Best Snow Chains – Types and How To Buy It

Best Snow Chains or tire chains are devices fitted to the tires of vehicles to provide maximum traction when driving through snow and ice. Snow chains attach to the drive wheels of a vehicle or special systems deploy chains that swing under the tires automatically. Although named after the steel chain, snow chains may be made of other materials and in a variety of patterns and strengths. Chains are usually sold in pairs and often must be purchased to match a particular tire size (tire diameter and tread width), although some designs can be adjusted to fit various sizes of the tire. Driving with chains reduces fuel efficiency, and can reduce the allowable speed of the automobile to approximately 50 km/h (30 mph), but increase traction and braking on snowy or icy surfaces. Some regions require chains to be used under some weather conditions, but other areas prohibit the use of chains, as they can deteriorate road surfaces.

In my opinion, tire chains should be a must-have in every household. Their usage ranges from the lawnmower to our cars. Whether we like it or not, we still have to tend to our duties regardless of the weather or season, unless it turns into a life or death type of situation. The best tire chains help maneuver through snow, mud, wet areas among others. Having them has kept me safe more times than I can count.

So, if you wish to get a set for yourself, have a look at the review below, and maybe my personal experiences with them will help you get just what you are looking for.


List Of Best Tire Chains/Snow Chains 

TZ Car Accessories, Anti Snow Chains Of Car

I decided to get this best tire chain for my SUV since winter was approaching. It is made entirely of quality gum material. This type of tire chain is great for use in low temperatures since its resistance allows it to operate even when the temperatures fall to minus 50 degrees Celsius. This item did not give me a hard time whenever I tried to put them on or remove them. The process was quite smooth and quick at the same time.

Reasons To Buy This

  • The package includes; a pair of gloves, a snow shovel, and six pieces of slip-resistant chains.
  • It can be used with tires that have a width of about 165mm-265mm.

Security Chain Company QG2228CAM CAM LSH Tire Traction Chain

The reason why I would recommend this purchase is that of the unbelievable value of the components you will be getting. I bought this for my brother as a gift a few months back. I was also impressed because it contained chains that were cam and non-cam. It also included cold temperature operation chains, regular and even heavy-duty ones too. And I have to say; I did not expect this to come with the cam tool. In fact, to make your installation process a breeze, you will also get step by step instructions.

Security Chain Company QG2228CAM Quik Grip Light Truck CAM LSH Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2
449 Reviews
Security Chain Company QG2228CAM Quik Grip Light Truck CAM LSH Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2
  • Includes cam and non-cam chains, regular, heavy duty and cold temperature operation chains
  • Provides optimal traction to your vehicle
  • Comes with the cam tool and step by step instructions for easy installation
  • Alternative to cable chains
  • PLEASE NOTE:  Chains should be fitted to tire before actual use.  Fitment can be affected by age of tire, tire manufacturer and/or tread type

Reasons To Buy This

  • It can be used as a cable chain alternative.
  • Your vehicle will get optimal traction.

Security Chain Company QG1850 Tire Traction Chain

I took an interest in these because the carbon steel used to make them is durable. Personally, I would rather spend money on a durable product and consider it an investment. At times you may think that you are saving money, but your pockets end up suffering the consequences. The products may end up short-lived or be of sub-par quality. These security chain tire chains have a twisted link design to them.

Security Chain Company QG1850 Quik Grip V-Bar Type RP Passenger Vehicle Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2
43 Reviews
Security Chain Company QG1850 Quik Grip V-Bar Type RP Passenger Vehicle Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2
  • Twisted link
  • Durable carbon steel
  • Great traction
  • On and Off road use
  • Tightner QG20070-10 required

Reasons To Buy This

  • For you to use this, you will need a QG20070-10 tightener.
  • It can be used both on and off the road.

THULE | KONIG XG-12 PRO 245 Snow Chains

My neighbor needed some tire chains, so I decided to accompany him as he went to buy some. He decided to get these tire chains mainly because they come with nylon bumpers which are scratch proof. This feature enables it to offer protection for the alloy wheels. He mentioned that the tire chains measure about 12 mm in the inside and will provide the thread clearance. To further boost our confidence in them, the tire chains’ certifications were listed to us. These include; Ö-Norm 5119, UNI 11311, TÜV and 5117. My neighbor frequently keeps me in the loop, and he is yet to be disappointed with the KONIG XG-12 PRO 245 Snow chains.

Konig Distribution 2004705245 THULE XG-12 PRO 245 Snow chains, set of 2
58 Reviews
Konig Distribution 2004705245 THULE XG-12 PRO 245 Snow chains, set of 2
  • 235/75-15, 215/85-16, 215/80-16, 225/75-16, 235/65-16 (no Goodyear Cargo Ultra Grip 2 , no Continental Vanco2), 6.50-17, 225/65-17, 235/60-17, 225/60-18, 235/55-18, 245/50-18, 245/45-19, 255/45-19, 245/40-20
  • The quick fitting snow chain for SUVs, providing superior driving comfort and top performaces.
  • 12 mm inside and on-the-tread clearance.
  • Anti-scratch nylon bumpers protect alloy wheels (optional application).Certifications: Ö-Norm 5117, Ö-Norm 5119, UNI 11311, TÜV.
  • Self-tensioning system

Reasons To Buy This

  • It provides top performance.
  • They can be fitted quickly and also provide great comfort during driving.

Tire Chains For 20 X 10.00 X 8

My lawnmower was the reason behind my purchasing these items. Whenever I tried to use it, I found myself getting stuck. When the grass was wet, I still could not mow my lawn in peace, because of the constant sliding or accidental ripping of the lawn. I just had enough and decided to get a tire chain, and I kicked myself for not thinking about getting one earlier, to save myself from the frustrations I had gone through. You will notice some change if you mow on a hilly area, the traction is improved significantly.

Tire Chains for 20 x 10.00 x 8
408 Reviews

Reasons To Buy This

  • Come with useful instructions to guide you if you get stuck.
  • They are also very flexible.

Peerless 0232605 Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain

I got these Peerless 0232605 tire chains for my wife. The funny thing is that I ended up wanting a set for myself in the process, after seeing their capabilities. What I could not get over, was their self-tightening feature. The Peerless 0232605 automatically centers and tightens itself. The chains were innovatively constructed and had some appeal to them. They have a pattern made of diamonds, which plays a role in its traction provision. They have met the class ‘S’ requirements for clearance purposes. You need to experience having them, to understand what you have been missing out on.

Peerless 0232605 Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2
2,455 Reviews
Peerless 0232605 Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2
  • Worry-free self-tightening ratchets provide automatic tightening and centering
  • Easy installation and removal in minutes
  • Do not exceed 30 MPH with these chains on
  • Diamond pattern cross chain provides a smoother ride and superior traction
  • Note-Chains should be fitted to tire before actual use. Fitment can be affected by age of tire, tire manufacturer and/or tread type

Reasons To Buy This

  • Can be used with a speed of up to 30MPH.
  • They measure approximately 12 x 11.7 x 3.6 inches.

Security Chain Company 1064356 ATV Trac V-Bar Tire Traction Chain

My brother was the one who made me aware of the existence of these Security Chain Company 1064356 ATV tire chains. This was when we were discussing how difficult it was to find tire chains that could be used on different types of terrain. I was very interested to hear what he had to say, and I have to admit that this is worth buying. To make it last longer, the tire chains are zinc plated. This guarantees a reasonable duration of service from them while getting an aggressive level of traction for your ATV.

Amazon Best Seller
SECURTYCHAIN Security Chain Company 1064356 ATV Trac V-Bar Tire Traction Chain
  • Provides aggressive traction for your ATV
  • Zinc plated chains for extra durability
  • 2-link chain spacing provides superior traction
  • Extreme service for all terrains
  • Do not exceed 30 MPH with these chains on
  • Provides aggressive traction for your ATV
  • Zinc plated chains for extra durability
  • 2-link chain spacing provides superior traction
  • Extreme service for all terrains

Reasons To Buy This

  • For excellent traction, they have a 2-link chain spacing.
  • They weight approximately 14pounds.

THULE | KONIG CB-12 090 Snow Chains

I am a big fan of quality and well-constructed items. The reason why I advocate for this product is that of the experience I had with it. We were driving along a snow-covered road but the grip it displayed was unbelievable. It was not my first choice when it came to tire chains. Still, that day, I began to realize that I had significantly underestimated it. I later found out that it was hand-made using hardened manganese nickel alloy steel. This helped a bit in explaining its level of performance, not forgetting the D-shaped links on it.

Reasons To Buy This

  • Has color-coded assembly points.
  • It also has a tension control band that can be easily adjusted.

Security Chain Company ZT741 Tire Traction Chain

I saw a colleague of mine with these particular items, and I got a bit curious. He started telling me about the advantages that the tire chains had over the others, and I thought it wise to share with everyone else. You will never have to stop and retighten the tire chains after installation. The reason being that they have a rubber tensioner that is inbuilt. When it comes to anti-lock brakes and systems which are electronically monitored, the Security Chain Company ZT741 tire chains, have a higher compatibility level. Owning a set of these best tire chains brings you so many benefits and places you ahead of the average person.

Amazon Best Seller
Security Chain Company SZ143 Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain for Passenger Cars, Pickups, and SUVs - Set of 2
  • Country of origin : China
  • Designed for cars, pickups, and SUVs with very limited operating clearance around the drive tires
  • Fast easy installation with no need to move the vehicle
  • Designed-in rubber tightener means there is no need to stop and retighten after installation

Reasons To Buy This

  • Lower the potential of damage occurring to the vehicle’s mechanical components and body.
  • It lasts much longer than other items

Security Chain Company SZ143 Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain

We bought this for my father-in-law’s pickup truck. All I can say is that this is the best tire chain that I have ever come across. It seemed reasonable since he also owned a passenger car and an SUV as well. The Security Chain Company SZ143 tire chain can be used with any of the three vehicles, making that an economical purchase. He just had to choose one of them to fit it on. The installation process can be done even without the movement of the car. What made me happy was his reaction a few weeks later, when he said that compared to the other products in his possession, the all-around traction was exemplary.

Amazon Best Seller
Security Chain Company SZ143 Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain for Passenger Cars, Pickups, and SUVs - Set of 2
  • Country of origin : China
  • Designed for cars, pickups, and SUVs with very limited operating clearance around the drive tires
  • Fast easy installation with no need to move the vehicle
  • Designed-in rubber tightener means there is no need to stop and retighten after installation

Reasons To Buy This

  • The Security Chain Company SZ143 Tire chains have been designed for tires that measure about 215 to 285 millimeters in size.
  • It also comes with illustrated instructions.

Why Buy Snow Chains?

  • Get better traction The best tire chains for snow and ice will supply traction in inclement weather. The average passenger vehicle is not built to drive in harsh winter conditions.
  • Make traveling safer – Good road tire snow chains will enable you to drive to work, home, and other places without worrying about getting stuck. If you want peace of mind during the winter, snow chains are a good solution.
  • Better than snow tires – Regardless of whether you drive a passenger car, truck, or SUV, easy-to-install tire chains will come in handy when you’re driving in winter weather.
  • Low maintenance – The best car and truck tire chains are fairly easy to clean. It’s not a hassle to wash them off and store them for later use.
  • They provide safety – Tire chains help avoid cases of slipping which may lead to accidents and injuries.
  • They are convenient – With tire chains, one can go through mud and ice without getting stuck in the process.

Types of Snow Chains

Tire chains

The most well-known snow chains are metal chain links that are connected together to create a mesh that wraps around a tire. Metal chains offer good traction, tend to last a bit longer than other chains, and are ideal if you use them frequently. They are less likely to corrode than cable chains.

Tire Cables

Cable chains are made from pieces of steel cable that create a webbing to cover a tire. They often feature small metal rings on the cables for better grip and are typically lighter and smaller with a lower profile than metal chains. They are good for occasional use but offer less traction than metal chains.

Top Brands of Snow Chains

Koning American

Konig American, a subsidiary of YHI International, has been producing aftermarket wheels for 35 years. With offices on both the West and East coasts, one of its popular snow chains is the KONIG CB-12 090 Snow Chains.

Peerless Industrial Groups

Peerless Industrial Group, headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, produces several winter traction products under the name Security Chain Company. The company also provides chains for other purposes. One popular snow chain is the Security Chain Company SZ441 Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain.

Thule

Thule was founded in Sweden in 1942 and has over 2,200 employees at more than 40 locations worldwide. One of its snow chain products is the Thule CG-9 095 2-Piece Snow Chain Set.

Wrapping It Up!

The best tire chain would have to be the one that fits your tires correctly and fulfill their purpose. You need a tire chain that will be strong enough to provide the grip that you need and to last you throughout the period you need it for. If you want to have an excellent performance, then grab one of these products listed above.

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