As the name implies, snow chains are ‘tire chains’ that are attached around the tires of a vehicle. They can be used to give the vehicle maximum traction on slippery surfaces such as snow, ice, and mud. You will find these devices useful when you are driving in bad weather, and they are most often used in snowy areas or mountains, so they are a useful tool to keep in your car. Snow chains, snow cables and even snow tires are often required by some states when driving in hazardous or high elevation areas during wintery conditions, when traveling in the snow.
We have put together this list of the best tire chains for snow and winter driving because there are not all tire chains created equal. Different products perform well in different terrains, or are designed to perform better for specific types of vehicles. If such a vehicle has traction control, then diagonal chains are best, while diamond chains provide a more reliable path for more consistent traction and a more comfortable ride.
Compared to diamond chains, square chains are able to provide even greater traction and are therefore generally more durable. Another option is the cable chain, which is easier to install and is ideal for vehicles with a limited tire clearance, however, it is less durable and effective than the others.
As you should be aware, tire chains are not simply sold by the year, make, and model of a vehicle, but rather by its tire size. Check your tire size before you buy chains, and make sure your chains are the same size as your tire.
Peerless Series 2300 Auto-Trac
Due to the highly effective Auto-Trac tensioning system patented by Peerless, the classic chain link design of the Peerless Series 2300 can be used with passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks. This chain will allow you to park your car without needing to lift it up. It is instead a system where, after you have connected the internal cable and exterior tighteners, once you get started driving, the automatic ratcheting system tightens the chains to your tires.
Tire chains by Peerless Auto-Trac are manufactured from manganese alloy steel and are long lasting and durable. A diamond-shaped pattern is constructed on the tires to increase traction around them and create a greater surface area for optimum traction while on the road. Despite tires chains emitting a distinct sound, all tire chains often possess a smoother ride than their rivals due to the rumbling, clanking noise that they emitted.
Glacier 1046 Passenger Cable Tire Chain
Glacier tire cables, on the other hand, are made up of hardened steel rollers that are fixed to metal cross members, which makes them a better fit for smaller vehicles, thanks to their low profile. This set has been approved for use on passenger cars with limited wheel well clearance, which means it won’t void your car warranty, as it is suitable for use on vehicles with limited wheel well clearance. In addition, these devices meet all the state-specific requirements in order to be approved for use on tires.
Besides being light and easy to install, tire cables are also a great alternative to chains that weigh more. However, cables do not offer the same sort of traction or durability as tire chains. As a result, cables are recommended for lighter use.
Security Chain Company QG2228CAM Quik Grip
A wide range of tire chain sizes are available from Security Chain Company in order to be able to fit a wide range of different vehicles, including cars, minivans, SUVs, and trucks of various light weights. The QG2228CAM Quik Grip manganese alloy steel chain construction is praised for its brute strength, which is a necessary quality to endure the demands of such heavy hauling vehicles as 4×4 trucks. In addition, they are designed to be extremely durable, even when used on surfaces other than asphalt. They are available in a wide selection of sizes to fit most truck tires. It is important to note that these tires do not meet the S.A.E. Class “S” clearance requirements are not recommended for vehicles with a low stance or low profile tires.
As an alternative to the standard QG2228 model, this particular set has a CAM tightening system, which doesn’t require tensioners, which is an important feature for those who do not want to use them. The steps that come with it are exceptionally clear and easy to follow. We recommend an at-home trial run before you use these on the road, although most users report that this model is easy for them to install.
KÖNIG CB-12 104 Snow Chains
This K*NIG CB-12 chain is perfect for use with tires ranging from 15 to 19 inches with at least 12 millimeters of clearance and equipped with dual-sided D-shaped links for increased traction. Manganese nickel alloys are corrosion-resistant thanks to their construction. It includes a durable storage container, a kneeling mat, gloves, and mounting instructions as well as a helpful and durable storage container. Furthermore, these chains cost less than some competing products, about 10 to 30% less than what they cost.
There are many people who report that after purchasing this product they were able to easily install it due to the color-coded chains and integrated rubber tensioners. Users, however, strongly recommended testing the product at home and stated that the included paper instructions were not as helpful as watching YouTube videos on how to fit the product.
AutoChoice 6 Packs Car Snow Chains Emergency Anti Slip Tire Chains with Thickened Manganese Steel for Truck SUV in Snow, Ice, Sand and Mud(Tire Width 195-235mm)
The car snow chains are composed of 5 thick chains of high-quality thickened manganese steel which are super-strong and wear-resistant, with good ice breaking and skid resistance properties. The chains are anti-skid and can prevent the car from sliding in the snow. This design for a cross-over crossover, developed scientifically, provides for smoother driving and excellent traction.
-Automatic Tightener is a far better option than screw-on chains and it is very easy to install: Snow chains can be installed without using any tools, and tires can be removed and the car moved with no effort. The installation of snow chains can be completed independently by you. For details on how to install this product, please kindly refer to Figure 5 or to the detailed instructions that come with the product.
This snow chain is made of thick TPU tendon pads on both ends. This material is superior to rubber for preventing tire and wheel wear. A high tension and abrasion resistance tightening belt that has low temperature resistance suitably fitted to the wheel.