The Best Car Chains For 2024

Hailey Abbott By, Hailey Abbott
Updated
Best Car Chains
Best Car Chains

Our Top Picks

1. Best Of The Best: Security Chain Company SZ429 Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain

Designed for easy installation and to prevent vehicle slipping, these super strong cables are ideal for a reliable solution. Our Unique design-in rubber tightener means there is no need to stop and retighten after installation, while better all-around traction performance than conventional tire chains or cables assures you a safer ride. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Glacier 1038 Passenger Cable Tire Chain

This is a tough tire chain that offers traction and long wear. It's made of strong, carbon steel rollers that provide traction and grip on slippery surfaces. The low profile steel roller allows increased tire-to-road contact, resulting in better stability, plus a considerable reduction in noise and vibration. Electro-galvanized coating for rust protection ensures this tire chain lasts longer too! Read Review

3. Best Performance: Security Chain Peerless 0232405 Auto-Trac Light Tire Traction Chain

Peerless Tire Traction Chain is a self-tightening, ratcheting traction chain that makes it easy to install and remove in minutes. The diamond pattern cross chain provides a smoother ride and superior traction. Worry-Free Self-Tightening Ratchets provide automatic tightening and centering, eliminating loose chains and retightening stops. Read Review

4. Best Adjustable: AOSUYOU Snow Chains Car Anti Slip Tire Chains

You don't have to worry about getting stuck with the new AOSUYOU Snow Chains Car Anti Slip Tire Chains Adjustable. They're made of premium quality materials, which are low temperature resistant and 100% pure Dichotomanthes material. The chains are also resistant to minus 50 degrees Celsius, so you can drive confidently in all winter conditions. They're also wearable and tough, so they'll be with you for years to come. Read Review

When you’re looking for a new car dealership to support, it can be difficult knowing which one is the best for you. After all, not all car dealerships are created equal. If you care about where your money goes as much as you care about getting the perfect car to fit your needs, then it can be worth checking out which car chains are worth patronising.

There are a few things that all great car dealers have in common: they offer their customers excellent value for money. It’s no wonder that these business models continue to succeed year after year. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that good car chains differ from their less-successful counterparts.

After spending 20 hours researching and assessing, We have identified the best car chains is Security Chain Company SZ429 Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain. We've put up a buying guide as well as additional good alternatives to help you find the perfect one.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Security Chain Company SZ429 Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain
Our Score:
9.8
Security Chain
  • Fast easy installation with no need to move the vehicle
  • Designed for pickups and SUVs with very limited operating clearance around the drive tires. Ideal solution to prevent vehicle slipping
  • Designed-in rubber tightener means there is no need to stop and retighten after installation
  • Better all-around traction performance than conventional tire chains or cables
TOP Choice #2 Glacier 1038 Passenger Cable Tire Chain
Our Score:
9.6
Glacier Chains
  • Case hardened steel rollers on cable cross members
  • Type "S" limited clearance
  • Product fitment details can be verified under "see all details" for application compatibility.Adjusters Recommended, Sold Separately
  • Suitable for front and rear wheel drive vehicles
TOP Choice #3 Security Chain Peerless 0232405 Auto-Trac Light Tire Traction Chain
Our Score:
9.4
Security Chain
  • Eliminates Loose Chains And Retightening Stops
  • Diamond Pattern Cross Chain Provides A Smoother Ride And Superior Traction
  • Worry-Free Self-Tightening Ratchets Provide Automatic Tightening And Centering
  • Easy Installation And Removal In Minutes
  • 【Snow Chains Unique Feature】: Snow Chains, Anti-skid wear, not to hurt the tire, toughness strong, Widen and thickened chain, Hardened steel nails,Effectively prevent fracture, free lift jack, quick installation. Contact with the ground is covered with high hardness alloy nail, prevent slippery
  • 【Snow Chains for Easy Installation and Removal】: Snow Tire Chain with adjustable Tension Straps which makes mounting your unit to the tire a breeze. Tire chain provides a very good control of snow mud or sand, will not damage the tire and the wheel or the road.
  • 【Snow chains safe driving】: Snow Chains, Easy to carry and use for any emergency road assistance. You can set it up to your vehicle tires within minutes, and rescue your car from the tough situation, can be placed in the car at any time standby. Provides perfect results on bad weather conditions like snow, mud or ice with its dual threaded and layered pattern.
  • 【Universal model fitted Snow Chains】: With adjustable Tension Straps and Double Clip, Snow Chains can be applied to all the models of the tire width range from 185-295mm/7.2-11.6''. Special fastener, real materials, with strong anti-wear Engineering. The style harness fits snugly around the tire, and fits almost any tire on a car, SUV or light truck.
  • 【Premium quality Snow Chains】: Snow Chains, Low temperature resistant, 100% pure Dichotomanthes material and wear-resistant non-slip nails, which does no harm to tires, lower noise, wearable and tough. Resistant to low temperature of minus 50 degrees Celsius. All the details are for you and your family to provide security. It’s necessary tools for traveling, snow, mud, climbing, ice and other emergencies.
5 KONIG CG-9 104 Snow chains
Our Score:
9.1
Konig
  • 9 mm inside and on-the-tread clearance.
  • Anti-scratch nylon bumpers protect alloy wheels (optional application).
  • Certifications: Ö-Norm 5117, UNI 11313, TÜV.
  • The self-tensioning chain.
  • 235/70-15, 235/60-16, 245/55-16, 215/65-17, 225/60-17, 235/55-17, 255/45-17, 275/40-17, 225/55-18, 225/50-18, 245/45-18, 255/45-18, 255/40-18, 225/45-19, 235/45-19, 255/35-19, 275/30-19, 265/35-19, 195/55-20, 265/30-20
6 Security Chain Company SC1032 Traction Tire Chain
Our Score:
9.0
Security Chain
  • Requires low operating space around drive tires
  • Constructed from stainless steel and are highly durable
  • Improves starting, stopping and cornering performance
  • Low weight facilitates simple mounting and removal
  • Ensures smooth ride
  • Greater Durability Than Conventional Tire Chains Or Cables
  • Better All-Around Traction Performance Than Conventional Tire Chains Or Cables
  • Fastest, Easiest Installation Of Any Traction Product
  • Built-In Rubber Tensioner Means There Is No Need To Stop And Retighten After Installation
8 dgdgbaby Snow Chains Anti Slip Snow Chains
Our Score:
8.8
Dgdgbaby
  • 🚗【QUICK AND EASY INSTALLATION】: Snow Chains, Easy to carry, You can put the tire chains in your trunk and use for any emergency road assistance. These snow chains can be effortless installed and removed in minutes, don't need to move the vehicle or take down the tires, convenient to use for both men and women.
  • 🚗【HIGH QUALITY】:These tire chains are made of thickening pure TPU Material and Nylon Strap. Durable and long service time. No harm to tires, lower noise. And the bright yellow is easy to see even in the dark.The Package included 10 x Anti-slip Chain, 1 x Snow Shovel, 1x pair of Non-slip Gloves, 1 x original package
  • 🚗【ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR WINTER】:Snow chains is not only in the winter and rain and snow can play a role, also can be used in skiing, cross country, field exploration, mountain driving, using special anti-skid chain of rough surface to increase friction with road, to prevent tire from slipping, give you peace of mind when driving.
  • 🚗【SAFE DRIVING TIPS】:This snow tire security chain is a necessary tool for traveling, snow, mud, climbing, ice, and other emergencies. It can prevent sliding when driving in the poorest of road conditions, TIPS:1. Use for emergency, limited speed: ≤ 40km/h; 2. Front-wheel drive or Rear-wheel drive just need 1 set, but Four-wheel drive should better order 2 set; 3. the snow chain CAN NOT be used on cement road when not snowing
  • 🚗【UNIVERSAL USAGE SNOW TIRE CHAINS for All Season】: Anti Slip Emergency Snow Tire Chains with special design for Car, SUV, Truck and can be applied to all the models of tire width 7.3”-11.7”(185mm-295mm) and 6.5”-10.8”(165mm-275mm). Best for ice road, snow road and mud road.
9 BESTWELL4U 2021 Upgraded Snow Chains
Our Score:
8.6
BESTWELL4U
  • 【All-Weather and All-Terrain】Can be used on snowy, rainy, sunny day, used on snow road, mud road, sand road, mountain road, rain road and all kinds of terrain.
  • 【2021 Upgraded Design More Safe & Multi-Use Accessories】As you can see on 2nd image,to guarantee more safety,the tightener is designed to be rolled with wrench plate,which can make weight more light and avoid hand grip squeezed by ice/snow. On 3rd image, you can see,old-style accessories are replaced with Multi-use tool bag and riding gloves,which can be used widely.
  • 【Heavy Duty and Durable】Snow chains are made from welded iron coated with Zn to prevent rust, which makes chains able to take heavier duty and be more durable.
  • 【Fit Tire Width: Between 215 and 295 mm】For example, your tire size is 225/50R17,which means tire width is 225mm.between 215 and 315 mm, so these chains fit your tires.
  • 【Easy Use】Refer to instruction to install and disassembly snow chains, and use ratchet roll to tighten and loosen chains quickly and conveniently.
10 KÖNIG Easy-FIT SUV 255 Snow Chains
Our Score:
7.7
KÖNIG
  • Homologations/certifications/conformity: Ö-Norm 5117, UNI 11313, TÜV.
  • Anti-scratch nylon bumpers protect alloy wheels (optional application).
  • Not for off-road use.
  • 255/75-15, 245/75-16, 255/70-16, 245/70-17, 255/65-17, 255/60-17, 235/65-18, 255/55-18, 255/50-19, 245/50-20, 255/45-20, 235/55-20
  • 10 mm inside and on-the-tread clearance.

What to Look For in a best car chains?

You may know that best car chains is a kind of product many customers are hesitant to pay for. It is not due to its quality but the fact that there are many factors you must consider. Nevertheless, all your worry is not a problem for us. Our knowledgeable staff will help you with the right decision.

Tech-evaluated and high-rated products are available in our list of eligible items. Here are some indispensable things you shouldn’t ignore:

Self-Tensioning

The self-tensioning feature is offered by many of the more expensive chains. It can be helpful in the installation. Auto-tensioning tires will move with the vehicle, and self-tensioning ones will adjust using the built-in knobs.
The chains are more efficient on the snow thanks to less slack. The self-tensioning option is best for you if the likelihood of using your chains frequently.
There are many assisted and manual tensioning options available. These chains are typically more affordable and less difficult to install at first.
But, drivers must make sure they are tightened after driving. When it's snowy, cold or snowy, self-tensioning cables can help reduce time spent sitting on the curb.
It is important to consider all pros and cons before you fully commit to self-tensioning chain or manual.

Material

The technology behind tire traction chains has changed over the years. While some traditional materials remain in use, newer technologies have been brought to market.
Higher-end metal chains generally contain manganese and titanium alloys. This provides superior strength, durability and flexibility. We recommend extra-burly material chains for heavy trucks or other large vehicles. Economy and middle-of the-road chains are usually made from hardened steel.
Although metal chains offer more traction control than some other materials, they are more likely to cause damage to roads or vehicles. The industry introduced snow socks and rubber chains to address this issue. Although they might not be suitable for all extreme conditions, these are still better options than the alternatives.

Automatic Release

Premium tire chains often include automatic release. The automatic release function is useful if you are driving over large mountain passes that have variable snow conditions, or travel many miles that might require chains.
A chain release system can dramatically reduce the time spent manually taking off your chains, while you are exposed to the elements and other hazards.

Traction

When discussing snow chains, the main topic is traction. This is because the chains help cars accelerate, turn, brake, and corner with complete control. There are many tire chains that offer different levels of grip to suit various sizes and types of trucks or cars.

Size

Whatever style chain you select, make sure to buy the correct size. For the chains to function properly and fit correctly, this is essential.
It is easy to find your size tire. The tire sidewall should have the following information: tire size, tire height, tire width, tire diameter, sidewall ratio, tire width.
Do not worry too much about details such as the dimensions. Simply match the number of the chains to their model numbers. The chains that we recommend are all available in different sizes.

Weight

There will be differences in their weight as you compare different sets of tires chains to suit your car. The lighter chains provide better traction and fuel economy. These chains are easier to put in, take out, and store.
Even though they can be more expensive and less fuel efficient, chains that are heavier will offer better friction and last longer. The heavier chains will be harder to store, transport and carry than those of lighter weight.
Chains on tires won't last more than 5-10 miles per day, so you don't need to worry about how fuel economy will affect your driving. You shouldn't purchase the largest tires if you don't intend to be using them much. No matter what your decision, safety must always be your main concern.

FAQs

Do Chains Ruin Your Tires?

Your tires will be damaged if your vehicle is driven on unpaved roads. It's possible to cause severe damage to your tires and road if you leave your tires on pavement that isn't covered by tire chains.

Can Snow Chains Be Used In The Mud?

However, while snow chains perform best on packed snow or ice they are also useful for muddy terrain. Tires lose traction when the treads become filled with foreign material like snow, ice and mud.
Chains provide additional friction and traction. There are some snow chains that work well in mud better than others. Different manufacturers might declare the efficacy of individual chains.
You shouldn't take winter driving lightly. There are many ways to safely travel on icy and snowy roads. The snow tires are great for wintry mountain environments but it can be costly to change a whole set.
You may not be in need of snow tire chains but they are useful to have around your car in difficult conditions.

Are Snow Chains Or Snow Socks Better?

Sometimes snow socks are a better alternative than traditional chains. However, traditional snow chains don't offer the same level or traction that snow socks.
It is more difficult to replace snow socks fabric than metal chains. Snow socks, however, are an excellent option for people who do not plan to drive in extreme winter conditions.
Additionally, certain vehicle manufacturers suggest that snow chains not be used on some models. Snow socks are a great solution for low tire clearance. While they might not be as traction-enhancing as traditional chains, snow socks offer better than none for cars that can't handle increased volumes.

What Type Of Snow Chains Are Best?

It is not always easy to find the right outdoor gear piece. Analyzing the different features of snow chains such as material, link patterns and weight can help you make the best decision for your needs.
Higher-end models are better suited for those who plan to drive in adverse conditions and use their chains frequently. However, you may be more interested in a lower-cost option that will allow you to store a spare set of chains just in case.
As each snow chain offers its unique set of advantages and disadvantages, the ultimate decision lies with the consumer.

What Is Better Than Snow Chains?

There are many options for snow chains that might be best suited to your vehicle and lifestyle. The tire straps can be used as a traction device to replace snow chains. These straps attach like snow chains, but offer more versatility. These are suitable for small and medium-sized cars, as well as crossovers and smaller vehicles. They can be placed over your tires if you are traveling in snow, and need additional traction when on sandy or rocky terrain.
Some people prefer snow socks to snow chains because they don't cause damage to your car and are easier to install. The ride feels quieter, without having to deal with the vibrations and rumbles of larger traction devices. For short-term driving and low speeds, snow socks are recommended over tires. The quieter ride is appreciated by users who don't need the bulky traction equipment. For short-term, low-speed driving and snow socks are recommended.

Do You Need Snow Chains On All Four Tires?

Make sure you have the most effective snow tires chains to cover all corners of your all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle. FWD, RWD cars and crossovers will be safer and more stable if they have snow chains installed on all four tires. They can also be mounted on the axle wheels.
However, the substantial difference in traction may cause excessive steering in front-wheel-drive cars and too much understeer for rear-wheel-drive cars.

Our website is constantly updated so that the information you read becomes the latest one. Please visit our website or subscribe to our newsletter list more than normal to catch up with the new best car chains of 2024.

Please feel free to contact us whenever you need support. You’re welcome to get in touch with us!


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About Hailey Abbott

Hailey Abbott
Hailey Abbott is an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for CampfireHQ. She has a passion for hunting and fishing, which she often enjoys with her family and friends. Hailey also enjoys staying active through sports such as golf, basketball, and softball. Hailey has worked as an editor for several years, providing content that is both accurate and engaging. She has also had the opportunity to interview numerous experts in various fields. This wealth of experience gives her a unique perspective when writing about the outdoors and other topics.

Read Hailey's full bio