Which snow chains

This is usually because there is not enough space between the wheels and the shock absorbers; this can be a problem for ordinary SUVs and 4x4s as well as for high performance cars.

You will find this important information in your car handbook - please check this before using your snowchains! Our database is intended to do the basic work for you but, with so many new vehicles and tyre sizes, it should only ever be treated as a guide.

Please also check your tyre size - if you buy incorrectly-sized chains they will be either too tight or too loose. The good news is that car handbooks usually only refer to "traditional snowchains". Ladder track chains such as the Polaire GRIP and Spikes-Spider range only put chain over the tyre tread, so are not subject to these restrictions. They are also ideal for use on rear wheel drives where there is minimal space between the top of the wheel and the wheel arch.

Snow chains are compulsory on most Alpine roads, even for 4x4 vehicles. Increasing numbers of people also carry a set for UK use, for snow or for grass, e. We are snow chain specialists, and distribute many of Europe's best known brands, covering the whole range of snow chain sectors and aiming to have a snowchain for every available wheel size. The starting point is to tell you that "traditional" snow chains, which wrap chain around the whole tyre, are not suitable for increasing numbers of vehicles, usually because they'd be too close to struts or brake pipes, or because there's electronic sensing equipment which can't cope with finding metal where there's normally only rubber.

We therefore recommend that you use our snow chains database, and choose first your car, then your tyre size, and for many cars also your engine size.

This database has several hundred thousand links in it, and we try and keep it up to date, but there are always new cars and new tyres which we don't list, so you can of course choose snow chains by tyre size only. Almost everyone will be able to buy a set of chains which will fit around their wheels, but you need to know if you are permitted to fit them, and also whether it is physically possible to fit them.

Our advice is to check your car handbook very carefully, because if there is a "No fit" for conventional snowchains there could be real danger and expense in fitting the chains and driving the car. All the snow chains are sold in pairs, and need to be fitted to the driving wheels.

Some people also fit them to the non driving wheels, which certainly improves all round stability, but is definitely not necessary. As a rule of thumb, traction control and anti-skid systems should be turned off when using tyre traction devices, except for AutoSock and Spikes-Spider systems. If you can't easily turn off these systems, then it's probably OK. Some states even require snow chains, snow cables, or at the very least snow tires, when driving in hazardous or high elevation areas during wintery conditions.

Some are better at tackling certain terrains than others, or better for different vehicles. For example, diagonal chains are best for cars and trucks with traction control while chains in a diamond pattern give more consistent traction for a smoother ride. Square chains are appreciably more durable and can provide even better traction than diamond chains.

There are also somewhat simpler cable chains, which are easy to install and ideal for vehicles with limited tire clearance, but not as durable or effective as the other types. Always check the size of your tire and purchase chains that match. Some states even require snow chains, snow cables, or at. The classic chain link design of the Peerless Series is compatible with passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks due to its highly effective patented Auto-Trac tensioning system.

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.

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. 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. 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.

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. This specific set was chosen over the standard QG 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. The manganese nickel alloy construction is corrosion resistant. A helpful and durable storage container, kneeling mat, gloves and mounting instructions are included. 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.

Occasions: In snow, ice, climbing, sand, mud or other emergencies. Textile traction aid. Perfect short-term winter aid for vehicles. Quick and easy to put on and pull off. Pleasant to drive - no noise and no vibrations. 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.

The manually tensioned snow chain: value for money and reliability 16 mm inside and on-the-tread clearance. 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.

For this list, Forbes Wheels examined options for a wide range of vehicles from small cars to larger SUVs and pickup trucks. Many premium tire chains include an automatic release. If you drive over big mountain passes with variable snow conditions or cover many miles that may require chains, the automatic release function can be beneficial.

An automatic release can significantly decrease the amount of time you spend manually removing your chains while exposed to cold and potential hazards on the side of the road. This is critical for the chains to fit appropriately and function as designed.

It should be printed on the tire sidewall — giving dimensions for tire width, height ratio of the sidewall compared to width, and diameter. All you need to do is match the overall number to the model number provided by the chain manufacturer. Tire traction chain technology has evolved over the past few decades. Some classic materials are still being used, and some newer innovations have been introduced to the market. Generally speaking, higher-end metal chains are constructed with manganese, titanium, and nickel steel alloys.

This offers superior strength and durability. If you drive a large truck or any kind of heavy-duty vehicle, we recommend chains made with extra burly materials. Middle-of-the-road and economy chains are generally made of hardened steel. While metal chains typically provide more traction control than alternative materials, they can also cause more damage to roads and vehicles.

To combat this, the industry has introduced rubber chains and snow socks. Lighter chains will provide adequate traction and better fuel economy. While worse for overall fuel economy, heavier chains will provide much better friction and are usually more durable. Heavier chains are more cumbersome to transport, carry, and store than the lighter-weight alternatives. Regardless of your choice, safety should always be your top concern. Like all pieces of outdoor gear, the correct answer is usually personal.

Examining differences in things like material, link patterns, weight, style, and price allows you to make the most informed decision regarding the best snow chains for your situation. If you anticipate frequently driving in bad road conditions and using your chains often, invest in a higher-end, more heavy-duty model. Ultimately the decision is up to you, as each snow chain on the market has its own set of pros and cons.

Snow socks can be a good alternative to snow chains in certain situations. In general, snow socks do not provide the same level of traction as traditional chains. Snow sock fabric wears down more quickly than durable metal chain options. Further, some vehicle manufacturers strongly suggest drivers do not use snow chains on certain models of vehicles.

This is often an issue with low tire clearance, and snow socks can be a good remedy for this. They may not provide the same level of traction as metal chains, but snow socks are better than nothing for cars that cannot safely handle the increase in volume created by chains. Installing snow chains truly is a practice-makes-perfect type of skill.

And every brand and style of the chain will install slightly differently. Each set of chains comes with a specific set of instructions, and there is a general method that all drivers should follow.

First and foremost, purchase the correct size chains for your vehicle. Ensuring that your chains are the correct size will prevent excessive frustration during installation. Once you have your chains in hand, we highly recommend that you practice installing them in dry and favorable conditions. The more practice, the better. As you make a plan to store your chains in your vehicle, build a quick winter emergency kit to go with them. When the time comes to install your chains, pull off to the side of the road.

Make sure you bundle up in winter layers, put on your four-way flashers, and safely move to your targeted tires. For front-wheel-drive vehicles, install the chains on the front tires. And for rear-wheel drives, they will go on the back. From here, all installations will differ slightly. Repeat this process for both tires. Once the chains are attached, you can slowly drive forward 10 to 20 feet to allow the chains to settle. If you do not have self-tensioning chains, get out, and tension them yourself to remove any slack.

Unusually loud noises or physical jolts can indicate your chains are not tight enough and are knocking against your wheel well. Pull over safely and readjust them. There is the possibility snow chains can damage your car. Snow chains need to fit your tires properly. Additionally, if not installed properly, they can come loose and damage the underbody.

When putting on your chains, check and double-check they are installed tightly and correctly. All chains come with a driving speed recommendation — usually around 30 mph. Exceeding the recommended speed can break the chains and cause further damage to your vehicle.