Top 10 Best Tire Chains for Snow in 2021 (KÖNIG, Glacier, and More)

Here is a compilation of the best tire chains for ice and snow that you can find on Amazon, Walmart, and Auto Zone. We've included sets for different vehicle types, like sedans, SUVs, pick-up trucks, and tractors. You can also choose from chains made of steel or rubber.

By using tire chains, you can expect better traction, more turning power, safer driving, and more efficient distance coverage. Ice is slippery, and standard tires are made of rubber, which can easily slide off the road's surface. Snow chains are wrapped around the tires for increased traction on the road surface to avoid road accidents.

Given that not all tires are manufactured similarly, choosing a chain for your vehicle might seem like a daunting task. The buying guide below aims to expound on the things to consider when choosing tire chains for snowy roads.

The fit, size, and restrictions are the most critical considerations to make when choosing tire chains. These could make or break your experience with the product.

The first thing to remember when choosing a particular snow chain for your tires is to check if your vehicle can use them. Different vehicles use different tire sizes. Sedans, SUVs, trucks, and utility vehicles all have different tire sizes. We recommend looking through the vehicle manual to get the specific tire size before picking a particular chain.

Each manufacturer has its own coding style per chain type or size. However, the tire width and size in inches are usually constant.

To get a quick idea of which size to get, check the sidewalls of your tires. There's usually a bunch of letters and numbers imprinted on the tires. The first three numbers, typically following the letter P for P-metric tire intended for passenger vehicles, spell out the width in millimeters.

After the slash, there's a two-digit number, which is the aspect ratio. A 65 aspect ratio means the height is equal to 65 percent of the tire’s width. If you have a bigger aspect ratio, your tire’s sidewall is bigger too. The “R” stands for Radial, which refers to the layers running across your tire. The number that follows is your wheel diameter in inches.

The space between your tire and the vehicle’s body frame is also crucial. Since we are dealing with chains that are typically wrapped around the tire, it will take up extra space. The chains can get in the way of performance if there is not much space available. Wheels with snow chains should be able to rotate without affecting the body frame.

A way to quickly decipher clearance specifications of a particular set would be to go for one that meets the S-class clearance requirements. These are chains that can be used for low-profile vehicles or vehicles with limited clearance.

On top of wheel size, the law also differs from state to state in regard to using snow chains. You might have found the best snow chains for your vehicle, but should still check if they can be used on the roads where you live.

Some states prohibit the use of tire chains, while others only allow them under certain conditions or during specific periods of the year. Some states require you to have a set of chains on standby in case of sudden snowfall. 

You risk facing a hefty fine for not being acquainted with the law; therefore, we recommend checking for any restrictions. Click here for more information on tire chain laws per state.

Choosing a tire chain also entails checking where it will be used, like roads with ice and deep padded snow or perhaps off-road snowy areas. You can choose between entry-level, standard, or premium snow chains for passenger cars or SUVs depending on the road type or level of snow.

If you're after traction retention when driving on snow and ice in areas that get occasional snowy weather, you can opt for entry-level snow chains. These are usually easier to install and remove, given they won't be used for extended periods. You can get an entry-level snow chain for on- and off-road surfaces that accommodate thin ice or deep snow.

Entry-level snow chains are great to have as a backup if weather conditions worsen and you're required to use chains. While they don't last as long as other chain types, they make do for short-term, emergency use.

These snow chains are more durable than entry-level snow chains and are intended to be used on regular or frequent snowy days. They also often come with all the accessories you need for installation. We recommend choosing a standard snow chain if you are looking at a full winter of driving on snow.

After experiencing regular snowfall and the need for sturdy snow chains with superior performance, you may decide on premium snow chains to last through multiple winters. Whether snow or ice, on- or off-road, you can rely on these snow chains to give you optimal grip and traction.

These snow chains are equipped with top-notch accessories and features that make them easy to install; plus, they're durable and reliable.

If your vehicle is very low or there is minimal clearance between the wheel and the car frame, a regular chain will not suffice as it will limit the wheel’s rotation capabilities. Fortunately, manufacturers have created alternative chains to meet such demands. 

These chains are more low-profile and can be made of mesh, plastic, or hard metal, depending on the design. Alternative chains give your vehicle the traction and grip required for hazardous roads while requiring minimal clearance to do so.

On top of providing better grip or traction for safe driving on snowy roads, tire chains also have key features that make usage more efficient or convenient. Examples are self-tightening ratchets, automatic release, link pattern that matches tire specifications, and the weight or material used.

Snow chains tend to come loose after a while. Manual tensioning chains require to be re-tightened. A loose chain also leads to damage, so it's essential to keep them tight and secure. To avoid having to step out in frigid weather, you can consider getting self-tightening ratchets that remove excess space between the chain and the tire.

The tightening feature on these chains usually come from tensioners, which are attached to the chain. We advise checking if these can be replaced or repurchased as they wear out with use.

The advantage of getting a chain that requires manual tightening is that they’re easier to install and there's less set up needed. A rule of thumb when choosing the chain's tightening features is to consider how often you'll use the chains as well as the distance you'll cover.

If you need to remove and reinstall the chains frequently, consider one with automatic release to help with the task. An automatic release allows you to remove the chain in a few minutes. Premium chains often have this feature. There's an extra pedal or mechanism which you can step on for instant release of the ratchets.

You may have looked through snow chains and seen that they come in diagonal, diamond, ladder, and square patterns.

Diagonal or diamond patterns are advised for those with an anti-lock braking system and who expect to drive on snow or ice. The anti-lock braking system, or ABS, is the safety feature in modern cars that prevents the wheels from locking up for better grip when faced with imminent danger where you may hit the breaks heavily.

Meanwhile, square or ladder chain patterns are considered the more durable option and provide better traction, especially on ice. These can be used for snowy areas or off-road driving, depending on the product description.

Speaking of vehicle specifications, you should also consider the number of chains to get depending on your wheels. Drivers are advised to install chains on the wheels with power. In other words, front-wheel-drive vehicles require two chains for the front tires.

Rear-wheel-drive vehicles need two chains at the back, while an all-wheel-drive or a 4x4 vehicle will perform best on snow with all tires fitted with chains. With that in mind, check how many chains are included in a set before purchase.

Although these aspects might not be at the top of your list, do give them a look through because the chains' weight and material can affect your overall experience. Most chains are made with alloy steel and may be heavy to carry. Furthermore, a freezing environment might make a bulky item even more challenging to install.

When it comes to materials, steel is the most durable type for long-term use. However, you can also get chains made with rubber that won't damage the road surface but can be slippery, mesh, or plastic for alternative traction options.

The material consideration is dependent on the type of road the chains would be used on, your preferences, the frequency of usage, and even state laws. After checking if a particular chain meets those demands, you can also look through the reviews to confirm if it performs as expected.

It's often recommended that car owners use snow chains during or after a snowstorm when there is at least an inch of snow on the ground. If you use the chains on thinner snow, you risk damaging the road surface and your chains. With that in mind, snow tire chains are perfect for snow or ice driving.

While putting on snow tire chains lets you drive faster due to the better control and traction, it's still advised for drivers not to exceed 30mph when using chains. Furthermore, it's best to limit harsh or sudden braking as well as acceleration as these can damage the chain and shorten its lifespan.

To ensure your snow chains last through many winters, remember to remove them when not needed and give them a good rinse with a pressure washer if possible. This removes the accumulated dirt and debris that may lead to rust and the like during storage.

Hang the chains up to dry and apply a lubricant coat such as WD-40 to make sure they are protected throughout the other seasons.

We also recommend that you fully understand the setup and installation of the chains by practicing application. This will avoid unnecessary hassles and mix-ups if you’re faced with using the chain during an emergency.

You might be looking for other additions to your vehicle to increase comfort and convenience while you drive. 

Thanks to snow chains, drivers can now drive on slippery roads with more peace of mind and safety. They might require an extra step to install, but they ensure heightened safety for everyone on the road. Fortunately, there are numerous tire chains for snow available in the market to fit various needs and tire specifications.

Author: Hana Otsuka

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