a Tesla: first and foremost, the right kit
On a Tesla, the space between the tyre, the suspension and the wheel arch is limited: the wrong set of chains could rub against the car. Front-mount chains solve this problem, as they attach to the outside of the wheel without requiring you to reach behind the tyre. Our front-mount snow chains for the Tesla Model S, X, Y and 3 (€429) are designed with this in mind. To compare them with fabric snow socks, read our guide to Tesla snow chains.
Step zero: dry fitting
The first fitting always requires a bit of fine-tuning: adjusting to the tyre size, locating the fixings, and reading the instructions carefully. Do this at home, in dry conditions, one October afternoon. Also check that the bag contains the instructions, waterproof gloves and a small mat to kneel on. Time yourself, note down any steps that prove tricky, then dismantle and pack everything away in reverse order. On the day, you’ll know exactly what to do, even by the light of a headlamp. This quarter of an hour’s practice is the most worthwhile part of the whole Tesla snow chain fitting process.
Which wheels should the chains be fitted to?
Snow chains are fitted to the drive wheels, and the owner’s manual for each model specifies the manufacturer’s recommended position. Check it at tesla.com/fr_fr/support before you set off: the instructions differ depending on whether your car is rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and on the size of the rims. If in doubt, fit them to at least the axle specified by the manufacturer. Owners of large saloon cars will find the specific details for their car in our article on snow chains for the Model S and X.
Fitting Tesla snow chains in 7 steps
- park on level ground, off the road, with hazard warning lights on and a high-visibility vest worn;
- engage the handbrake (P mode) before getting out;
- Put on gloves and a head torch, and take the chains out of the bag;
- position the chains on the outer side of the wheel as per the instructions;
- Tighten, check that they are centred, then move on to the second wheel;
- drive slowly for a few dozen metres;
- stop to check and retighten if necessary.
Drive, then remove them at the right time
Once the Tesla snow chains have been fitted, activate Chill mode and limit your speed to 50 km/h. Avoid sudden acceleration: the electric torque puts a lot of strain on the chains. As soon as the road returns to tarmac and is clear, stop to remove the chains: driving on tarmac wears out the chains very quickly and may scratch your rims. The same principle applies to fabric snow socks; our article on Model 3 snow socks explains how to fit them.
Storing wet snow chains without damaging the boot
After each time you fit Tesla snow chains, the chains will be dripping with melted snow and salt. Place it on a full-length boot liner for the Model Y (€64.90) or on a dedicated boot mat (€20.90), then leave it to dry at home before storing it away. Rinsing with clean water prevents corrosion of the metal fixings and extends the life of the kit, which will last for several winters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to fit them? Once you’ve had a bit of practice, it takes a few minutes per wheel; the first attempt always takes a bit longer.
Do I need to jack up the car? No, front snow chains are fitted with the wheels on the ground.
Are snow chains compulsory? In areas covered by the Mountain Law, you must have 3PMSF tyres or a snow chain kit in the boot; see our article on the Mountain Law 2026.
What is the maximum speed? 50 km/h, on snow only.
Green Drive’s advice
Successfully fitting Tesla snow chains depends on two things: a kit suited to the wheel arches and a dry run beforehand. You’ll find everything you need in our snow chains and equipment section.
