The Best Snow Chains For 4wd - Reviews, Buying Guide, & More
By, Scott NelsonUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Security Chain Company SZ143 Super Z6
Constructed with a unique "Wrap-Around" design for an easier installation, these chains are made for cars, pickups and SUVs with very limited operating clearance around the drive tires. They are also designed to fit easily on vehicles that have wide sidewalls and minimal tread width. Read Review
2. Runner Up: KÖNIG XG-12 PRO 265 Snow Chains
KÖNIG XG-12 PRO 265 Snow Chains provide superior driving comfort and top performing traction in winter conditions, with 12 mm inside and on-the-tread clearance. The quick fitting snow chain for SUVs has anti-scratch nylon bumpers protecting alloy wheels. Read Review
3. Best Performance: Peerless 0232805 Auto-Tire Traction Chain
This self-tightening traction chain is designed to provide superior traction and smooth ride in light truck size. The diamond pattern cross chain provides a smoother ride and superior traction that's great for your off-road adventures. Read Review
4. Best Durable: Security Chain Company ZT735
The Security Chain Company ZT735 is the quickest and easiest installation of any traction product. With its built-in rubber tensioner, there is no need to stop and retighten after installation. This tire traction chain has better all-around traction performance than conventional tire chains or cables. It is also stronger than conventional tire chains or cables with greater durability. Read Review
You may not realize it, but your car is always preparing for the future. It’s anticipating the worst-case scenario and making plans to keep you safe. However, that doesn’t mean your car can read minds and anticipate every possible situation. Sometimes, Mother Nature has more of a say in what happens than we do. When there is snow on the ground or ice on the roads, your car needs snow chains to keep you moving safely.
Luckily, getting chains for your car isn’t hard at all. They aren’t expensive and they are easy to install. They are also useful, so keep reading our guide to learn everything you need to know about snow chains for four-wheel drive cars and trucks!
After 19 hours of research on customer feedback & product specifications, We've come up that the best snow chains for 4wd is Security Chain Company SZ143 Super Z6. If you desire extra features not included in this model, you might look into another one: KÖNIG XG-12 PRO 265 Snow Chains. It could better suit your needs.
RELATED: Our team research 6,020 customer reviews and create the list of 10 easy grip snow chain for you.
Our Top Picks
- Country of origin : China
- Designed for cars, pickups, and SUVs with very limited operating clearance around the drive tires
- Designed-in rubber tightener means there is no need to stop and retighten after installation
- Fast easy installation with no need to move the vehicle
- 31x11.50-15, 265/70-16, 235/85-16, 265/65-17, 275/60-17, 265/60-18, 255/60-18, 255/55-19, 265/50-19, 285/45-19, 255/50-20, 265/45-20, 275/45-20, 295/40-20, 315/35-20, 265/45-21, 265/40-21, 295/35-21
- 12 mm inside and on-the-tread clearance.
- Anti-scratch nylon bumpers protect alloy wheels (optional application).
- The quick fitting snow chain for SUVs, providing superior driving comfort and top performaces.
- Homologations/certifications/conformity: Ö-Norm 5117, Ö-Norm 5119, UNI 11311, TÜV.
- Diamond Pattern Cross Chain Provides A Smoother Ride And Superior Traction
- Do Not Exceed 30 Mph With These Chains On. Meets Class "S" clearance requirements, even in light truck sizes
- Worry-Free Self-Tightening Ratchets Provide Automatic Tightening And Centering
- Easy Installation And Removal In Minutes
- Fastest, Easiest Installation Of Any Traction Product
- Greater Durability Than Conventional Tire Chains Or Cables
- Better All-Around Traction Performance Than Conventional Tire Chains Or Cables
- Built-In Rubber Tensioner Means There Is No Need To Stop And Retighten After Installation
- 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
- Homologations/certifications/conformity: Ö-Norm 5117, UNI 11313, TÜV.
- 10 mm inside and on-the-tread clearance.
- Anti-scratch nylon bumpers protect alloy wheels (optional application).
- Not for off-road use.
- Lightweight and easy to store, reusable and machine washable
- Perfect temporary winter traction aid for vehicles
- Solution to Tire Chains - Choose a lightweight & easy to store snow chains’ alternative with AS697!
- Easy and fast to fit and remove even in cold and difficult weather conditions
- Snow Socks for SUVs & pickups - Choose snow tire socks that are compatible with your vehicle!
- Usable with alloy rims - even when metal chains not allowed, working on all vehicles with low clearance between tire and car body
- Approved by TUV SUD and leading car manufacturers
- Provides Traction During Winter - AutoSock tire socks help you navigate those icy & snowy roadways.
- Quick Installation & Removal - These snow socks for cars can be installed within a few minutes!
- Approved in All 50 US States - AutoSock 697 is approved by the USDOT where there are chain laws.
- Includes cam and non-cam chains, regular, heavy duty and cold temperature operation chains
- Alternative to cable chains
- Provides optimal traction to your vehicle
- Comes with the cam tool and step by step instructions for easy installation
- 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 Traction During Winter - AutoSock tire socks help you navigate those icy & snowy roadways.
- Approved in All 50 US States - Auto Sock 645 is approved by the USDOT where there are chain laws.
- Snow Socks for Compact Cars - Choose snow socks for tires that are compatible with your vehicle!
- Approved by TUV SUD and leading car manufacturers
- Easy and fast to fit and remove even in cold and difficult weather conditions
- Quick Installation & Removal - These tire snow socks can be installed within a few minutes!
- Solution to Tire Chains - Choose a lightweight & easy to store snow chains’ alternative with AS645!
- 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
- 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
- 【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.
- 【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.
- 【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.
- 【Easy Use】Refer to instruction to install and disassembly snow chains, and use ratchet roll to tighten and loosen chains quickly and conveniently.
- 【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.
- No need to stop and retighten chains after installation
- Easy to use
- Tightens chains on tires for light trucks and SUVs
- Use to install chains on tires for icy roads
- One pair per package
What to Look For in a best snow chains for 4wd?
Some of you may be reluctant to select one of the best snow chains for 4wd, to be honest. The main reason is that you didn’t study that before. There are pretty lots of factors that must be considered when investing in best snow chains for 4wd. You are expected to count on our expertise in best snow chains for 4wd to make the right choice.
So now we move on to the significant factors related to best snow chains for 4wd you must keep in mind:
Traction
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.
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.
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.
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.
FAQs
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
The list of best snow chains for 4wd is frequently updated whenever new data becomes available. Please take more time to visit our website to stay up-to-date with changes in the product.
You are supposed to be free to get in touch with our customer support. All of your problems or challenges with the best snow chains for 4wd will be carefully considered.
READ NEXT: Top Best Coffee Makers With Grinder For You In 2024 & Buying Tips
About Scott Nelson
