It is nearly impossible to drive over snow tires in areas that get more than a few inches of snow. It takes more like several feet of the cold, powdery stuff. The winter in some states is horrible, and some drivers live in remote locations where snowplows simply can’t get to them. The use of tire chains is essential in these regions.
Some regions do not allow the use of chained tires or snow chains. Tire chains are permitted in certain states only under specific restrictions. Before you begin shopping for snow chains, make sure you research whether or not snow chains in your state are allowed and at what time of year they can be used.
You need to consider several factors when choosing snow chains. Depending on how the snow chains are fitted to your tires, you’ll need to know how much clearance you’ll have for your tires, as well as your price range. Secondly, you will need a trunk with enough space to keep the chains until the chains can be attached.
In order to purchase snow chains for your passenger car, they must be marked SAE Class S. These chains are meant to be used by cars with low ground clearance and front-wheel drive. Trucks may require different snow chains than small cars. When choosing a chain, keep that in mind.
After that, we’ve gathered our top eight picks for snow chains for cars. This list contains chains that will fit pickup trucks and FORD RANGERs as well.
Konig CB-12
In comparison with some of Konig’s other chains, the CB-12 is a better bargain. You’ll need to adjust the tension of these chains yourself when you attach them to your tires due to the cheaper price. Once you’ve driven for a while, you won’t need to tighten them too often. The wheels are protected from scratching with simple locking mechanisms that are not as fancy as those on its more expensive models, but they do the same thing. They are easy to install, as are most tire chains. Check Konig’s website to find out if these chains can go over your tires first as they may not fit on all vehicles.
Peerless Auto-Trac Chain
When you think of snow chains, you first think of the Peerless Auto-Trac snow chains. Using self-tightening latches, the chains are automatically tightened to the proper tension, taking the hassle out of ensuring they are aligned properly. Chains with diamond patterns on their surfaces give you better traction on snow and more comfortable riding than chains with radial links. Despite being relatively light and highly durable, they are made of manganese alloy steel. Unfortunately, these are not the chains for those who plan on driving through snow. The maximum speed they can reach is 30 mph.
Security Chain Company Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain
The Super Z6 tire chain from Security Chain Company is designed to fit all vehicles that have a tire rim. Compared to conventional chains, cable-based chains take up only 1/4th of an inch of space in the wheel well. Furthermore, you won’t need to remove the tire or move the vehicle to install these snow chains. A rubber tension with this tire chain makes sure the chain is always snug against the tire, so you won’t have to constantly check whether they are still on your tires.
Quality Chain Cobra
The Quality Chain Cobra chains are an excellent choice if you’re on a budget. Tires are connected to the road by a cable and have low-profile steel rollers to allow them to have maximum contact with the road. In cold weather, the steel rollers will not rust. Installing the chains will not involve moving your vehicle back and forth, making them extremely easy to use. Having the rubber adjusters to mount these chains over your tires is one of the major downsides to these chains.
Konig XG-12 Pro
Among the tire chains on this list, the Konig XG-12 Pro is among the most expensive. Despite their incredibly high price tag, these tire chains possess remarkable engineering. A micro-regulation system in Konig chains makes sure they maintain their correct tension and remain on your tires. Chains have special designs that are evident from a glance at them. In awful wintry conditions, it provides maximum traction. In addition to being scratch-free, these chains have nylon bumpers to keep your wheels from getting scratched.
Suptempo Emergency Anti-Slip Tire Traction Chains
As a result, the anti-slip chains from Suptempo aren’t really chains. You can think of them as little footsie grips for your tires. There are three chains on each tire, unlike a chain that fits around the whole tire. Traction is provided by nine alloy steel nails embedded in each chain. Even so, they have a few advantages over regular chains. In addition to being lighter and more affordable, they are also easier to install. The downsides of these shoes include their lack of traction during winter weather and limited run time.