In turn, this eliminates excess slack in the chain, which increases their overall performance on the snow. If you anticipate using your chains often, self-tensioning chains are the way to go.
There are plenty of assisted tensioning and manual tensioning chains on the market, as far as other options go. These chains are often more affordable and easier to initially install. However, they require drivers to retighten them after they begin to drive. In cold and snowy conditions, self-tensioning chains can minimize the amount of time you need to spent kneeling on the side of the frozen road. Before fully committing to either manual or self-tensioning chains, be sure to put some critical thought into the pros and cons of each as they pertain to your particular vehicle location.
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.
No matter the vehicle, we have the chains to help! With next winter approaching, we're stepping up to provide more tire chains recommendations from our experts. We're going to be hand-picking tire chains for every vehicle on our website, giving you more insight into why we think they're a great choice.
Until then, check out our truck page for the best selling tire chains for semis or pickup trucks! With over 20 years of experience selling tire chains online, we pride ourselves on having the lowest prices, fastest shipping, and best customer service.
All our tire chains are packaged and shipped from our warehouse in Iowa. We strive to provide any resources you need on our website, from information on how to install chains to selling the tire chains themselves. We even have experts available for you to call that can help find you the best tire chains. For front-wheel-drive automobiles, tire chains should go on the front tires. And — you guessed it — for rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the chains must be put on the rear wheels.
For a four-wheeler or all-wheel-drive, go with the front tires to give yourself more steering traction. Now to apply the chains. Instead, straighten the wheels then set the parking brake! Make sure the fastening systems it might be hooks, loops, clips, etc.
Now drive forward about 2 feet, maybe 3. You should now have a tire partially wrapped in chains and with both loose ends free from the wheel. Bring them together and then engage the fastening system, ensuring you get those chains as snug to the rubber as you can. Now drive for a few hundred feet, and make sure to turn the steering wheel a few times this way and that.
Snow socks are an alternative, but they may not be as effective as tire chains. This is especially true when hard-packed snow is involved. Vehicles with little tire clearance may benefit from snow socks instead of tire chains. Information about your tires is on the tire sidewall above the rim. The first three digits indicate tire width. The second set of double digits indicates the tire height ratio.
The third set of double digits indicate diameter.
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