With winter tightening its grip across the country, staying safe on snow and ice-covered roads means having the right equipment at the ready. These editor-tested tire chains can mean the difference between safely navigating dangerous conditions and being stranded on the roadside—or, worse, getting into an accident. And, it doesn’t matter if your car has four-wheel drive or all-weather tires: Investing in tire chains is always a good idea if you live in a locale that gets ice storms and snow.
If you don’t already have a set, now is a great time to invest. Amazon is running a limited-time sale on tire chains from reliable brands our editors recommend—including König, Security Chain Company (SCC), and Vevor—at a savings of up to 30 percent.
Security Chain Company Peerless 0232105 Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain
The Security Chain Company Auto-Trac Light tire chains are a versatile choice that offers decent performance on most surfaces relative to their price. They performed well on fresh snow during our testing, providing good traction and stability. Additionally, our editors found that the patented ratcheting system kept the chains tight while driving, so no additional tensioners were required. The installation process is also straightforward, making the Auto-Trac a good option for those who don’t have much experience installing tire chains.
Security Chain Company Radial Chain SC1032
Budget-conscious shoppers can get the Security Chain Company Radial Chain SC1032 for 18 percent off, dropping the price to under $40. Beyond being a solid budget picket, our editors found these chains durable, lightweight, and easy to install and remove while providing a relatively smooth ride. That said, the basic cable-type design won’t last as long as more expensive alternatives, though if you only need them for a season, they’re a decent option.
Vevor Auto Tightening Snow Chains
Finally, the Vevor Auto Tightening Snow Chains are another editor-favorite option, and you can grab a set for 20 percent off. Thanks to their manganese alloy steel construction, these tire chains offer excellent durability, allowing them to withstand extreme cold temperatures and repeated use. With multiple fastening mechanisms, the chains offer easy installation and an auto-tightening system that ensures they stay secure while driving. The Vevor also offers wide tire compatibility, making it suitable for everything from compact cars to SUVs.
More Editor-Recommended Tire Chains on Sale
Amazon’s Tire Chain Sale: The Best Models We Recommend
Best for SUVs and Light Trucks
König XG-12 PRO 267 Snow Chains (Set of 2)
Now 12% Off
Best for Cars
König CG-9 095 Snow Chains (Set of 2)
Now 19% Off
Most Affordable
SCC Peerless 0232805 Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Chain (Set of 2)
Now 16% Off
Best Value
Vevor Tire Chains for Cars SUV Pickup Trucks (2 Pack)
Now 20% Off
Best for Trucks
SCC QG3229CAM Quik Grip Wide Base Tire Chains
Now 30% Off
How to Buy and Install Tire Chains for Your Vehicle
- The place to start is ensuring the chains you buy are the right size, so carefully check specs—tire width, tire height ratio, and diameter—to ensure they’ll fit tires on your vehicle make and model. Chains that are too small are a struggle to get on; if they’re too large, you risk damaging your car.
- Think about the typical driving conditions in your area. If you rarely get snow and ice, a less robust set of tire chains from a reliable manufacturer is fine. You probably don’t need to spend more than $125 on a full-price set.
- To install, find level ground and use insulated gloves for protection. Ensure your car is in park, then untangle the chains and lay them beside you. Lay them over your tire and slowly drive your car forward until you complete the rotation. Then, connect the chains, making sure that all connections are aligned.
- Drive a short distance in a parking lot or area without traffic to ensure the tire chains are properly tightened.
Brandon Russell is a freelance writer covering gear and technology. He started his journey as a news writer at a small newspaper and later began reviewing smartphones, movies, and video games. In his free time, he enjoys the slower, more intentional experience of using a 35mm film camera and making short videos about movies he grew up watching.
£
