If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, like a foot or two, snow tires probably won’t be enough. The winter can be brutal in some states, and some drivers live in remote areas that snowplows can’t get to. Tire chains are needed in these areas.
Snow chains, or tire chains, aren’t legal everywhere. In some states, tire chains aren’t allowed where and when you want them. Find out if snow chains are legal in your state and when you can use them before you start shopping.
When you’re deciding which snow chains to buy for Mazda CX 5, you have to take a few things into account. Once the snow chains are on, you’ll need to know how much clearance they’ll have, and how much you’re willing to spend. As for the trunk, that’s where the chains will stay until you 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.
With all that out of the way, here are our eight best snow chains for cars. The majority of the chains on this list will work on pickup trucks 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
I like the Security Chain Company Radial Chain 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. It is important to note that although these chains are more difficult to install and remove than some more expensive options, it is always a good idea to practice installing and removing snow chains at home, before you find yourself in an emergency situation. Installation is no more difficult than any other standard snow chains. Overall, for the rare occasion when you might need to use snow chains, these are an affordable option. They might not be the best chains that money can buy, but they are certainly some of the cheapest.
Quality Chain Cobra
You can find a great deal on Quality Chain Cobra chains on a budget if you are looking for tire chains. Cable-based, they provide a good amount of tire-to-road contact because they have steel rollers that have a low profile. There are galvanized rollers, too, so you won’t have to worry about rusting them during severe winter weather. You won’t have to move your car back and forth when you install the chains either, making them easy to place on your tires. One of the major downsides of these chains is that the rubber adjusters that you need to fit the chains over your tires are sold separately.
Konig XG-12 Pro
It is no surprise that the Konig XG-12 Pro is one of the most expensive tire chains we have reviewed. However, with an extremely high price tag associated with them, these tire chains are somewhat of an engineering marvel. Konig’s chains come with a micro-regulation system to ensure they have the right amount of tension and stay on your tires. Looking at the chains, you’ll notice that they have a special design on them. It’s for maximum traction in awful wintery conditions. Your wheels will be scratch-free with these chains, too, as they come with anti-scratch nylon bumpers.
Suptempo Emergency Anti-Slip Tire Traction Chains
Thus, Suptempo’s Anti-Slip Tire Traction Chains don’t specifically refer to chains. The little footsie grips are more like little footsies that you can put on your tires rather than shoes. There are three of these chains to be placed on every tire, instead of one chain for your entire tire. There are nine nails in every chain, each of which digs into the snow for improved traction. While there are certainly some differences between these types of chains and regular chains, there are also some advantages to consider. Since they are lighter, more affordable, and don’t need to be adjusted after being installed, they are a good option. One of the downsides of these tires is that they are only meant to be used for short periods because they have less grip on ice and snow in wintery conditions.
Thule CG-9 2-Piece Chain Set
Thorle is a company that was founded in Sweden that is known for its ability to design products for consumers that enjoy going on adventures. Taking this into consideration, it has a lot of experience in dealing with heavy snowfall. The Thule CG-9 snow chains are some of the company’s most popular models, but they also come with some innovative technology that sets them apart from the competition. The snow chains are made out of nickel alloy steel, have an anti-scratch solution for the rims, and feature a self-tensioning system with micro regulation for a precise fit. Thule also provides a kit that includes spare parts, mounting instructions, a kneeling mat, and gloves with the chains.
Peerless Auto-Trac Chain
f you think of snow chains, what comes to mind are the Peerless Auto-Trac snow chains. They are the ideal tire chains that fill that niche. There are self-tightening ratchets on the chains to ensure that they are tightly centered on the tire at all times, so you don’t have to worry about checking them and making sure that they are centered on the tire. Using a chain like this on a snow tire gives you better traction on the snow and allows you to ride more comfortably than a simple chain that comprises large links. They are made out of manganese alloy steel, which is a relatively light and highly durable material. In the event that you plan to blast through snow, these chains will not be the right choice for you. They carry a top speed rating of 30 mph.