SCC Z-CHAIN User manual

To secure the free ends of the cable, slide
the plastic spirals over them with a twisting
motion. If insufficient cable is available
for plastic spirals to secure, “tuck”
the short end up next to the
crossmember anchor points,
as shown here.
Park vehicle on firm, level ground and
away from the flow of traffic. Set the
emergency brake. Chains should be
installed on drive wheels. Lay the cable
chain on the ground with smooth side
(TIRE SIDE) of the crossmember hooks up.
Move the chain in a sweeping motion
under the vehicle so the open mid-section
is positioned up against the backside of
the tire. This sweeping motion can best
be done while kneeling in front of the tire.
Reach around each side of the tire and
grasp both ends of the non-split side
cable (that is furthest away from you).
Pull both ends to the top of the tire so the
fasteners can be seen and manipulated
more easily. Connect the inside fastener.
Grasp the outside cable with both hands
and pull it toward you to create as much
slack as possible. Connect the top fastener
(the red one) as tightly as possible by
inserting the silver “beads” on the cable
through the keyhole.
Repeat this process with the gold
adjustment fastener. Ensure that both
fasteners are adjusted within one bead
of each other.
Move the vehicle a few feet.Remove cable
“slack” by retightening both adjustment
points as equally as possible.
This is how a properly installed chain
should appear on your tire.Your vehicle may
now be driven without further adjustment.
Chain tighteners or adjusters should
never be used with Z-Chain.
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
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Vehicle manufacturers’ determine the clearance requirements based on the original
(OEM) tires provided with the vehicle. Placing different size tires on your vehicle may
affect the clearance necessary to operate this product.If at any time during use you hear
any contact of the chain to any vehicle part, remove chains immediately.
Always read the owner's manual and installation instructions before installing traction products.All winter traction
products wear out and eventually break with use.They also break due to misfit or mis-application. If this happens, stop
immediately and repair or remove the broken parts to avoid any damage to your vehicle.
Always set your vehicle's emergency brake before installing winter traction products under any conditions.
Always pre-fit your traction products to your vehicle before they are actually needed.While winter traction products
are uniform in size, tires are not.They vary in size by manufacturer, age, tread and type. Snow tires may require a
larger traction product than a like-sized highway tire. The same is true for larger, more aggressive tires such as mud
terrain and off-road tires.
WARNING: All winter traction products will wear out with extended use. They can also break due to misfit,
misapplication or misuse.If this should occur, stop immediately and remove chains. If, at any time, during use
you hear any contact of the chain to any vehicle part remove chains immediately.If these cautions are ignored,
Security Chain Co., and it’s distributors are not responsible for personal injury, wheel or vehicle damage.
A properly installed chain should look like photo 8 on page 3. Make sure all of these points are followed prior to use.
1. Chain should drape at least 2 inches over each side of the tire from the edge of the tread.
2. Excess side cable must be secured by plastic spiral holders or in crossmember anchor points.
3. Adjustments should be as equal as possible on both outside fasteners.
4.The chains should be tightened as snug as possible without using chain tighteners.
DRIVINGWITH WINTERTRACTION PRODUCTS
Avoid spinning the tires.Remember, when your tires are spinning, you don’t have traction.When starting from a stop on slick
roads, press the accelerator lightly, starting slowly, to maintain traction and avoid spinning.
Avoid locking your brakes.The best braking technique is a pumping action.Begin braking early, much sooner than you would
on dry pavement.If you do not have ABS and you feel your wheels lock up, release the brakes and reapply using a pumping
action.Vehicles equipped with ABS automatically perform this pumping action internally.
Avoid quick maneuvers. Slow down. Keep your speed under control and steer smoothly and more gradually to prevent
skidding under hazardous driving conditions.
If a crossmember should break during use, stop immediately and remove or replace it, otherwise severe damage can occur
to the vehicle.
SURVIVING WINTER WEATHER
Before beginning your trip, know the current road conditions and weather forecast for the areas that you will be traveling.
You can access this information from your state highway department and from the "Winter Weather" link on the
Security Chain Co. website (www.scc-chain.com) in the traction section.
Be prepared for changing conditions on winter driving trips.Keep a survival kit in your car consisting of blanket, water,
high energy snacks, highway warning devices, a flashlight and fresh batteries.If you have a cell phone, make sure the
batteries are charged.
Be aware of potentially dangerous icy areas such a shady spots, bridges and overpasses. Approach these areas with
caution.They are usually the first areas to get icy and often the ice is invisible.
Always keep your car's windows, mirrors and lights clear of snow and ice.
Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles as stopping distances are doubled or tripled on snow or ice.Never pass a
snowplow or sanding truck as they throw gravel that could damage your vehicle.
Do not leave your vehicle parked along the roadside where it could be hit by other vehicles or snowplows.
It is always a good idea to tune up your vehicle before the winter driving season arrives. Check things like batteries,
tires, windshield wipers, heaters and anti-freeze levels. It's also a good idea to keep a good-fitting set of traction
devices in your vehicle all winter. Weather conditions can change quickly.
ONEYEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
This product is warranted free from defects in workmanship and material for one year from the date of delivery to user.Defective
product may be returned to the manufacturer, freight prepaid, within 10 days of alleged defect. Inspection will be made to
determine cause of failure. Chain determined to be defective will be repaired or replaced. Buyer shall not be entitled to recover
any incidental or consequential damages. No compensation will be made for any labor claim, delays or damages incurred by
using this product. Although this warranty gives you specific rights, you may have other legal rights which differ from state to
state. For more information, please write: Security Chain Co.
Customer Service Dept.
P.O. Box 949
Clackamas, OR 97015-0949, USA
SPEEDS OVER 30 MPH, IMPROPER FIT OR IMPROPER INSTALLATION VOIDS THIS WARRANTY
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Extreme performance winter traction product
Designed for the professional user
Meets SAE Class “S” clearance requirements
IMPORTANT: We strongly recommend that the chains be fitted to the tire prior to actual use to insure proper fit.
Tire sizes may vary because of age, manufacturer, tread or type.
During installation of the tire chain, ensure that:
a) The chain extends at least 5 cm (2 inches) on to each tire sidewall.
b) The inside fastener is on the inside of the tire and the smooth side of the eyelets are positioned against the tire.
c) Ensure that chain is not caught in or hitting any parts of the vehicle.
IMPORTANT: Follow the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer (See “Tire Chains” in your Owner’s Manual).
FOR MAXIMUM CHAIN LIFE:
• Avoid speeds over 30 mph / 50 kmh and use on bare pavement.Traction coils on crossmembers will fragment and
cause crossmember to break. Damage could occur to chains, tires or vehicle.
• Avoid spinning tires: start slowly even in uphill conditions.
• Avoid locking brakes: the best braking technique is a pumping action (for vehicles without ABS).
• If a crossmember should break, remove it immediately.
• After use, clean and spray with all-purpose lubricant.
• With traction devices installed, the vehicle will handle differently (for example, a longer braking distance on pavement
without snow or ice). Adjust your driving to these changed conditions.
• Z-Chain is intended for use on snow and ice-covered roads. As such, they are legal in every state and province in
North America, including those where studded tire are prohibited. (Check local laws for any restrictions in your area.)
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MADE IN CHINA ©2003 SCC
# TP346 www.scc-chain.com
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