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Best Tire Chains For Snow And Winter Driving For 2022

Contributor
Updated: Feb 18, 2022
Forbes Wheels independently tests and reviews cars and automotive accessories. We may earn an affiliate commission from links on our site. The analysis and opinions are our own.

Snow chains, often called tire chains, are installed around a vehicle’s tires to help achieve maximum traction when driving on slippery surfaces like snow, ice and even mud. They are an ideal tool to

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Best Overall
Sale
$129.76
(-$17.99)  (14%)
$111.77 on Amazon
Why We Picked It

The classic chain link design of the Peerless Series 2300 is compatible with passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks due to its highly effective patented Auto-Trac tensioning system. Jacking up your vehicle won’t be necessary with these chains. Instead, after you connect the internal cable and exterior tighteners, the automatic ratcheting system tightens the chains to your tires once you start to drive. 
 

The Peerless Auto-Trac tire chains are made from manganese alloy steel and are durable and long-lasting. The diamond pattern construction increases the grip around the tires and creates more surface area for optimum traction while on the road. While all tire chains emanate an unmistakable rumbling, clanking road noise, the Peerless Auto Trac is reported to have a smoother ride than competing tire chains.


Pros & Cons
Best Chain For Low-Profile Tires
Sale
$78.66
(-$23.82)  (30%)
$54.84 on Amazon
Why We Picked It

Unlike the tire chains, the Glacier tire cables are made from hardened steel rollers secured onto cable cross members, allowing for the best low-profile fit for smaller passenger vehicles. This set is “S” limited clearance approved, which means they are suitable for use on passenger vehicles that have limited wheel well clearance and will not void your vehicle warranty. They also meet all state requirements for tire traction devices. 
 

Tire cables are also a lightweight alternative to the heavier chains and are often easier to install. However, cables are recommended for lighter use as they tend to not offer as much traction or durability as the competing tire chains.


Pros & Cons
Best Chains For Trucks
Sale
$110.94
(-$5.62)  (5%)
$105.32 on Amazon
Why We Picked It

The Security Chain Company offers a wide range of tire chain sizes to fit a range of different vehicles including passenger cars, minivans, SUVs and light-duty pickup trucks. The QG2228CAM Quik Grip manganese alloy steel chain construction is praised for its brute strength, needed to withstand the weight of tough 4×4 trucks. They are manufactured to be extremely durable, even during short stints on pavement, and are available for most truck tire sizes. However, they do not meet the S.A.E. Class “S” clearance requirements and are not suited for vehicles with a low stance of low-profile tires. 
 

This specific set was chosen over the standard QG2228 model for its built-in CAM tightening system, which makes it so tensioners are not required. It comes with notably clear step-by-step instructions. Though most users state this model is easy to install, we recommend an at-home trial run before you need to use them on the road.


Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It

The KÖNIG CB-12 chains best fit 15 to 19-inch tires with at least 12 millimeters of clearance and are equipped with dual-sided D-shaped links for increased traction. The manganese nickel alloy construction is corrosion resistant. A helpful and durable storage container, kneeling mat, gloves and mounting instructions are included. Best of all, these chains are about 20 to 30% cheaper than some competing products. 
 

A large number of people who purchase this product report that it’s easy to install due to the chains color-coded attachment points and integrated rubber tensioners. However, users highly recommended a test fit at home and stated that the included paper instructions were not as helpful as watching YouTube how-to videos.


Pros & Cons


SaleBestseller No. 1
Security Chain Company SC1032 Radial Chain Cable Traction Tire Chain - Set of 2
2,391 Reviews
Security Chain Company SC1032 Radial Chain Cable Traction Tire Chain - Set of 2
  • Requires low operating space around drive tires
  • Low weight facilitates simple mounting and removal
  • Improves starting, stopping and cornering performance
SaleBestseller No. 2
Security Chain Company SZ143 Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain for Passenger Cars, Pickups, and SUVs - Set of 2
3,339 Reviews
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
SaleBestseller No. 3
Peerless 0232805 Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2
2,068 Reviews
Peerless 0232805 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
SaleBestseller No. 4
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
Bestseller No. 5
AgiiMan Snow Chains for Cars -Adjustable Emergency Anti-Skid 6Pcs Chains for Ice Road, Mud Road and Sand, Uphill Road Universal Snow Chains.XL
81 Reviews
AgiiMan Snow Chains for Cars -Adjustable Emergency Anti-Skid 6Pcs Chains for Ice Road, Mud Road and Sand, Uphill Road Universal Snow Chains.XL
  • 【Easy Install Snow Tire Chains】- The snow tire chain is easy to install and safe to use, and can be fitted in minutes, without the jack or move the car.
  • 【Compatible Vehicles】Tire Chain can be applied to all the models of the tire width 165mm-265mm(6.5"-10.4") perfectly fit for Car, SUV& Lightweight Truck Car. Low temperature resistant -50℃(Notices: Use for emergency, limited speed: ≤ 40km / h)
  • 【Main Features】Anti-skid wearing, not to hurt the tire, Hardened steel nails, Effectively prevent fracture, quick installation.Humanized design of alloy steel, good performance of anti-skid, breaking the ice and griping road.
Bestseller No. 6
Snow Chains, 8 Pack Tire Chains for SUV Car Pickup Trucks - Passenger Snow Security Tire Chain for Tire Width 205 215 225 235 245 255 265 275 285 405060 and More
2 Reviews
Snow Chains, 8 Pack Tire Chains for SUV Car Pickup Trucks - Passenger Snow Security Tire Chain for Tire Width 205 215 225 235 245 255 265 275 285 405060 and More
  • High-quality Snow Chains: Made of 100% manganese steel, firmly gripped, strong safe engineering belt and tightening buckle lock ensure the durability of tire chains
  • “XO” Design: Compared with traditional chains, cross chains increase friction and provide better traction, effectively preventing side slip
  • Applicable Size: Security chains are suitable for most cars (except iron-hole wheels)-for 205 215 225 235 245 255 265 275 285 405060 and More
SaleBestseller No. 7
Security Chain Company SZ335 Shur Grip Super Z Passenger Car Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2
1,155 Reviews
Security Chain Company SZ335 Shur Grip Super Z Passenger Car Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2
  • The right traction product for your vehicle is determined by tire size however not all tires are made the same from one manufacturer to another so we strongly suggest doing a test fit to ensure proper fitment.
SaleBestseller No. 8
AUTOSOCK 697 Size-697 Tire Chain Alternative
409 Reviews
AUTOSOCK 697 Size-697 Tire Chain Alternative
  • Unique grip on snow and ice. Textile traction aid. Ö-norm V5121 and TÜV-SÜD-tested. Perfect short-term winter aid for vehicles. Quick and easy to put on and pull off.
  • Pleasant to drive - no noise and no vibrations. Self-centring. Can be used with electronic driving safety systems (ASR, ESP, ...) without any problems. Can be used with aluminium wheel trims - even when snow chains are not allowed.
  • Re-usable and washable. Suited for vehicles with little room in the wheel case. Contents: 1 pair
SaleBestseller No. 9
Peerless 0155005 Auto-Trac Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2
700 Reviews
Peerless 0155005 Auto-Trac 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
Bestseller No. 10
Jeremywell Snow Chains Anti-Skid Anti Slip Emergency Snow Tire Chains - Portable Emergency Traction Snow Mud Chains Universal Adjustable 10pcs Car Security Chains for SUV and Cars (Yellow-10pcs)
84 Reviews
Jeremywell Snow Chains Anti-Skid Anti Slip Emergency Snow Tire Chains - Portable Emergency Traction Snow Mud Chains Universal Adjustable 10pcs Car Security Chains for SUV and Cars (Yellow-10pcs)
  • FREE U.S. DOMESTIC 2-Day SHIPPING
  • [UNIVERSAL TYRE CHAINS for ALL SEASON]: Anti-Skid Emergency Snow Tire Chains with Special Design it can be applied to all the models of the tire width It can be applied to all the models of the tire width 7.3”-11.7”(185mm-295mm) / 6.49”-8.9”(165mm-225mm) for Car, SUV, and Truck. Best for ice road, snow road and mud road.
  • [SAVE YOUR TIME TO INSTALL]:Snow Tire Chains can be installed in accordance with anti-slip requirement, Snow Mud Tire Chains with adjustable Tension Straps which makes mounting your unit to the tire a breeze adjustable. no need to take down tires, no need to move the vehicle, fast installation and removal in minutes. safe to use and affordable.


Methodology

In order to determine the best snow chains for your vehicle, we considered the most accessible products with the highest ratings on performance, resilience and usability.

Product specific measurements/evaluation methods: 

For this list, Forbes Wheels examined options for a wide range of vehicles from small cars to larger SUVs and pickup trucks. We honed in on three key traits for our selections: traction, durability and ease-of-use. Traction is the primary focus, of course, because the point of driving with tire chains is to maintain control of acceleration, cornering and braking. Since tire chains bear the weight of the entire vehicle crushing against the ground, they need to be manufactured from extremely high-strength materials like hardened steels or alloys. And because chains are typically installed on the side of the road in the cold, the faster and easier they are to put on, the better.


Should I put snow chains on all four tires?
Can tire chains damage my car?
Are chains or cables better for snow?
Are tire chains illegal?
Do chains ruin your tires?
How fast can I drive with tire chains?

Tara Hurlin Contributor
I am a content manager for Hagerty as well as a freelance automotive writer and photographer. I’m a car nut immersed in the automotive hobby, and I enjoy driving and wrenching on my custom 1961 Cadillac, 1963 Dodge 400 race wagon, 1988 Mazda RX-7 and 2018 Tacoma TRD Off-Road with Escapade trailer.