The Best Rated Snow Chains For Tires Top Picks: Updated In May 2024
By, Sara RyanUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Security Chain Company SZ429 Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain
Security Chain Company SZ429 offers a better traction performance than conventional tire chains or cables in order to prevent vehicle slipping. It's easy to install, with no need to move the vehicle and it comes with a rubber tightener that guarantees there is no need to stop and retighten after installation. Read Review
2. Best For The Price: Peerless 0232105 Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain
Peerless 0232105 is the perfect choice for light truck/SUV tires. This self-tightening ratchet provides automatic tightening and centering, making installation and removal easy. The diamond pattern cross chain provides a smoother ride and superior traction on wet or dry surfaces. Read Review
3. Best Performance: TerraGrips Tire Chains (26x12-12) [ST90011]
TerraGrips Tire Chains are built for all terrains. They are designed to handle all weather conditions including snow, mud, mulch, gravel and grass with ease. The rubber base provides superior grip without leaving permanent scratches or marks on asphalt and won’t destroy wet or frozen lawns. Read Review
4. Best Easy Setup: AUTOSOCK 697 Snow Socks - Better Alternative to Tire Chains
AutoSock 697 Snow Socks are perfect for tackling those icy and snowy winter roads. AutoSock 697 is approved by TUV SUD and leading car manufacturers, providing a lightweight and easy to store alternative to tire chains. Choose snow socks that are compatible with your vehicle! These snow socks can be installed quickly and easily in just minutes! Read Review
The snow season is almost here and if you live in a place where there’s snow every year, you’ll need to have the right equipment to keep your car safe. Chains are one of the most important safety devices that will help you drive on snowy and icy roads. When not used properly or improperly installed, they can cause damage to your tires and alignment system.
It also makes sure that other cars cannot get access to your vehicle as it would be difficult for them to accelerate over any bumps or cracks in the road. Check out these top-rated chains for your tires.
You'll have an easier time deciding with our Security Chain Company SZ429 Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain recommendations. However, in order to provide the reader with a wider variety of alternatives, we recommend adding Peerless 0232105 Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain if you are interested in purchasing another appealing one.
Here are the buying guides that we specially made for you guys. Follow all the words below for successful shopping!
RELATED: Our top 10 best snow chain has been researched and selected by our expert team through 118,621 reviews.
Our Top Picks
- Designed for pickups and SUVs with very limited operating clearance around the drive tires. Ideal solution to prevent vehicle slipping
- Fast easy installation with no need to move the vehicle
- Better all-around traction performance than conventional tire chains or cables
- Designed-in rubber tightener means there is no need to stop and retighten after installation
- Diamond Pattern Cross Chain Provides A Smoother Ride And Superior Traction
- Do Not Exceed 30 Mph With These Chains On
- Worry-Free Self-Tightening Ratchets Provide Automatic Tightening And Centering
- Easy Installation And Removal In Minutes
![TerraGrips Tire Chains (26x12-12) [ST90011]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51UlzVMn7iL._SL500_.jpg)
- EASY INSTALLATION: No tools are required to install on your tires. Rubber slats ensure secure fit. Plated steel components resist rust reducing your maintenance time. TerraGrips are available in numerous sizes to improve the traction of a variety of tires.
- NEXT LEVEL TRACTION: With TerraGrips Tire Chains, your machinery will be better equipped to plow, snow blow, mow, and till with ease. Our top of the line traction fights against slippage so won’t leave you stranded on a steep incline or stuck in a wet, muddy area. Rubber slats offer exceptional durability and prevent additional tire wear caused by steel chains.
- PATRIOTIC AND RESPONSIBLE: Superior Tech’s products are proudly manufactured in the USA. TerraGrips Tire Chains are constructed with environmentally friendly recycled rubber. All too often, damaged tires are dumped in landfills consuming valuable space, leading to the risk of fires, and potentially releasing harmful chemicals, such as methane gas, that will contaminate ground water and local land sources.
- PROTECTS PROPERTY: Unlike traditional steel tire chains, TerraGrips are made from multi-ply rubber slats. The rubber base provides superior grip without leaving permanent scratches or marks on asphalt and won’t destroy wet or frozen lawns.
- NO MATTER THE WEATHER: TerraGrips Tire Chains are built to successfully tackle anything Mother Nature throws your way. Extensively tested, these chains have proven capable of handling all terrains including snow, mud, mulch, gravel, grass, asphalt, and more. You can drive off the road with confidence knowing TerraGrips will do anything, anywhere.
- Lightweight and easy to store, reusable and machine washable
- Approved in All 50 US States - AutoSock 697 is approved by the USDOT where there are chain laws.
- Provides Traction During Winter - AutoSock tire socks help you navigate those icy & snowy roadways.
- Snow Socks for SUVs & pickups - Choose snow tire socks that are compatible with your vehicle!
- Easy and fast to fit and remove even in cold and difficult weather conditions
- Perfect temporary winter traction aid for vehicles
- Quick Installation & Removal - These snow socks for cars can be installed within a few minutes!
- Usable with alloy rims - even when metal chains not allowed, working on all vehicles with low clearance between tire and car body
- Solution to Tire Chains - Choose a lightweight & easy to store snow chains’ alternative with AS697!
- Approved by TUV SUD and leading car manufacturers
- Light Truck And Suv Applications
- Highway Service
- Durable Quik Grip Wide Base Link Chain
- On And Off Road Use
- Meets all state requirements for cable traction devices
- Type "S" limited clearance; Light weight and easy to install
- Case hardened steel rollers on cable cross members
- Suitable for front and rear wheel drive vehicles
- NOTE: Tire chains are made for THE CORRECT SIZE TIRES, not simply YEAR MAKE MODEL of the cars
- Light truck and SUV applications
- On and Off road use
- Durable Quik Grip link chain reinforced
- Highway service
- VEHICLE TYPE - the ultimate tire grabber recovery strap recommended for use on two wheel drive Trucks and SUVs with Standard or All-Terrain Tires. Tires with a max “Girth” of 40”. Each block measures 8.75" (L) x 3.5" (W) x 1.5" (D); Strap Size 2" x 56"
- GET UNSTUCK WITH TRAC-GRABBER - a quick, simple and effective solution when your vehicle is stranded in all types of terrain and adverse weather conditions. Rescue yourself with these must-have Trac-Grabber traction devices - no need for expensive tow trucks
- HOW DOES IT WORK - these tire traction straps help your slipping tires get unstuck from poor traction situations such as snow, ice, sand or mud. A perfect car emergency kit item for winter weather and a must-have device for hunters and outdoor adventurists
- BE PREPARED THIS WINTER – this easy to install emergency car kit device can be used over and over again. Made with durable and premium EPDM rubber, heavy duty "D" rings, reinforced tire straps and carrying bag for easy storage
- HOW TO USE - install at first sign of losing traction. Secure one heavy duty grabber to each drive wheel and keep front tires straight. Clear away any resistance. Slowly apply power (5mph) and let the Trac-Grabbers engage, lift and move the vehicle to stable terrain
- Approved by TUV SUD and leading car manufacturers
- Easy and fast to fit and remove even in cold and difficult weather conditions
- Fits tire sizes: 175/65/R17, 175/70R15, 175/70R16, 175/75R15, 175/80R14, 185/60R16, 185/60R17, 185/65R16, 185/70R15, 185/75R14, 185/80R13, 185/80R14, 185R13, 185R14, 190/65R390, 195/60R16, 195/65R15, 195/65R16, 195/70R14, 195/70R15, 195/75R13, 195/75R14, 205/40R18, 205/45R17, 205/45R18, 205/50R17, 205/55R16, 205/55R17, 205/60R15, 205/60R16, 205/65R14, 205/65R15, 205/70R14, 215/35R18, 215/35R19, 215/40R18, 215/45R17, 215/45R18, 215/50R16, 215/50R17, 215/55R15, 215/55R16,
- Provides Traction During Winter - AutoSock tire socks help you navigate those icy & snowy roadways.
- Perfect temporary winter traction aid for vehicles
- Usable with alloy rims - even when metal chains not allowed, working on all vehicles with low clearance between tire and car body
- Solution to Tire Chains - Choose a lightweight & easy to store snow chains’ alternative with AS645!
- Lightweight and easy to store, reusable and machine washable
- 215/60R14, 215/60R15, 215/65R14, 220/55R390, 225/30R19, 225/35R18, 225/35R19, 225/40R17, 225/40R18, 225/45R16, 225/45R17, 225/50R16, 225/55R15, 225/60R14, 235/30R19, 235/35R18, 235/40R17, 235/40R18, 235/45R16, 235/45R17, 235/55R15, 235/60R14, 245/30R19, 245/35R18, 245/40R17, 245/45R16, 245/50R15
- Quick Installation & Removal - These tire snow socks can be installed within a few minutes!
- PLEASE NOTE: Chains should be fitted to tire before actual use. Fitment can be affected by age of tire, tire manufacturer and/or tread type
- Provides optimal traction to your vehicle
- Includes cam and non-cam chains, regular, heavy duty and cold temperature operation chains
- Alternative to cable chains
- Comes with the cam tool and step by step instructions for easy installation
What to Look For in a best rated snow chains for tires?
To buy any product seems easy, but to choose the best one is not straightforward. The time you take to research its outcome is significant. The same matter also comes to best rated snow chains for tires of 2024 that we include in this article. But you can relax instead of spending too much time learning the products. It’s our duty!
Here are the main features of best rated snow chains for tires that all of you guys should keep in mind when deciding to make a purchase:
Self-Tensioning
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.
Automatic Release
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.
Material
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.
Traction
Weight
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.
Size
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.
RELATED: Are you looking to buy the good road snow chains in 2024? We provided helpful advice and reliable information in this article.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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