MAZDA CX-80 TECH DRIVE: FITTING SNOW CHAINS

Mazda CX-80 Tech Drive: Fitting Snow Chains

Snow chains can make or break a great winter holiday. Here is how to fit them to the Mazda CX-80.

Driving on snowy roads and tracks can require the use of snow chains.

Snow chains are mesh-like devices that can be fitted around a vehicle’s tyres. They provide extra grip when driving on slippery snow- and ice-covered surfaces.

Depending on the Australian state you’re driving in, snow chains are often required to be fitted – or at least carried in a vehicle – when driving in designated snow regions during certain months of the year. This ensures vehicles entering these areas will be able to drive on these slippery surfaces and reduce the chances of getting stuck due to lack of tyre grip.

The Mazda CX-80 offers plenty of traction from its i-Activ all-wheel drive system, especially when OFF-ROAD mode is engaged via the intelligent Mi-Drive system. But adding snow chains can add another level of grip and certainty on white alpine roads.

Fitting snow chains to the Mazda CX-80 – or any vehicle - is simple. Click the video below to see how.

Transcript

How to fit snow chains https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPjTLKhxBmI

Welcome to Mazda Tech Drive. This time featuring the Mazda CX-80. My name's Karl Reindler and on this occasion we're heading to the snow. There's so much to talk about and I'm freezing out here. So, let's get stuck into it.

Now, for the fun part, fitting snow chains. Depending on which state you're in, snow chains are a legal requirement, either to be fitted at a designated area or to be carried at the very least. It is for good reason, though. They can prevent you from getting stuck, even in light snow or slushy conditions. Depending on the vehicle you're driving, you'll need to fit snow chains to the appropriate tyres.

Today, we have a Mazda CX-80, which is a rear biased all-wheel drive. So, we'll be fitting snow chains to the rear tyres only. The owner's manual will always tell you whether it's the front or the rear tyres that you need to fit the snow chains to. Let's get stuck into it.

Firstly, get yourself a good set of gloves. Not your snow gloves, a separate pair because they're probably going to get dirty. Also, highly recommend putting a mat down, whether it's a floor mat from the car or you bring one from home. Once you've shaken the chain out, and this is a really important part of the step. Make sure there's no kinks, twists, or knots in the chain.

Next, get down and feed the chain itself around the back part of the tyre and wheel setup. The next part involves bringing the chain over the tyre itself. Once you've brought the chain over the tyre, it's important that you grab this piece of chain here and drag it across to the hook.

The next part, we move to the bottom part of the rim and tyre where you'll find this tension cable which joins up on the opposite side. Feed it through the latch, grab the opposite end, which is quite stretchy. Bring it across, hook it up, and the great thing about most chains is they are self-tensioning. But while you're at it, make sure the chain itself is in position and not going to damage the wheel.

If you're unsure about any of this, jump in your car, roll forward a little bit, jump back out, check that the tension is okay, and that the chain is not rubbing on the wheel itself. Lastly, don't forget to remove the snow chains in the designated areas.

Thanks for joining us on this Mazda tech drive. I hope you enjoyed it. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below. Stay safe, enjoy the snow, and we'll see you on the next tech drive.

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