Toyota RAV4: Should You Put The Snow Chains Front or Back?

Winter is coming! 

When the calendar hits November 1st, you must put on the snow chains. It’s mandatory to have at least snow tires, and probably every car owner already knows that, and having the chains depends. 

But, when it comes to the chains’ position, many car owners are confused because of the different drivetrains.

In this article, find out if your RAV4 needs chains on both front and rear tires or if you should put them only on one side. Let’s go!

Can You Put Snow Chains On the Toyota RAV4?

The short and the most obvious answer is – yes. You can, and you should put the snow chains on your tires.

As stated in the introduction of this article, it’s mandatory to have at least winter tires, and if the snow in your area is heavy, you must put the chains on.

That information is generally everywhere in your area if you live in an area that requires chains.

There are several types of snow chains available for the Toyota RAV4.

It is impossible to determine whether or not the specific snow chains will fit because not every Toyota RAV4 has the same tires.

You must measure your tires and select chains that fit perfectly around them. Your tire’s size is visible on the side of the tire.

Keep reading to find out if you need to put your chains on the front or rear tires of your RAV4!

Where Do You Put The Snow Chains On the  RAV4?

Tire chains should be put on the front tires of your RAV4.

To install tire chains, follow the directions in the manual that comes with them.

Now that you know which tires you should put the snow chains on your RAV4, here is some information that is good for snow equipment, specifically the snow tires and the snow chains for your RAV4.

How To Act On Roads With Winter Tires & Snow Chains in RAV4

When it comes to winter tires, you should use tires that fit the required size. Also, you should preserve the recommended air pressure.

When it comes to speed, regardless of the kind of snow tires you use, never go faster than 75 mph (120 km/h).

This goes without saying, but you must have snow tires on all four tires, and you should never mix tires with various brands, models, tread designs, or treadwear.

Now, when it comes to the snow chains, do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h) or the maximum speed permitted by the tire chains’ instructions provided by the company that produced them.

Also, avoid driving over potholes or on uneven road surfaces. To maintain vehicle control, slow down before a curve by a suitable amount.

Similarly, avoid making abrupt bends and braking hard since chains may cause a vehicle to handle poorly.

Do I Need Snow Chains For AWD?

All-season tires and an AWD (all-wheel-drive) are usually safe to operate in light to moderate snow.

But a widespread misconception holds that AWDs behave like tanks when driving in slick situations.

If you’re driving in a blizzard or snowy conditions, it’s advised that your AWD has either winter tires or even better, tires paired with snow chains.

Do AWD Need Four Snow Chains?

Following the manufacturer’s recommendations, tire chains should always be mounted on the vehicle’s driving wheels when there is heavy snow. But should you put it on all four tires when it comes to the AWD?

In most cases, you should put tire chains on all 4 tires, which means that you have to buy not only one pair, but two pairs of snow chains! 

It would be best if you did that so you can preserve as much of the typical handling characteristics of AWD cars as feasible.

All in all, on slick roads, AWD is beneficial when you’re accelerating but less so when you’re turning or stopping.

If you only go through snowy regions once or twice a year, an AWD with all-season tires in good condition can be sufficient. However, remember to have tire chains on hand, and put them on all four tires.