Once the temperature drops, the roads get dicey. Not making sure that the car you drive is safe during harsh winters is the worst mistake you could make. Once it snows, drivers have to navigate through snow covered streets, which can be very tricky. This is why they need to be equipped with strong and sturdy tire chains so that they can drive safely. In case you were wondering which tire chains are worth your money, here you will find a few reviews on the best tire chains for snow and ice available in the market today.
Choosing the Best Tire Chains
The last thing any driver would want is to get stuck in the middle of nowhere during a storm. In the following lines, you will find the things to take into account while choosing the best tire chains for your vehicle so that you can be safe while driving during a snow storm.
Driving Condition
The conditions you are driving in will need to be taken into consideration while you are choosing a tire chain for obvious reasons. When it comes to tire chains for snow and ice, there are four basic categories that you need to know of, which mainly include entry level, standard, premium and alternative traction tire chains. Those drivers who are living in locations where they will only experience snow occasionally should choose the entry level tire chain for their car. The standard tire chains are a suitable choice for places where there’s regular snow fall, while the premium tire chains are better suited for most driving purposes since they enable better stabilization of the vehicle while driving through snow and ice. On the other hand, traction devices are specially designed for driving on snow and ice occasionally and for those vehicles with low-profile tires.
Vehicle Type
This is another important factor to consider since different vehicles have different tire sizes and clearance. Entry-level, standard, and premium snow chains are considered as more versatile and are designed for sedans, SUVs and trucks. Alternative traction devices are used in passenger vehicles only. Drivers need to ensure the snow chains they are using are of the correct size, which means choosing the tire chain that is the right fit in the diameter and width of the tire.
Another factor is the clearance. Snow chains need to fit over the tire, which increases the width and the profile of the tire. The sidewalls of the tire need to fit into the wheel arch as they move along the surface of the road. The inner wall of the tire may also be affected by the suspension parts and even the vehicle’s braking system, which are both usually close to the tire. While the height isn’t the most important factor since the suspension normally has a decent height clearance, when it comes to modified cars or high performance vehicles, they may have limited height clearance. This is why it’s always a good idea to check with the car’s manual or ask the dealership so that you can find the best tire chain for your car.
Chain Type
Chain types also vary in design, especially in link patterns that are used in snow chains can be shaped in diamond, latter, diagonal or square, all of which offer different levels of grip on the road. For instance, snow chains that have diamond links are recommended for those vehicles with ABS or traction control. Tire chains with square links have been known to offer better traction and are also more durable as compared to other types of tire chains. Tire chains with ladder-style links also come in different types – while some perform better on snow and ice, others are designed to work in off-road driving conditions. The diagonal-style links provide unmatched traction while driving in snowy conditions and also work fine with traction control and ABS systems.
Price
And lastly, the price of a tire chain is also going to be one of the main factors while choosing a tire chain for your vehicle. While purchasing a tire chain that’s expensive but is not suitable for your car will be a waste of money, choosing an expensive tire chain that you do not actually need will also be a waste of time and money.
Best Tire Chain Reviews
Now that we’ve gone through the factors to consider while choosing a tire chain, let’s take a look at some of the best tire chains that are available in the market today.
Konig – CB12 Passenger Car
Features:
- Zinc plated chains for extra durability
- Two link chain spacing provides great traction
- Provides great traction for your snow blower or garden tractor
- One pair per package
- Manual tensioning system
- Locking device with wheel protections
- Closed shortening hooks
- Chain tightener not included
- 12 mm inside and on-the-tread clearance
Konig – CB12 Passenger Car — Overview
The Konig – CB12 Passenger Car is a highly durable and sturdy tire chain that offers maximum traction for vehicles while driving in the snow or ice. The tire chain has been designed to make it extremely easy to fit on the tire with the help of color coding links and an easy installation procedure. But, when there’s no automatic tensioning, you will need to go back and re-tighten the chain after you have driven the vehicle a short distance.
D-Shackle Design Chains
The D-shackle design for tire chains is a tried and tested design that has been in use for years. While the clearance isn’t going to be phenomenal, this tire chain does perform well in harsh snow, with most drivers saying that it out-performs the cable design that is much more popular for today’s cars. The old-school tech that has been used in the design of the Konig – CB12 Passenger Car has a lot to offer in terms of traction on the road and durability. The 5-year warranty that comes with the tire chain says enough on the quality of the product.
Peerless Auto-Trac
Features:
- Diamond pattern cross chain provides a smoother ride and superior traction
- Do not exceed 30 MPH with these chains on
- Easy installation and removal in minutes
- Meet class ‘S’ clearance requirements
- Patented Automatic Tightening and Centering System: It automatically adjusts and tightens while you drive!
- Self-tightening ratchet system ensures a snug fit and eliminates the need to stop and retighten
- Tensioners required: No
Peerless Auto-Trac – Overview
The Peerless Auto-Trac is going to be one of the easiest tire chains you will install. Designed for those who are not technically minded, the Peerless Auto-Trac is simple to place on a tire without having to worry about the correct tightening of the chains. This particular tire chain is perfect for those who want to get a simple to use tire chain to help them get through the winter.
Auto-Track System Does the Hard Work
The Peerless Auto-Trac features an auto-track system that tightens the tire chains automatically while the person is driving. The manufactures have designed the tire chain keeping the driver in mind, which has resulted in an ingenious structure that automatically tightens the chains using the motion of the wheels. The Super-Z range means no more jacking just to install or further tighten the chain.
Advanced Features
With the Peerless Auto-Trac, you also get other advanced features such as better braking and traction, compatibility with ABS, and a traction control system that’s managed automatically. With all of these features combined, it really doesn’t get better for a driver who just wants an efficient and reliable tire chain that can help them drive safely through snow and icy weather conditions. It only takes a minute to install per tire and the auto-trac system takes the hassle out of having to tighten the chains around the wheel before you drive.
Security Chain Company – Super Z Series
Features:
- Type: Cable
- Tensioners required: Yes
- MEETS S.A.E. Class “S” clearance requirements or vehicles with limited clearance.
- Meets Class “S”: Yes
- Low potential for damage to vehicle body and mechanical components, even when abused.
- Greater durability than conventional tire chains or cables.
- Cross member pattern: Diagonal
- Construction: Alloy cross member
- Better compatibility with anti-lock brakes, traction control, all-wheel drive (AWD) and other electronically monitored control systems.
- Better all-around traction performance than conventional tire chains or cables.
- Application: Light truck
Security Chain Company – Super Z Series — Overview
The Security Chain Company – Super Z Series comes in two types: The Shur-Grip series which is designed to fit the tires of almost all passenger vehicles, and the Super Z LT series which is designed for larger vehicles such as trucks or SUVs. While you won’t get the ultra low clearance of other tire chains, the Security Chain Company – Super Z Series has been designed for most modern car models with low clearance levels and they also meet the S.A.E Class “S” requirements for tire chains.
Easy Fit Tire Chains
The Security Chain Company – Super Z Series has been designed using advanced Z-6 tire technology, which makes then easy to fit. This means there’s no need to move your car while you are installing the tire chain. Thanks to rubber tighteners, there’s no need to move the vehicle while installing the tire chain.You also won’t have to adjust them again after the chain has been tightened the first time.
Durable, Long-Lasting Design
With the Security Chain Company – Super Z Series, you also get a product that has been built to last. By using durable alloy this tire chain is able to take on the challenges of harsh weather conditions with ease, without having to worry about them breaking.
Excellent Performance on the Road
One of the reasons why the Security Chain Company – Super Z Series is seen as one of the best choices for tire chains is because it has so much to offer. From design to durability and its ability to assist a vehicle’s electronic traction control and ABS system for a smoother drive, the Security Chain Company – Super Z Series is definitely one of the top choices when it comes to tire chains for snow and ice.
Security Chain Company – Radial Chain
Features:
- All steel construction for long service life, featuring Peerless Industrial Group, Inc.’s traction coils instead of traditional steel rollers which flatten easily.
- Application: Light truck
- Construction: Alloy cross member
- Cross member pattern: Ladder
- Improved starting, stopping and cornering performance.
- Meets Class “S”: No
- Simple mounting and removal, due to its low weight.
- Smooth ride.
- Tensioners required: No
- Type: Cable
Security Chain Company – Radial Chain – Overview
Designed for recreational vehicles, vans and trucks, the Security Chain Company – Radial Chain also has much to offer when using for daily use while driving through snow and icy weather conditions. Although the Security Chain Company – Radial Chain is an entry-level tire chain, its durable, stainless-steel design and performance puts it right up there with the best. The Security Chain Company – Radial Chain is also relatively cheap, considering the features it provides in its price point. This particular tire chain comes in two options: one for larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs, and one for passenger vehicles such as sedans and hatchbacks.
Improved Performance
The Security Chain Company – Radial Chain has been designed to deliver improved performance while driving on snow and icy roads. That said, this is a low-priced and entry-level tire chain so don’t expect it to deliver the same level of performance while during on snow and icy roads as the high-priced snow chains. But, the Security Chain Company – Radial Chain is the ideal choice if you are expecting medium snow fall in your area.
Better Braking and Control
The Security Chain Company – Radial Chain offers a respectable level of braking performance and also fares well with ABS systems, as long as the driver is not too aggressive with the brakes. So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective tire chain that will help you get through the snow, then the Security Chain Company – Radial Chain should be right up your alley.
Durable and Easy to Install
The Security Chain Company – Radial Chain is durable and extremely easy to install, although you will have to tighten them after travelling a short distance. This is a durable tire chain, but those who are living in areas that receive harsh snow should opt for a premium quality tire chain for their vehicle.
How do You Fit Tire Chains?
Tire chains for snow and ice normally come in sets of two. Most cars need the chains to be fitted on the driving wheels. So, how do you fit the tire chains? Let’s have a look:
- Park your car on a flat surface.
- Lay them flat with no tangles.
- You’ll be fitting the chains to the driving wheels of the vehicle. Front wheels for front wheel drive, rear wheels for rear wheel drive.
- Many snow chains have a ring that fits on the side wall of the inside section of the tire. This means that you’ll need to reach around the back of tire and place this ring around the sidewall of the tire.
- When you place this ring around the tire, be sure to leave the open connection at the bottom of the tire. Once the ring is in the correct position, connect it at the bottom.
- Position the chain evenly around the wheel with the links evenly spaced.
- Once all the chains are in position, only the bottom of the tire to be done. Just, drive the car forward slightly to enable you to cover this part of the tire.
- Now secure the chains and connect the closing link to tighten the chains.
- Once the tire chains have been installed, you might need to retighten the chains after driving a short distance.
Ending Note
These were some of the highly durable tire chains for excellent traction while driving on snow and ice. While choosing a tire chain for your vehicle, you need to make sure that you pick the correct size of the tire chain so that it can fit properly and deliver better performance and traction while you drive.