Tire chains help you drive safely on snow and ice by adding grip to your tires. They come in many styles — traditional linked chains, cable-style chains, and textile (fabric) traction devices.
Each type balances traction, ease of use, and vehicle fit. When roads get icy, the right tire chains can reduce slipping and make winter driving much safer.
When choosing chains, pay close attention to your tire size, your vehicle’s clearance, and local laws or road restrictions. Fit matters most: chains that don’t match your tire size or that rub against suspension parts can damage your car.
Ease of installation, durability of the materials, and how often you plan to use them should also guide your choice. We tested and compared several popular options to find the ones that give the best mix of grip, fit, and ease of use.
Best Tire Chains for Snow
Below is our full list of the best tire chains for snow to help keep your car safe and steady in winter conditions. You’ll find options for different tire sizes and vehicle types, plus chains that are easy to install and built to last.
SCC Auto‑Trac Light Truck/SUV Chains
These chains are worth buying if you want easy on/off, solid snow grip, and a self‑tightening system that works while you drive.
Pros
- Installs fast without jacking the vehicle
- Self‑tightening ratchets keep chains centered
- Feels lighter and less bouncy than old steel link chains
Cons
- Do not drive over 30 mph with them on
- Sizing can be tricky—measure tires carefully
- A small number arrive with a damaged latch
I put these on my SUV in cold, windy conditions and found the setup really simple. The inside cable clips first, then the two outside ratchets pull the chain tight as you move the car a few feet.
You won’t need extra tensioners. On packed snow the diamond cross pattern bit in well.
The ride felt smoother than heavier chains, and I noticed less chain “fling” when turning. Traction in deep slush was reliable for short climbs and starts.
Sizing mattered more than I expected. I double‑checked the fit chart after seeing one chain that came too small in reviews.
Packaged storage is handy; the case fits under a seat and makes swapping them in and out less of a chore.
SCC Auto-Trac Tire Chains
You should buy these if you want easy-to-install, self-tightening chains that actually work on snowy roads.
Pros
- Self-tightening ratchets keep chains snug while you drive.
- Diamond pattern gives a smoother ride and good traction.
- Lighter, low-mass links reduce road impact and wear.
Cons
- Fit can be tricky—measure carefully or they may not fit your tire.
- Do not drive over 30 MPH when fitted.
- Some customers report broken parts or wrong sizes shipped.
I put these on in a light snowfall and liked how quick they went on without crawling under the car. The ratcheting system grabbed tight as soon as I drove a few feet.
On packed snow and icy ramps they held well. The ride felt smoother than old heavy chains, and traction improved enough that I could climb steep, slushy driveways without spinning.
Be careful with sizing and check the fit before you need them. A few people got the wrong size or had a latch break, so inspect the set before driving and keep the packaging chart handy.
HAPPYMATE Quick-Fit Snow Chains (HKN-130)
You should consider these if you want easy-to-install, sturdy chains that work well in real winter conditions.
Pros
- Installs fast without moving the car.
- Strong, heat-treated steel resists wear.
- Comes with a neat storage case and extras.
Cons
- Takes a practice run to avoid fumbling in bad weather.
- Can be heavy to handle alone.
- Fit depends on picking the exact size for your tires.
I put these on my van during a sudden snow event and they went on quicker than I expected. The auto-fixing system tightened up without crawling under the car, which saved time and cold hands.
Driving felt much more controlled on packed snow. The steel links gripped well and I could move at low speeds without slipping.
I did keep to the recommended slow speed and checked the chains often. You will want to do a dry run in your driveway first so you know the steps.
The kit includes gloves, repair clips, and a storage box, which made cleanup and packing away simple after melting snow.
SCC Auto‑Trac Chains (Light Truck/SUV)
You should buy these if you want self‑tightening chains that install fast and give solid snow traction.
Pros
- Installs quickly without moving the vehicle.
- Self‑tightening ratchets keep chains centered while you drive.
- Diamond pattern feels smoother and grips well on packed snow.
Cons
- Max safe speed is only 30 mph.
- Sizing can be confusing—measure tires carefully.
- A few users report broken parts out of the box.
I put these on my SUV in a wet snowfall and they felt secure right away. Hooking the inside cable then clipping the outside self‑tighteners took only minutes.
The ratchets tightened as I drove a short distance. On packed snow the diamond cross links bit into the surface.
The ride was less bouncy than with bulkier chains. The links felt lighter but sturdy, and I noticed fewer “clanks” on pavement when compared with older chains I’ve used.
Be careful with fit—double‑check the size chart before you order. One chain set I tried was nearly perfect; another time I had to return a mismatched set.
Keep tools and a storage bag handy in case you need to replace a latch.
Artizles Auto-Tightening Snow Chains (Set of 2)
You should consider these if you want fast, reusable chains that tighten themselves and give solid traction in snow and ice.
Pros
- Very quick to install and remove.
- Self-tightening for a snug fit.
- Good traction on packed snow and slush.
Cons
- Some users report durability issues after heavy use.
- Fit can be picky—measure carefully.
- Not ideal for long highway drives without checking fit often.
I put these on my SUV before a weekend storm and they really cut my prep time. The buckle snaps on fast and the auto-tightening pulled the chains snug without wrestling on one knee.
Driving slowly on icy streets felt steadier. The diamond pattern rode smoother than old ladder-style chains and I could feel better braking control on a hill.
After a few uses, a couple of areas showed wear, so I wouldn’t push them for long high-speed runs. Rehearse installation at home and check them after the first mile to keep them safe.
Buying Guide
Choose chains that match your tire size first. Check the sidewall for the numbers and make sure the chains list those exact measurements.
Think about how often you’ll use them. If you drive in deep snow a lot, pick stronger, heavier chains.
For occasional use, lighter or cable-style chains can work and are easier to install. Look at ease of installation.
You want designs you can fit in low light or cold weather. Practice fitting them once at home so you are ready when snow comes.
Check traction pattern and materials. More aggressive patterns bite better in ice and deep snow.
Steel links last longer; some have rubber or plastic parts to reduce noise and protect wheels. Consider vehicle type and clearance.
Some cars, SUVs, and trucks have limited space in the wheel well. You must choose chains that fit without touching suspension or brake parts.
Review road legality and speed limits. Some areas ban certain chains or limit how fast you can drive with them.
Know local rules before you install and use your chains. Think about fit systems and tensioners.
Self-tightening systems save time and keep chains snug. Manual tensioners are cheaper but need more frequent checks.
Use a checklist before you buy:
- Tire size compatibility
- Installation difficulty
- Traction pattern and material
- Vehicle clearance
- Legal restrictions and speed limits
- Included accessories (tensioners, storage bag)
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about features, fit, installation, types, brands, and sizing so you can pick chains that work well for your car and driving needs.
What features should I look for when choosing snow chains for my vehicle?
Look for chains that match your tire size and vehicle type. Check for easy-fit systems, low-profile designs for limited wheel well clearance, and tensioners that keep chains snug.
Choose chains with hardened steel links or manganese alloy for strength. Also consider weight — lighter chains are easier to handle — and rust-resistant coatings for longer life.
Can snow chains be used on all types of tires, including all-season and winter tires?
You can use snow chains on most passenger tires if your vehicle allows them. Always check your owner’s manual for chain restrictions on AWD, ABS, or low-clearance vehicles.
Avoid using chains on tires with very low-profile sidewalls unless chains are explicitly rated for them. Chains can damage winter tires if used improperly, so follow fit and speed limits.
How easy is it to install and remove snow chains for someone who’s never done it before?
Some modern chains snap on quickly and include color-coded parts to simplify the process. Expect 10–20 minutes the first time, and 5–10 minutes with practice.
Practice installing them at home on dry ground before you face snow or cold. Carry gloves and a flashlight to make installation safer and faster.
What’s the difference between cable chains and traditional metal snow chains?
Cable chains use steel cables with small cross members and weigh less than traditional chains. They usually fit better in tight wheel wells and cause less vibration at speed.
Traditional metal chains use larger links and offer stronger traction on deep snow and ice. They can be noisier and harder to install but may last longer under heavy use.
Are there any particular brands that are recommended for reliability and durability in harsh conditions?
Brands like Thule, Pewag, and Security Chain Company (SCC) often rate well for durability and fit. These brands offer models with hardened links and reliable tension systems.
Also consider less-expensive brands that meet ANSI or EN standards if you need a budget option. Read user reviews for your tire size and vehicle to confirm real-world fit and durability.
How do I determine the right size of snow chains for my car’s tires?
Check your tire sidewall for the size code (example: 205/55R16). Use that exact code to match chains listed by the manufacturer.
If you don’t find an exact match, contact the chain maker with your tire size and vehicle model.
Always try chains on before you drive to confirm clearance and fit.
