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Trekking through slush and ice is harrowing enough. Add elevation and tight curves to the mix, and a wintertime journey through the mountains can become downright dangerous – so much so that several regions legally require tire chains. Drivers who face even a slim chance of needing to traverse a snowy mountain pass should prepare early to avoid fines or the chance of an accident. Solar Panel Mounting Accessories
The best tire chains are easy to install and minimize the chance of wheel damage due to improper sizing. High-tech modern materials reduce their weight and bulk, making them more practical to carry in case of a surprise snowstorm. Different tire chain patterns excel in different situations. Diagonal chains work for vehicles with traction control, while square chains work better for extra traction and longevity. Tire cables and traction socks are good alternatives for vehicles with limited clearance between the tire and the suspension or body.
We found the best tire chains, cables, and traction socks suited to a range of applications by scouring real-world reviews to select products proven to work. As a reminder, tire chains must be sized to match the size of the tire to work properly, so verify compatibility before purchase.
Fast easy installation with no need to move the vehicle
Easy to install but can require adjustment
Fast and easy installation with included rubber tighteners
Auto-Trac tensioning technology, unique to the Peerless brand, uses an automatic ratcheting system to automatically self-tighten the tire chains as the vehicle rolls. Connect the main radial chain to two tread chain tighteners, and then drive – no jacking or hassle required.
These popular snow chains feature a high-traction diamond pattern which smooths out the ride and slightly reduces road noise compared to straight chain designs. Manganese alloy steel construction is corrosion-resistant, and when sized correctly, the inside cable should mount comfortably away from the alloy wheel to prevent damage. Available in a variety of sizes for accurate fit, the model linked is compatible with several of the most popular car and crossover tire sizes.
Best Chain For Low-Profile Tires
Best Chain For Low-Profile Tires
Glacier 1046 Passenger Cable Tire Chain
Unlike the tire chains, the Glacier tire cables are made from hardened steel rollers secured onto cable cross members, allowing for the best low-profile fit for smaller passenger vehicles. This set is “S” limited clearance approved, which means they are suitable for use on passenger vehicles that have limited wheel well clearance and will not void your vehicle warranty. They also meet all state requirements for tire traction devices.
Tire cables are also a lightweight alternative to the heavier chains and are often easier to install. However, cables are recommended for lighter use as they tend to not offer as much traction or durability as the competing tire chains.
Security Chain Company QG2228CAM Quik Grip
The Security Chain Company offers a wide range of tire chain sizes to fit a range of different vehicles including passenger cars, minivans, SUVs and light-duty pickup trucks. The QG2228CAM Quik Grip manganese alloy steel chain construction is praised for its brute strength, needed to withstand the weight of tough 4×4 trucks. They are manufactured to be extremely durable, even during short stints on pavement, and are available for most truck tire sizes. However, they do not meet the S.A.E. Class “S” clearance requirements and are not suited for vehicles with a low stance of low-profile tires.
This specific set was chosen over the standard QG2228 model for its built-in CAM tightening system, which makes it so tensioners are not required. It comes with notably clear step-by-step instructions. Though most users state this model is easy to install, we recommend an at-home trial run before you need to use them on the road.
KÖNIG CB-12 104 Snow Chains
The KÖNIG CB-12 chains best fit 15- to 19-inch tires with at least 12 millimeters of clearance and are equipped with dual-sided D-shaped links for increased traction. The manganese nickel alloy construction is corrosion resistant. A helpful and durable storage container, kneeling mat, gloves and mounting instructions are included. Best of all, these chains are 20 to 30 percent cheaper than some competing products.
A large number of purchasers reported easy installation thanks to color-coded attachment points and integrated rubber tensioners. However, users highly recommended a test fit at home and stated that the included paper instructions were not as helpful as watching YouTube how-to videos.
Among alternatives to tire chains, AutoSock is the only winter tire sock to be approved as a stand-in for chains in all 50 states. AutoSock is the only textile traction device approved for use in the state of Colorado, a testament to its effectiveness on snowy roads.
AutoSock’s easy installation makes it an ideal choice for those with limited physical mobility, and its chain-free construction eliminates the risk of vehicle damage resulting from wheel clearance issues. Packable and light, the AutoSock has natural limitations: dry pavement and rutted roads have been known to damage the fabric in short order. Reducing speeds and avoiding sudden harsh maneuvers will extend the life of the AutoSock, but due to durability concerns, this Norwegian-engineered alternative to tire chains is best suited to occasional low-speed city driving.
Best Premium Tire Snow Chains
Best Premium Tire Snow Chains
European automotive regulations are notoriously stringent with cars subject to rigorous yearly inspections and aftermarket parts held to government standards. Italy and France set strict mandates regarding tire chains, a necessary tool to ascend the Alps by car. According to real-world reviews from Europe, Michelin makes some of the best tire traction devices.
The Easy Chain Evolution series features a diamond-shaped tread pattern for extra traction. The tread surface is constructed of composite aramid webbing for durability and enhanced by 150 metal studs that bite into ice. Lightweight and compact, the Easy Grip Evolution’s only metal near the wheel is the cam gear which sits a comfortable distance from the center hub. Sports car owners appreciate the low-profile design, which doesn’t get near suspension or chassis components. For extra nighttime safety, a high-visibility neon cord surrounds the wheel.
Getting a set involves importing them from Europe, a process made easier by Amazon UK’s free international delivery and free returns process. However, Amazon warns that the European warranty will not apply to a product shipped to the USA.
Fast easy installation with no need to move the vehicle
Easy to install but can require adjustment
Fast and easy installation with included rubber tighteners
Tire chains are theoretically simple devices: A metal chain that wraps around your tires to give you more traction on slippery and snowy surfaces. In reality, tire chains are part of a larger set of traction-aiding products including cable chains, strap-on polyurethane pads and even traction-aiding tire socks. That last category is usually best for cars with low-profile tires traveling only in light snow. Each style of chain has different pros and cons, including complexity of mounting and dismounting, weight, construction and durability.
Through testing and research, we evaluate all tire chains (and related traction devices) based on these weighted metrics:
Every chain manufacturer has a data table that specifies the exact tire sizes each chain model is designed to fit. Read the table before purchasing to find your tire size (and if you don’t know your tire size, go to your vehicle and read the sidewall label; for example, 225/50R16). If you have staggered tires (wider in the back, narrower in front), you may need two different chain models. Most snow chains fit every kind of normal tire. But if you have extra-wide tires, very tall off-road truck tires or other uncommonly large sizes, a compatible chain may be difficult or impossible to source.
In mountain areas where tire chains are a requirement, it is only necessary to have snow chains for one axle, either installed on the rear axle for rear-wheel-drive vehicles or in the front for front- or all-wheel-drive. However, four chains (two sets) are better for obtaining the best stability and traction. If chains are only installed in front, the rear tires can react unpredictably. If only the rear tires are equipped with chains, the vehicle’s steering could be less responsive, causing the car to understeer.
The most common reason tire chains damage a vehicle is poor fit. Tire chains should fit tightly around the tire and should not hit or contact the wheel surface if properly sized. Listen for any suspicious rotational noises when slowly pulling away immediately after installation to ensure the tire chain is not contacting suspension or chassis components. While driving, listen for any sounds of contact, and stop immediately if any noise is heard. Check the chains after driving a short distance and tighten if necessary.
Snow chains deliver greater durability and control in snowy and icy conditions, at the cost of heavier weight and more complicated installation. Cables are less expensive, lighter and easier to install, but aren’t as long-lasting and provide less traction. Chains rarely break, but one benefit of cables is that they’re likely to do less damage to your vehicle if they break.
Tire chains are legally required to travel on public roads in the winter in some regions, particularly over high-elevation mountain passes. Other areas, however, ban the use of snow chains because the metal can chip and degrade the pavement. Check your local laws before purchasing and installing.
Tire chains should only be installed on vehicles if the road is layered with snow or ice. Driving on bare pavement will cause the chains to eat into the tires as they’d eat into ice or snow, wreaking substantial havoc on both them and the road. Using chains on dry pavement can even cause a vehicle to slide during braking. If you reach a road that is plowed and clear, pull over and remove the chains.
When driving with snow chains or cables on the tires, accelerate slowly and do not exceed 30 mph. Driving faster than specified in the tire chains’ owner’s manual can cause the chains to slip or break, increasing the risk of body damage to the vehicle or causing a potentially hazardous driving condition.
Tara Hurlin is a freelance automotive writer and photographer. She's a car nut immersed in the automotive hobby, and she enjoys driving and wrenching on her custom 1961 Cadillac, 1963 Dodge 400 race wagon, 1988 Mazda RX-7 and 2018 Tacoma TRD Off-Road with Escapade trailer.
Solar Mounting System Om Profile Adam Barrera is a classically trained consumer journalist with a lifelong focus on cars. In 20 years of print, online and television journalism, engaging audiences through continued conversation on social media is his hallmark. Bylines at AutoTrader and professional roles at Mazda, Cadillac, Ford and Chrysler give Adam's audience an insider's edge.