The snow chains might not be a big deal on the east coast, but they are mandatory on the west coast. If you live in a place where its snowing, you will need a pair of snow chains in your vehicle. So, what are the best snow chains for your car, van and SUV?
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Top 8 Best Snow Chains For Your Car, Van and SUV
In this article I am going to talk about snow chains
, how effective are snow chains and what are the best snow chains on the market. Let’s start:
8. Z6 SZ143 Snow Chains by Security Chains
These snow chains are manufactured by a company called Security Chain Company. They are manufacturing snow chains for cars, pickups and SUVs. .They don’t interfere with anti-lock brakes or wheel drive or other electronically monitored control systems making them suitable for almost any SUV out there. They only need 7 millimetres of clearance and provide great handling around corners. However, removal is a bit hard.
Pros
- Available snow chains for cars, pickups and SUVs.
- Easy to install.
- Need only 7 millimetres of clearance.
- Provide better traction performance.
Cons
- Removal is a bit hard
7. Konig XB-16 Snow Chains
At number 7 we have snow chains hand made by the Italian Konig company. The company is known to combine high quality craftsmanship and superior performance for optimal safety during inclement weather. These snow chains are made of manganese nickel alloy steel. They use a patented self-centering and auto-tensioning system. They come with an installation mat and color-coded attachment points. But, they could be a bit hard to install.
Pros
- Made of rugged hardened materials.
- Self centering and auto tensioning system.
- Comes with installation mat and color-coded attachment points.
Cons
- Bit hard to install.
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6. Peerless Auto-Trac Snow Chains
The snow chains by Auto-Trac offer quick and easy installation within minutes without the need to move or junk up the vehicle. Because they are made out of manganese alloy steel, they are both lightweight and durable at the same time. These collapse nicely for storage and are built for maximum gripping points. They’re safe for speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
Pros
- Quick and easy installation.
- Made of manganese alloy steel.
- Lightweight.
- Requires very little storage space.
Cons
- No cons here. Worth the money.
5. Snow Chains by Spikes-Spider
The vehicle snow chains made by Spikes-Spider have been specially designed to handle steep grades. So, if you live in a hilly region you can rely on these to get you where you’re going. These snow chains feature unique traction arms that dig deeply into the ground. They come with tungsten carbide gripping studs. They only negative thing about these snow chains is that they require more storage space than other snow chains.
Pros
- Specially designed for steep grades.
- Unique elastic traction arms.
- Easy to install and uninstall.
- Good for FWD, RWD, AWD, minivans, SUVs and Pickups.
Cons
- Require more storage space.
Useful Information: Recommended Tire Pressure For Chevrolet Vehicles
4. Snow Chains by Glacier
The Glacier snow chains are a smart pick that fit a variety of vehicles and meet all state requirements. They feature a V Bar twisting construction that provides a high degree of traction to help you get around safely. These snow chains perform well even on ice. Will fit your truck, van and SUV. To ensure a good fit, they are equipped with locking side-cams.
Pros
- High degree of traction.
- Perform well on ice and snow.
- Fits truck, vans and SUV tires.
- Equipped with a locking side-cams.
Cons
- A bit heavy.
3. Michelin Easy Grip Snow Chains
For an easy to use light weight option the quality Michelin snow chains with easy grip make a good choice. That diagonal cross cable design not only gives better traction than ladder configurations, but also extends their life and provides a smooth ride for the user. Easy to install and uninstall thanks to the elastic tensioner.
Pros
- Light weight.
- Easy installation and disassembly.
- Elastic tensioner.
- Fits many vehicles.
Cons
- Great performance, but its not for everyone’s pocket.
Might be useful: How Often Should I Check My Tire Pressure And How
2. Quick Grip Snow Chains by Security Company
When clearance isn’t an issue, the affordable security chain company quick grip are a good choice. These extremely heavy duty squaring chains come with the tools needed for tightening plus step-by-step instructions for easy installation. They don’t require separate tensioners and are suitable for ABS and AWD vehicles. They excel at short distance braking.
Pros
- Provide short distance braking.
- Suitable for ABS and AWD.
- Great grip.
- Comes with all the tools required to install the chains.
Cons
- No cons.
1. Best Snow Chains For Your Car, Van and SUV: Konig XG12 Pro Snow Chains
Taking the top spot on my list are the Konig XG-12 Pro snow chains. When you want nothing but the best, turn to the premium Konig XG-12 Pro. Thanks to their unique pattern design with double traction world A planks, they can grab pack snow and ice more aggressively than other brands. They only require 12 millimetres of clearance. Self tensioning is quick and easy and they’re simple to remove. Plus, they won’t scratch your rims.
Pros
- Our number 1 pick.
- Unique pattern design.
- Double traction.
- Great for snow and ice.
- 12 millimetres clearance required.
- Easy to install and uninstall.
Cons
- Could be pricey for some people.
How Effective Are Snow Chains
The snow chains are very effective when driving in the snow or mud because they provide extra traction to your tires. The snow chains main function is to make sure that your tires are getting more traction when you drive in snow or mud and making sure you get safely wherever you are headed. They are mounted on the tires and depending on the model of the chains, they are ether chains or cables and gain traction the same way soccer cleats do.
The older snow chains were harder to install. You were required to lay down the chains and then drive on top of them to install them. That is all great, but what if you enter a sudden blizzard or a mud hole and you just can’t move your vehicle? The snow chain manufacturers made improvements overtime and now you can easily install the snow chains without moving the vehicle.
Snow chains come in different sizes, so you should be careful when buying. If you are buying one on amazon, you need to select your tire size and you will be given an option of which snow chains your vehicle uses.
Tire pressure is also important when it comes to driving in snow. Here is an article on recommended tire pressure for each season.
Is it OK to leave snow chains on overnight?
Is it OK to leave snow chains on your vehicle overnight is something that many people ask. It is completely fine to leave your snow chains on your vehicle overnight because they won’t do any damage to the tire. The only time the snow chains will do damage to your tire is if you drive them over 30 miles per hour. Snow chains are used to get you out of snow and mud and get you going, but you shouldn’t drive faster than 20-30 miles per hour.
