The Best Tire Chains for Snow of 2025

While there are plenty of risky — and fun — activities to do during the winter months, icy roads undeniably present one of the greatest dangers of the season. The best tire chains for snow are a time-tested way to improve your grip on slick roads.

The editors at GearJunkie are spread throughout the mountain towns of California, Wyoming, and Colorado, where at a certain point every year, carrying tire chains is as natural as the changing of the leaves and the first snowfall. We’ve used, abused, and broken dozens of chains over multiple winters, and installed more than we can count on the vehicles of visiting lowlanders and hapless tourists.

We’ve compiled this list of effective and high-quality tire chains so that your next adventure in a winter wonderland can be safe and fun. Nothing ruins a ski trip like dangerously careening into a snow bank.

Always check the local weather forecast and road conditions. A lot can change between Pasadena and Mammoth Lakes, and in many cases, highway patrol will not let you proceed if you can’t prove you’re carrying a set of tire chains. Of course, the ultimate goal is safe winter travel in all conditions, and buying the best snow chains available for your vehicle is an excellent way to ensure this.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated on January 21, 2025, elevating the Peerless Auto-Trac Tire Chains to our best overall pick. They are compatible with many vehicles and are by far the easiest chains to install.

The Best Tire Chains of 2025

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Best Overall Tire Chains

Specifications

Type: Chain
Tension Adjuster: Yes, Auto adjusting
Weight: 8.5 lbs.

Pros

Simple, no-frills, and effective design
Affordable price point
Smooth riding on snow
Generally easy to install for traditional tire chain system

Cons

Chains could be thicker, resulting in better traction

Of all the chains we tested, the Peerless Auto-Tracs ($59-145) are the easiest to install, the easiest to maintain and store, and fit the best on smaller vehicles with low tire clearance in the wheel wells.

For the average driver who does occasional mountain or winter travel, these are the best choice. And while there are options out there with even better traction, their ease of installation and overall durability make them a decent choice for folks who need chains throughout the winter.

This design uses a ridged, circular cable frame to keep the chains in the shape of the tire. Traditional chain designs can get tangled in storage and require more time to lay out flat and orient so they can be fitted to the wheel.

To install the peerless Auto-Tracs, simply slip the frame side behind the wheel and drape the chains over the tire. You’ll need to connect the frame together by reaching around the tire. This was the only tricky part. Then connect the two fasteners and close the auto-tensioning latches. The chains will tighten flush against the wheel so they won’t slap the wheel wells as you drive.

The whole process took a little over 4 minutes the first time we installed them (we timed ourselves). We recommend stopping to re-adjust and retighten them after a few miles as the chains may shift position a little bit, but after that, they’re good for the long haul.

The only downsides that we can see are with the adjustable auto-tighteners. We wonder about the durability of the plastic latch that releases the spring tensioner inside the plastic casing. As with anything, more moving parts mean more points of failure, and we do wonder how the tensioners will hold up to moisture, salt, gravel, and extreme cold over time.

One of our testers has used these chains on his Sprinter van for five winters, making frequent trips to Mammoth Mountain during some heavy snow years, and his Peerless Autotrac chains remain in working order.

If you want a reliable set of chains for your car or light truck, grab a pair of Peerless Auto Track chains. If you store them dry, they’ll last for many seasons, and you’ll spend less time rolling around in the snow trying to install chains and more time on the road getting to your destination.

Best Budget Tire Chains

Specifications

Type: Chain
Tension Adjuster: Yes
Weight: 7.89 lbs.

Pros

Simple, no-frills, and effective design
Affordable price point
Smooth riding on snow
Generally easy to install for traditional tire chain system

Cons

Not the most durable chains on the market
Hard to match to tire size online

For those in the market for a simple yet elegant chain that also happens to be budget-friendly, look no further than the König CB-12 tire chains ($99-110). König tire chains are not particularly flashy, but they don’t have to be. Their simple design is time-tested. And König’s lack of revolutionary features is one of their biggest draws.

Despite being simple in concept, the König CB-12 chains are heavy-duty enough for the snowiest of climates. Many mountain drivers gravitate toward König, as they have long proven their ability to make steep and scary drives over icy mountain passes easier to manage. The surface they cover on your tires allows for a smooth ride on snow while also limiting rumbles when passing over exposed asphalt.

Given their traditional design, these chains are relatively simple to install. Similar to the Peerless Auto-Tracs, you do not need to jack up your car to install these traditional-style chains. While the König CB-12s have a manual tensioning system, it’s both effective and easy to learn. As a bonus, these chains come with a mat to kneel on when installing them in the harsh winter environment.

While they’re high-quality and simple, they do not meet Class S requirements. They will not work on all cars — particularly those with less clearance in the wheel well.

Best Chains for Low Clearance Vehicles

Specifications

Type: Cable
Tension Adjuster: Yes
Weight: 1 lb.

Pros

Very low profile on the tires
Relatively easy to install

Cons

On the more expensive side
Installation can be finicky with small components in cold weather
Chains can slip off if not installed properly

The SZ143 Cable Tire Chains ($51-212)are relatively easy to install, and their simplicity and lack of moving parts make them a reliable choice for the coldest winters. They provide decent tire coverage with a crisscrossing pattern, and because they are a cable-style traction device, they sit flush against the tire and are safe for low-clearance wheel wells.

It took us 7 minutes to get these cables out of the package and on the front wheels of a less-than-snow-ready Toyota Prius C. Because of its low clearance wheel wells, it’s tricky to install chains on vehicles like the Prius. There isn’t much room for your hands to move the chains into the proper position. More rigid, low-profile cable-style chains are much easier to manipulate in tight spaces under small cars.

The SZ143 has three attachment points, so you can slip them under the tire and attach them instead of laying them out and driving over them like older two-point designs. This is especially useful if you’re already having difficulty getting traction.

Getting the cables in position so that all three fasteners could fit together proved a little difficult the first time around. It’s easy on dry pavement, but in a few inches of snow, we had to dig the wheel out a little bit before the fasteners could reach each other. You’ll definitely want to pack a pair of gloves.

After the cables are in position, six clips attached to a thick rubber band secure them in place. The band proved more than adequate to hold the cables in place as we drove up steeper hills and gently navigated short sections of bare pavement.

The SZ143s aren’t as easy to install as the Peerless Auto-trac chains. The band takes a little muscle to stretch into place and secure all the clips. If you’re older (or just very cold and tired), it may be difficult to install, especially at night in unexpected winter weather conditions. The Peerless Auto-Trac chains only require the flick of a latch to tighten. As with all chains, you should practice installation when it is dry, warm, and in daylight.

Best Tire Chains for Trucks

Specifications

Type: Chain
Tension Adjuster: No
Weight: 6.5 lbs.

Pros

Very durable
Relatively easy installation
Effective on all surfaces

Cons

Tends to rust faster than some other chains
Does not meet SAE Class S clearance requirements

The Security Chain Company is well known for its wide variety of high-quality snow chains. From small passenger vehicles to trucks and SUVs, the company has a purpose-made chain model to fit the bill.

The QG2228CAM Quik Grip Model ($111-135) is a robust chain made to withstand the weight of tough 4×4 trucks. Long-wearing square link cross chains ensure maximum long-term durability. Built from manganese alloy steel, these chains are grippy and reliable on just about any surface. There are multiple sizes available to suit trucks of all sizes.

Thanks to a built-in CAM tightening system, additional tensioners are not required for installation. Most users find these chains to be relatively easy to install, although the first attempt will likely involve some troubleshooting. Fortunately, a clear set of step-by-step instructions are included.

A Low-Profile Cable Option

Specifications

Type: Steel Rollers
Tension Adjuster: No
Weight: About 1 lb.

Pros

Quick to install
Lightweight and easy to pack away
Great for vehicles with minimal wheel well clearance

Cons

Provides less traction than more robust tire chains
Not durable enough for long-distance use

While many snow chains are made from thick and bulky chain links, the Glacier Chains tire cables ($59-67) are made of relatively thin hardened steel rollers. The resulting low-profile fit is ideal for small passenger vehicles with limited wheel well clearance.

Despite the simple construction and minimalist design of these snow chains, they perform quite well and manage to meet all state requirements for tire traction devices. As an added bonus, the Glacier Chains traction cables are less likely to cause damage to your vehicle and void its warranty.

When not in use, these tire cables are much lighter and easier to pack away than conventional heavy-duty chains. While we don’t recommend these cables for heavy-duty or long-distance use, they’re a handy and convenient option for small passenger vehicles when the weather turns snowy.

An Alternative to Traditional Chain Designs

Specifications

Type: polyolefin Fabric
Tension Adjuster: Self Tensioning
Weight: 2.25 lbs.

Pros

Good alternative for drivers looking to avoid classic chains
Easy installation
Appropriate substitute for roads completely covered in snow
Workaround for areas that do not allow classic tire chains

Cons

Expensive
Not the most durable product on the market
Vastly shortened lifespan when driven on asphalt

Relatively new to the market, the ISSE Shark Snow Sock ($74-100) is a tire traction device for those looking to move away from the fuss of fighting with snow chains. Chains certainly serve their purpose and have for decades.

However, some folks are put off by having to untangle them if they’re not stored correctly, the installation process when it comes time to use them, or the rumble they create while driving. The Snow Sock is here to address those problems.

The ISSE Shark Snow Sock covers your entire tire and is made of a polyolefin fabric that, like chains, is not meant to be driven faster than 30 mph. The flexibility of the fabric, low-profile design, and variety of sizes allow Snow Socks to fit virtually all tires from small passenger vehicles to large trucks.

For those concerned about installation, the ISSE Shark Snow Socks are incredibly easy to get on your tires. Once installed, you won’t experience the rumble and vibration commonplace with all other chain styles. Because they’re made of fabric, there’s no risk of damaging your vehicle, which can be a concern with some tire chain styles.

While the Snow Socks may not look as rugged as chains, they provide excellent traction in the same demanding and dangerous snowy conditions. Because some areas prohibit the use of snow chains, the ISSE Shark Snow Socks are an outstanding legal workaround to provide added traction where chains are not allowed.

Tire Chains Comparison Chart

Chains	Price	Type	Tension Adjuster	Weight
Peerless Auto-Trac	$59-145	Chain	Yes, Auto Adjusting	8.5 lbs.
König CB-12	$99-110	Chain	Yes	7.89 lbs.
Security Chain Company SZ143	$51-212	Cable	Yes	1 lb.
Security Chain Company QG2228CAM Quik Grip	$111-135	Chain	No	6.5 lbs.
Glacier Chains Tire Cables	$59-67	Cable	No	1 lb.
ISSE Shark Snow Sock	$74-100	Polyolefin Fabric	No, Self-tensioning	2.25 lbs.

tire chain in the snow — A simple cable set is less expensive, but can be more challenging to install; (photo/**Chris D 2006**)

How We Tested the Best Tire Chains

Our Expert Testers

Off to the races! We timed our initial installation attempts and found that the Peerless Auto Trac chains are very quick to install, right out of the box; (Photo/Matt Bento)

Our Testing Grounds

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Tire Chains for Snow

Tension Adjustment and Self-Tensioning

closeup of snow chains on car tire in snow — Proper tensioning is key to ensure your chains function and also to prevent them from damaging your vehicle.

Automatic Release

Sizing

snow chains on truck tire — The ability to make tension adjustments without having to reach behind your tires and unhook your chains is a great feature; (photo/**Tom Reynolds**)

Material

Weight

how to install snow chains — Practice is essential! Make sure you’re dialed in on how to install chains on your vehicle so you can minimize the time you spend out in the cold, rolling around in the snow; (photo/George Wesley & Bonita D)

Price & Value

Budget

Premium

Low clearance vehicles are often the least equipped to handle snow and also make for a difficult chain installation; (photo/Matt Bento)

How to Install Snow Chains

Practice

Installation 101

Frequently Asked Questions

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. But if you’d just like to have a set of chains to keep in your car just for emergency purposes, maybe a more budget-friendly option will suffice.

Ultimately the decision is up to you, as each snow chain on the market has its own set of pros and cons.

Several alternatives to snow chains might work best for your vehicle, lifestyle, and the degree of winter conditions you expect to encounter. Tire straps are an easy-to-use traction device over snow chains. They strap on similarly to snow chains but have more flexibility.

Appropriate for cars, crossovers, and other small to medium-sized vehicles. Install them over the tires when you travel in snow or need extra traction on muddy, sandy, or rocky terrain.

Snow socks are better than tire chains for some people because they won’t damage your vehicle, and installation is more straightforward. Another advantage is that the ride is quieter without the vibration and rumble of bulkier traction devices. Snow socks over tires are recommended for short-term use and low-speed driving.

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. That said, snow socks are a great option for folks who don’t plan on regularly driving in the most demanding winter conditions.

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 increased volume created by chains.

There is the possibility that snow chains can mess up your car. However, they’re all designed to avoid such a negative outcome. In most cases, the responsibility falls on the installer or driver when cars get damaged by tire chains.

Snow chains need to fit your tires properly. If they don’t, damage to your wheel wells may occur while you’re driving. Additionally, if not installed in the correct manner, 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. When driving with chains on your tires, be extra cautious if you’re passing over areas of bare pavement.

While the best tire chains for snow can cause damage, they’re engineered for traction and safety. If you install them as instructed and heed the manufacturer’s advice, snow chains shouldn’t cause you any trouble. If you’re concerned, consider snow socks as an alternative traction device.

Definitely use the best tire chains for snow on all four corners with all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles. In the case of FWD and RWD cars and crossovers, it’s much safer and easier to control if you have snow chains on all four tires. You can make do by installing them on the drive axle wheels.

Although, the significant difference in traction will cause oversteer in front-wheel drive vehicles and understeer in rear-wheel drive cars.

While the design of snow chains works best in packed snow or ice, they can also help in muddy situations. It’s not uncommon to lose traction when tire treads get packed with foreign material — snow, ice, or mud.

Chains act as an additional traction device and allow for more friction. Some snow chains translate better to mud than others, and individual manufacturers sometimes declare their chains’ effectiveness in the mud.

Don’t approach winter driving lightly. Thankfully, there are plenty of tools out there to help you navigate snowy and icy roads with safety and relative ease. Snow tires are a great asset in wintry, mountainous environments, but replacing a full set of tires is expensive.

While you may not need them, snow tire chains are a great tool to keep in your car when conditions get especially rugged.