Winter weather often ushers in snow and ice, making driving conditions hazardous. If you live in an area prone to heavy snowfall, swapping your car’s summer or all-weather tires for a set of winter tires before the snow and ice arrive is a wise choice. In some regions, it’s even a legal requirement.
For drivers who only need additional traction occasionally, such as for a weekend ski trip or a single wintertime drive, tire chains offer a temporary but effective solution.
Even with snow tires, chains increase the friction between the tire’s rubber and slippery surfaces like snow or ice. They provide an extra layer of traction and protection, especially on sharp turns and steep slopes.
If you reside in a milder climate like the sea-level areas of the Pacific Northwest or California and occasionally venture into snowy regions, investing in snow tires might feel unnecessary due to the expense and time commitment required to swap them out seasonally.
In such cases, snow chains or other traction devices provide a more affordable, albeit less convenient, alternative. Moreover, in 11 Western states, it’s mandatory to carry traction devices in your vehicle under certain weather conditions or in specific areas.
Using snow chains can be cumbersome since they’re often installed after reaching snowy zones so always carry gloves!
It’s essential not to drive on dry pavement with chains, as this can lead to breakage and cause damage to your car’s tires or paint. Broken chains can even wrap around suspension components, causing significant harm
What to Consider When Buying Tire Chains
Choosing the right traction device depends on your winter driving needs. The term “snow chains” refers to both traditional chains and cables made from tightly wound wire, which are typically easier to install and less expensive.
Another option is tire “socks,” which are temporary and even simpler to install.
Snow chains come in various materials and designs. Most traditional chains are made of steel, with some incorporating rubber or plastic tensioners. Lower-cost chains use basic steel, which is prone to rust and faster wear.
More durable options include chains made of alloy steel or boron steel, the latter being designed for heavy-duty use in extreme conditions.
Other alternatives, like steel coils or cables, combine materials such as polyurethane or rubber, while snow socks are made from fabric.
The chain design also influences performance and comfort. Diamond-pattern chains offer excellent multidirectional traction and perform well on various surfaces.
Square-shaped links provide superior traction, especially off-road, and are highly durable but heavier. Ladder-style chains or cables, which run perpendicularly across the tire, are lighter but offer less traction and a rougher ride.
Some chains come equipped with self-tensioning systems, which automatically adjust while driving, saving you from manual adjustments.
For intense winter driving, ensuring the correct chain size is crucial. Chains that are too small are difficult to install, while oversized ones may be loose and damage your vehicle.
Always consult your vehicle’s owner manual to verify compatibility with chains, as some manufacturers warn against their use on specific models. Improperly installed chains may even void your car’s warranty.
Tips for Winter Readiness
If you only need traction devices for emergencies, such as unexpected snowstorms, low-cost chains or snow socks might suffice. However, if you frequently drive in snowy conditions or visit ski areas, investing in high-quality chains or even snow tires may be a better choice.
When installing chains, look for a level surface and use insulated gloves. A covered area like a gas station awning can offer some protection from the elements. If you’re on the roadside, ensure you’re well clear of traffic and consider using reflective warning signs or flares from a roadside emergency kit.
Some chains include tensioners to keep them snug, while others require you to purchase these separately. Self-tensioning systems with spring-loaded arms or plastic clips can save time and effort.
How We Evaluated Tire Chains
Testing took place at Oregon’s Mt. Hood following a week of early-season snowfall. Conditions varied from fresh snow to packed and icy roads, as well as nearly bare asphalt.
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A 2017 Honda CR-V equipped with 235/60R18 snow tires served as the test vehicle. Chains and traction devices were evaluated based on their traction, road feel, driving comfort, braking performance, and ease of installation and removal.
1. König XG-12 Pro 235
This chain stands out for its unique pattern design, which incorporates welded double traction plates for maximum grip.
Its Micro-Adjust system simplifies mounting and tensioning, while the Active Tensioning and Balancing device ensures a snug fit.
Where to get it: König XG-12 Pro 235
These features make it the top choice for reliable traction and performance.
2. Peerless Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain
Constructed from durable manganese alloy steel, these chains offer maximum grip through square crosslinks. Although installation is straightforward, it took slightly longer than the König chains.
The patented ratcheting system tightens the chains automatically during driving, but the ride felt rougher across most surfaces.
Where to get it: Peerless Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain
3. Security Chain Company Shur Grip Super Z Passenger Car Tire Traction Chain
If you own a sedan, coupe, wagon, or another traditional passenger vehicle, these chains are a reliable choice for maintaining safety on slippery roads.
Instead of traditional chain links, these traction devices use cables wrapped in steel coils, making them lightweight and requiring less storage space.
They are particularly well-suited for compact vehicles, offering minimal risk of damage to your car or its components even under tough conditions.
The chains we tested include tensioners to keep them snugly fitted on the tires. However, the included plastic gloves proved ineffective in cold, harsh conditions.
Where to get it: Security Chain Company Shur Grip Super Z Passenger Car Tire Traction Chain
While these coils don’t dig into snow as deeply as chains, they’re still effective and exceptionally easy to install.
4. Security Chain Company Radial Chain SC1032
For drivers on a tight budget, these basic cable-style chains offer a viable solution for snowy conditions.
While they may not endure a full season of winter driving or match the durability of higher-priced options, they’ll provide adequate traction for occasional use.
Stopping distances are longer compared to premium chains, and some sizes require separately sold tensioners.
Where to get it: Security Chain Company Radial Chain SC1032
However, these chains are lightweight, making them easier to install and remove, and they deliver a smoother ride than traditional chains.
5. Vevor Tire Chains
For those seeking a balance between cost and quality, these chains are a solid mid-range option. Constructed from manganese alloy steel, they offer a strong resistance to breakage under normal conditions.
The diamond-pattern design delivers decent grip, though it can cause extra vibration and noise during use.
Where to get it: Vevor Tire Chains
Featuring multiple fastening mechanisms, these chains are quick and easy to install, with an automatic tightening system ensuring they stay securely in place on the tire.
6. König K-Summit XXL K66
For those who drive larger, higher-end SUVs and are not concerned with cost, the König K-Summit XXL K66 snow chains are an excellent option.
While they are the heaviest chains tested, they are highly flexible and designed to install on the outside of the wheel, eliminating the need to reach around the back of the tire as with most other chains.
This makes them significantly easier to mount and remove, and their extremely low profile adds convenience.
Where to get it: König K-Summit XXL K66
These chains come with proprietary adapters, and installation is done using a supplied wrench that indicates when the correct amount of torque has been applied. Additionally, a built-in ratchet system automatically adjusts the chains to the proper tension while driving.
7. Security Chain Company 0232805 Auto-Trac Light
These chains provide good performance on a variety of surfaces at a relatively affordable price, although they have a longer stopping distance compared to the best traction devices.
They perform well on fresh snow but can feel slippery on slush and icy surfaces. Nonetheless, they offer solid value for their price among the chains I tested.
The chains feature a patented ratcheting system that adjusts automatically to maintain tightness while driving, eliminating the need for additional tensioners.
Where to get it: Security Chain Company 0232805 Auto-Trac Light
They are also easy to install and remove, and their diamond-pattern cross-chain design offers a smooth ride.
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8. AutoSock HP697
These fabric snow “socks” provide a lightweight, temporary, and easy-to-install alternative to traditional chains, offering surprisingly good grip in snow and ice.
They fit a wide range of tire sizes and can legally replace chains in certain areas. Additionally, they take up less space in your vehicle.
The ride quality with these snow socks is smoother than with chains, and while the stopping distance is adequate, it’s not as effective as with traditional chains.
Though you can drive on bare pavement with chains for short distances, snow socks can be more easily and quickly damaged.
Where to get it: AutoSock HP697
These snow socks are a great option for drivers looking for a quick fix when driving in snowy conditions, but they are not a practical long-term solution for frequent winter driving. While reusable, they won’t last as long as high-quality snow chains.