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. A lot of states get pounded by snow in the winter, and some drivers live in remote areas where snow plows can’t get to. It’s a must to have tire chains in these places.
Some places don’t allow tire chains, which are also called snow chains. Tire chains are allowed in some states, but there are strict rules about where and when they can be used. Before you buy snow chains for your car, you should learn whether they’re legal in your state and when you can use them.
It’s important to consider a few factors when choosing snow chains for your Toyota FJ Cruiser. Once the snow chains are on your tires, you need to know how much clearance they’ll have and what you’re willing to spend. 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.
Following that, we present our eight recommendations for the best snow chains for cars. This list of chains will work on cars and trucks of all types.
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 |
Quality Chain Cobra
If you know you need tire chains on a budget, the Quality Chain Cobra tire chains are a great option. 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.
Thule CB12 Tire Chain
Consider the Thule CB12 if you don’t see the point of spending big bucks on a piece of gear you might not use very much. While more expensive, the CB12 offers simplicity and affordability instead of frills. Though not equipped with an external quick-release device, this asymmetrical chain is no more difficult to install than the average snow chain (which requires moving the car backwards and forwards).
Chain links do a good job of providing traction, regardless of whether you are traveling on deep snow or glare ice. When shopping for the Thule CB12, be sure to take into consideration the size that you will need for your particular car or truck.
Konig XG-12 Pro
Among these tire chains are Konig XG-12 Pro chains. While these tire chains cost an incredibly high price, they have some pretty amazing engineering. In fact, Konig chains feature a micro regulation system that lets you control the tension and ensure your tires stay on. 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.
AutoSock Standard Snow Tire Chain
Auto sock, which was invented as a replacement for bulky tire chains, offers a simple and sleek approach to increasing traction in snow. The Auto sock is an innovative new product that uses a specially designed textile cover to wrap around the whole tire instead of the traditional chains that ride around the tire. The surface is full of traction-enhancing fibers that can gain traction on snow and ice, much like conventional snow chains.
Those worried about long-term durability will be glad to know that Auto socks are fully reusable and can be machine-washed after use to remove the dirt embedded in the fabric. Best of all, the textile-based Auto sock can be folded up and stashed out of the way once it is not needed anymore.
Security Chain Company Super Z Traction Chain
SuperZ tire chains are, according to Security Chain Company, the simplest to install of any traction product. They also have built-in rubber tensioners that don’t need to be tightened or adjusted after installation. These tire chains are specifically aimed toward consumers that don’t need to use tire chains all that much. They take up little space when it comes to storage, though they may not last as long as traditional chains and may not provide the same amount of traction as other options on this list.
Peerless Auto-Trac Chain
The Peerless Auto-Trac snow chains are the quintessential set of tire chains that come to mind when you think about snow chains. The chains feature self-tightening ratchets that automatically get the chain to its proper tightness, taking the fuss out of checking them and making sure they’re properly centered on the tire. A large-linked radial chain does not offer the traction on snow that a diamond pattern does. This method also provides a more comfortable ride. Made from manganese alloy steel, they are lightweight and very durable. The chains won’t work if you’re planning on blazing through snow.