The Best Snow Chains and Accessories
As a Vermonter, I've driven through my fair share of snowstorms, ice-covered roadways, and truly terrible road conditions that only a person accustomed to endless snowstorms would dare drive through. While experience and confidence certainly do make a huge difference, there's a trick to driving slick roads: high quality snow tires and snow chains. Without, your vehicle is pretty much useless. Whether you've got experience yourself or are looking for a little extra assurance, understanding the ins-and-outs of slippery driving conditions can be a bit daunting. Not exactly sure where to start with snow chains? I've got you covered. No amount of snow, ice, sleet, or inclement weather will be able to stop you with any one of these snow chains, listed below.
Security Chain Company SZ143 Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain
Security, Safety, and Quick Installation
Designed specifically for vehicles with tight, limited operating clearance around the drive tires, these tire chains work wonders for cars, SUVs, and pick-up trucks. Not only that, but they’re also designed for a quick an easy installation, which is key when you’re stranded or need to head out in terrible weather. And super important? These are made to work with anti-lock breaks, AWD, and other electronically monitored systems built into vehicles. All of this means you’ll have an aggressive set of chains on your tires that allow you to confidently and securely drive with control in out-of-control weather.
Pros:
- Split outside cable, two fastening positions, and no need for moving your vehicle, means you’ve got a quick, super easy installation process.
- The traction coils are the highest quality alloy steel for long-lasting safety.
- Designed for tires from 215 to 285 millimeters.
- Package comes with everything you need: chains, plastic gloves, one pair of rubber tensioners, a reusable nylon bag, and installation and removal instructions.
Cons:
- You may want to consult with a specialist to confirm correct sizing for snow chains on your specific tires. Size recommendations for these end up being a bit small, typically, and therefore not the correct size.
Peerless 0232805 Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain
Lightweight Chains that Grip Well
Another fantastic product from Security Chain, these worry-free traction snow chains are easy-on, easy-off and work wonders in frightful weather conditions. With self-tightening ratchets, you’ll have a set of chains on your tires that automatically tighten and center, creating a safety net on your vehicle’s tires that’ll get you just about anywhere you need to go. The diamond pattern cross chain of these snow chains means you’ll have a much smoother ride (trust us, this is a definite bonus), as well as far superior traction than non-diamond shape…the drivability and grip is unparalleled.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for lightweight trucks and SUVs.
- Meets class S clearance requirements.
- Cross member links are manufactured from manganese alloy steel, which allows for shorter, narrower, and lighter cross members. This, in turn, reduces fly-off during driving, and also offers excellent grip and maneuverability.
Cons:
- Do not drive over 30 MPH in these snow chains (or just about any other snow chains, for that matter).
Security Chain QG20032 Quik Grip Traction Chain Rubber Tightener
The Best in Snow Chain Tightening
These traction and snow chain rubber tighteners are a must if you have vehicles that you need to use snow chains on in inclement weather. Coming in three size options, these tighteners will work on snow chains for small tractors, snow blowers, and larger vehicles, as well. Highly durable, with 4 quality rubber hooks, these tighteners will last year after year even with heavy use.
Pros:
- Aids in creating a greater traction with snow chains.
- Three size options available.
- Easy to install.
Cons:
- Figuring out correct sizing is a bit of a hassle.
X-BULL New Recovery Traction Tracks Sand Mud Snow Track Tire Ladder 4WD
Stuck? Not a Problem With These Tracks
These raised tracks are an awesome addition to your poor-driving-conditions kit arsenal. Ideal for use on not only snow but also mud, sand, and ice, these tracks help to keep your tires from spinning when stuck. All you have to do to use them is securely place them under your tires and drive up and out. Boom. Unstuck. Even with the best snow tires and 4WD capabilities, sometimes the weather wins. Having raised tracks in all of your vehicles, no matter the weather, is a definite must if you do any sort of poor-weather driving or off-roading.
Pros:
- UV-stabilized for resiliency, ruggedness, and durability.
- Multiple color options available.
- For use not just in snow, but in all other driving conditions as well.
- These can be used as shovels as well.
Cons:
- For storage, these tracks don’t stack as flat as others.
TRACGRABBER Trac-Grabber – Snow, Mud and Sand Tire Traction Device
A Cheaper Alternative to a Tow Truck
Completely stuck? Tires spinning? Ice? Snow? Sand? Mud? No problem. These Trac-Grabbers will get you un-stuck in a matter of minutes, no matter the surface or condition. Simply strap these tire traction straps to your vehicles tire, slowly press the gas, and once the Trac-Gabber engages, you’ll be able to lift and move the vehicle to more stable terrain. Having a pair of lifts or grabbers such as these has kept me out of trouble countless times. And although these are an affordable option for Trac-Grabbers, no matter what the initial cost, it’s far better than calling a tow truck every time you’re in a bind.
Pros:
- Made with extremely durable EPDM rubber and heavy-duty D rings.
- Comes with a carrying back for easy storage and accessibility.
- Small and compact enough to keep in your vehicle’s storage space year-round.
Cons:
- Recommended only for 2WD trucks or SUVs with standard or all-terrain tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What else do you need for snowy weather driving besides snow chains?
High quality snow tires (studs or not) and 4WD can get you just about anywhere, but in truly terrible weather it’s nice to have snow chains as well. So what about other accessories? Well, tire lifts or tram-grabbers are a definite must and can be used in all types of road conditions (not just snow) and are essential even with snow chains. Additionally, flares, an emergency roadside kit, and warm blankets, non-perishable food items, and a phone charger are all excellent items to keep in your vehicle as well.
Can you keep snow chains on all-season long?
It’s best to keep snow chains handy, but not necessarily on your tires all season long. As they’re designed to be installed and removed in a quick and easy fashion, it shouldn’t be much of a big deal to only use them when you absolutely must. Additionally, it’s important to check with your state’s snow chain allowance, since some places prohibit the use of snow chains.
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.