Road conditions can be unpredictable even under the best of circumstances. Add in massive snowfalls and unexpected ice rain, and you are driving through a nightmare. You’re familiar with the difficulties of driving on icy roads without your winter tires. Tire chains are essential. It’s even legal to have them installed in certain mountain areas. Snow chains are a great way to improve your vehicle’s performance on slippery roads, even if they aren’t required by law. There are many designs for tire chains, and they’re so versatile. Many tire chains are made from a steel alloy and have a snow/ice coating. There are many innovative options on the market that make it easier to install and allow you to replace or remove them as necessary.

Quality is the most important aspect of road safety. It’s not possible for them to snap mid-trip. We’ve put together a list of the top tire chains and some tips on choosing the right one. This guide will help you navigate winter roads with confidence by highlighting the key features and differences between each type of chain.

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Types of Tire Chains

Diamond Tire Chains

These are the traditional tire chain. They have strings of metal links that connect to form a diamond structure. The angle of the diamond vertices should be reduced if you are dealing with more snow. The mesh pattern created by the diamond pattern covers the entire tire. This type of chain offers the best traction because it has a greater contact surface with the ground. Diamond tire chains work better in areas that receive heavy, frequent snowfalls.

Cable Tire Chains

The cable design is a simplified version of the 1904 original tire chains. It uses the same steel material. This type of tire chain has spaced-out, lateral metallic cables that link to a chain that runs around the tire’s circumference. It is much easier to brake the vehicle by separating the cables. These chains are usually made with small links which allow them to be lightweight and optimize traction. These chains are often smaller and have a lower profile so they can be used with the smallest wheel wells. This chain is perfect for casual use in areas with moderate snowfall.

Other Chains

Although they are not technically snow chains, they have the same purpose: to improve tire grip on winter roads. Chains can be difficult to install and heavy. An alternative is available to save space and make installation easier. A textile cover is a thick, durable fabric that combines ground traction with thick fabric. Others are more focused on the surface area and use thinner but sturdy material to grip the ground. These are great if you don’t live in an area that is prone to snow or if you just want to be prepared. This is an ideal option for large areas of America because it’s lightweight, portable, and easy to store.

Top Brands of Tire Chains

Konig American

Konig American, a subsidiary of YHI International has been making aftermarket wheels for 35+ years. Konig American, a subsidiary of YHI International, has been producing aftermarket wheels for 35 years.

Peerless Industrial Group

Peerless Industrial Group is based in Winona (Minnesota) and produces many winter traction products. The company also offers chains for other purposes. This allows off-road enthusiasts to make the most out of winter.

Glacier Chain

This proudly American brand has its roots in Alaska and focuses on helping drivers navigate winter roads. All its tire chains are made with a mixture of Pewag Nickel and manganese to strengthen steel strength. The Glacier Chains Light Truck Tire Chain is one of its most popular products.

Snow Chain Pricing

• Prices from $40 to $40 There are only a few cables and chains that can be purchased for $40 or less. These cables and chains require manual installation, so they may not last as long as the more expensive ones.
• Prices range from $40 to $100. Semi-auto and “assisted” fitting tire chains can be purchased for $60 to $80. Self-centering chains with automatic tensioning will cost a bit more for a typical passenger car.
• $100 and higher: Tires for pickup trucks and SUVs tend to be more expensive because they are larger. Heavy-duty chains can be as high as $200 for light trucks.

Key Features

Setup chain tension

The chain must be held in tension to ensure that your tire holds and the road grips. Tension used to need to be manually applied back in the day. However, modern developments include self-tightening technology. The ratchets are located around the circumference of your chain. These tools are spaced out to tighten the chain as you drive the vehicle. You can get better traction by removing the slack and do not have to tighten them again after driving for a while. Remember that ratchets, which are moving parts, are most susceptible to breaking and can be hard to replace. You have to balance the convenience and the possibility of the chains snapping in the road.

Release Structure

Chains can be dangerous on the dry ground so you must quickly remove them. You will need to remove the chains from a road that has been cleared if you want to turn onto it. Automatic release tire chains allow you to remove the tires more quickly. The quick-release feature should not be activated without your permission. The release is usually controlled by a lever or pull mechanism. It is important to make sure it is not visible and that it does not get activated by accident. This feature provided it is of high quality, makes it much easier to handle tire chains.

Tire Chain Classification

It is especially important to keep an eye on tire chain classification, particularly for those who live near areas that require them. The Society of Automotive Engineers (or SAE) classification is an objective way to measure the tire chain’s performance. SAE Class S tires refer to non-reinforced tires that have limited wheel well clearance. SAE Class U is chained with lugs reinforced and used when there are no clearance issues. SAE Class W is for light trucks. You will typically deal with SAE class S chains for passenger vehicles.

Chain and link design

This refers to the chain design and the chain pattern. The traction will vary depending on whether the chain is rectangular, diamond, or ladder. Vehicles with ABS systems will be able to use diamond layouts and diagonal patterns. For icy or snowy roads, rectangular layouts work well. The ladder pattern is more common for off-road vehicles. The individual chains are smaller for lighter snow, which can be found in areas with low humidity. Larger individual links are required for heavier snow, such as the type you use to make snowballs. This feature can be assessed based on your vehicle type as well as the climate of your region.

Other Considerations

• Compatibility. You should first consider the size of your tire chains when searching for the best. To find the specifications of your tires, take a look at your owner’s manual or check it online. To make sure that you can put the tires on, find out their height, width, radius, and diameter. You can then consider other factors once you are certain that the chains will work together.
• Clearance Sale. Heavy-duty tire chains are heavier and bulkier. These tires may not fit into some wheel wells. You can choose a smaller size chain, such as a 12mm chain.
• Chain Material. Chain Material. Although chains can be made from rubber (usually synthetic), the majority of them are made of steel. Rubber is safe for dry roads and doesn’t cause tire damage. They are often less popular and less effective. Although metal chains can damage dry roads, as long as they are removed when necessary, they work better. To ensure that the chain lasts longer, choose nickel-heavy steel (ideally stainless).
• Installation and removal requirements. You won’t leave them on for too long, no matter if you choose rubber, metal, or chain replacement. You should look for tire chains that have a quick-release mechanism so they can be removed quickly. Chains that are self-tightening and don’t need to be removed from the tire should be considered. Although it may seem like a minor issue, over the course of a season you will be thankful for the added convenience.
• Structure and weight. The more bulky and awkward the chain is, the more likely it is that you will skip this step and simply go with your winter tires. It is important to choose lightweight tires. This makes it easier to transport them and allows you to easily remove them from the roadside. Although heavier chains may seem more efficient, choosing heavy chains can prove to be counterproductive.
• Durability. While tire chains can be affordable, if you need to purchase new tires every year it can get expensive. When choosing chains, think about how long they will last. The most common chain alternatives, particularly the textile ones, tend to be broken the fastest. When used correctly, metal chains won’t cause damage to your tires and will last longer. Metal snow chains can be used for many years with minimal care.

Tips

• Tire chains should only be used when at least one inch of snow is on the roads. They are best to be put on during or after a snowstorm.
• Chains can be used in muddy driving conditions. To protect your vehicle’s tires, and the road surface, make sure you remove the chains before returning to regular roads.
• Tire chains will make it more difficult to drive slower if you have them on your tires. We recommend that you drive 30 miles an hour or less. Also, don’t accelerate or brake too hard when using them.
• You need to ensure that you get the correct size. If they aren’t, it could cause an accident. Car chains that are thicker than tires tread will outperform winter tires. They also grip the road better than winter tires.
• Keep two sets of tire chains or cables on your vehicle at all times, especially if there is a lot of snow. This way, you’ll always have a spare in case something happens.
• Chain-sizing tables can be misleading. Once you have checked their fit, drive the vehicle a short distance to check again. After you have driven with them, they may be slightly different on the tires.