There are some drivers who live in winter-friendly areas that receive more than just a few inches of snow, at least not enough to justify snow tires. In some states, snow plows cannot reach remote areas during the winter, which results in the driver getting stuck in the snow. Tire chains are a must in these areas.
Some places don’t allow tire chains, which are also called snow chains. There are certain states which have specific requirements for where and when tire chains can be used. You’d be smart to research whether snow chains are allowed in your state before you start looking for them. You can also find out when you can use them by reading the local laws.
It is important to consider a few factors when deciding which snow chains to purchase for your BMW X5. Here are the factors you need to consider. Depending on the size of your vehicle’s tires, the amount of clearance they will have once they have been fitted onto the tires, as well as how much you can afford, you will need to know what your options are. You’ll also need to have a relatively large trunk, as that’s where the chains will remain until you’re ready to put them on.
If you have a passenger car, you have to purchase snow chains that carry an SAE Class S rating. The rating means that these chains are meant to be used by front-wheel-drive cars with low ground clearances. The best snow chains for trucks may not be the same for small cars. Keep that in mind when looking for a set of chains.
We’ve rounded up our eight favorite snow chains for cars. All the chains on this list will work on pickups and SUVs, too.
Best Over All | My Choice | Cheap | Value For Money |
 Thule XG-12 Pro Snow Chain Strong One |  Peerless 0232805 Auto-Trac Top Rated |  TRACGRABBER Tire Traction Device Cheap | Security Chain Company SZ462 Super Z8 Value For Money |
Security Chain Company Radial Chain
Amongst the options that are available, the Security Chain Company Radial Chain is a fine choice for occasional use. In the design and functionality of these chains, simple is the rule. According to the manufacturer, there is no fancy installation system built for these snow chains. Although this does mean that installation and removal is somewhat more difficult than some more expensive options, it is always a good idea to practice installing and removing snow chains before you find yourself in an emergency situation. As with any standard snow chains, they are easy to install and don’t require any special skills. Generally, these snow chains are a good option when using snow chains for the rare occasion that you might need them. There are undoubtedly many cheaper chains than the ones listed above, but they are undoubtedly some of the better chains you can buy.
Security Chain Company Super Z6 Cable Tire
It is likely that the Security Chain Company’s Super Z6 tire chain will fit your vehicle regardless of whether you own a car, truck, or SUV. A cable-based chain occupies an extremely small amount of space inside the wheel well, only taking up a quarter of an inch. It is also extremely easy to install, as the snow chains do not require the tire to be removed or the vehicle to be moved. As a result of the rubber tensioner, these tire chains remain snugly against the tires, so you do not have to continually look out to see if they remain on the tires.
Thule CB12 is a great option if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a piece of gear you’ll rarely, if ever, use. Instead of frills, the CB12 opts for functionality and affordability. The asymmetrical snow chain doesn’t come with a quick-release device, but it’s no more difficult to install than the average snow chain (which requires moving the car back and forth).
In snowy and icy conditions, the chain links provide traction, so you can count on them to get you to your destination. Don’t forget to take the size that you’ll need for your car or truck into consideration when shopping for the Thule CB12.
Quality Chain Cobra
If you’re on a budget and want tire chains, the Quality Chain Cobra will do. They’re cable-based and have low profile steel rollers so that tires can be in contact with the road. As for the steel rollers, they’re galvanized, so they won’t rust in winter. The chains will also be placed on your tires without you having to move your car when you place them, making it easy for you to place them on your tires. This chain has a few drawbacks, chief among them that you have to buy the rubber adjusters separately in order to fit the chains over your tires.
Konig XG-12 Pro
There are expensive tire chains on this list, including the Konig XG-12 Pro. They’ve got some pretty impressive engineering to match the incredibly high price. You can micro-regulate Konig chains so they have the right amount of tension and stay on your tires. There’s a special design on the chains. It’s for maximum traction in awful weather. The chains come with anti-scratch nylon bumpers, so your wheels won’t get scratched.
Suptempo Emergency Anti-Slip Tire Traction Chains
As a result, Suptempo’s anti-slip tire traction chains aren’t really chains. You can think about them more like feet for your tires. The chain does not fit around the entire tire; in fact, you need to hook up three of them on each tire. Nine nails are embedded in each chain. These nails dig into the snow to allow the chain to gain traction. Although they are certainly not as straightforward as regular chains, they do offer some advantages. In addition to being lighter and more inexpensive than traditional ones, they also do not require any adjustments after installation. Their disadvantages include decreased grip in winter conditions and a short run time since they are only intended for short periods of time.