• Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

Axe and Answered

The Wikipedia of Axes

  • Best Axe By Type
    • Splitting Axes & Mauls
    • Felling Axes
    • Hudson Bay Axes
    • Carpenter’s Axes
    • Broad Axes
    • Survival Axes
  • Best Axe By Brand
    • Husqvarna Splitting Mauls
    • Estwing Splitting Axes
    • Ames Splitting Axes
    • Truper Splitting Mauls
    • Gransfors Bruks Splitting Mauls
    • Fiskars Splitting Axes
  • Individual Axe Reviews
    • Modern Splitting Axes Review [2023]
  • Tools and Accessory
    • Splitting Wedges
    • Chainsaws
    • Electric Garden Shredders
    • Sharpening Stone Oil
    • Folding Saws
    • Log Splitters

Best Snow Chains for Tires for 2023 and Beyond

Axe & Answered may receive some form of compensation from the links on this page, at no extra charge to you. Learn more.

When you live in an area that gets significant snow fall, you also have winter on the mind. You're either in the winter season, or you know winter is coming in a few months. 

With winter you have to worry about a few different things. You need to keep your home warm, you need emergency rations available in case you get snowed in, and you have to prepare you best for trying to get out and about when possible. 

If you drive, that means you might want to consider getting some quality snow chains for your car or trucks as that will make your life much easier.

But, which ones should you choose?

Quick Navigation
What to Look for in Quality Snow Chains
Reviews of Our Top Picks
Final Thoughts

What to Look for in Quality Snow Chains

If you've never bought a set of chains for your tires before, it's going to be very beneficial for you to have an idea of what to look for. And, to do that, knowing how they works is step one. 

Tire chains are exactly what you think they are. They are a set of chains that wrap around your can or truck's tire and make them look like they're wearing a medieval set of armor. 

However, while armor's prime function is to protect what it's on, the chains' prime function is to improve your automobile's traction. They do so by punching through snow to try and make contact with the road. 

When a naked tire is sitting on too much snow, or snow that's densely packed, and you hit your accelerator, your tires spin because they are actually making any contact with the asphalt. That's the difference between tires with and without chains. 

Next, you have to decide what product is going to be right for your individual needs as not all the option out there are going to be a good choice for you. You'll have to choose between options like chains or cables, and deciding if a 1-year warranty is important or perhaps a 90-day warranty is good enough. 

You'll also want to make sure you find something that matches the body style of your automobile. A set that's great for SUVs and trucks might not be so good on a compact. 

Reviews of Our Top Picks

There are a lot of options out there, but here are tho choices we feel are the best buys. They offer both quality and value. 

Security Chain Company Super Z6

These are never going to steer you wrong. Of all the models that we reviewed, this model from Security Chain Company ticks all the boxes of what you would want: well-made, does the job, and budget friendly.

What's not to like?

About the Super Z6

First things first, you'll notice that these are actually cables and not chains. Some people prefer chains due to the fact there's some limited information that they hold up better against corrosion. But, most of that seems to be antidotal. 

Cables's main advantage is that they are very slim, so they're great for automobiles that have minimal clearance between your tires and your car or truck's body. 

Please keep in mind that these are sold in different sizes and sets of 2, so for AWD vehicles you'll need 2 sets of the correct size.

Pros & Cons

  • Low Profile - Since these are cables, they are OK for cars, SUVs, and trucks. 
  • Easy Installation - These are very easy to get onto your tires and unlike some other products you do not have to move your car at all. 
  • Extras Included - You also receive a nylon storage bag, waterproof gloves, and an installation & removal guide.
  • Price - They tend to run a bit more than your basic run of the mill chains.

Konig CB-12

A more standard type of tire chain is this model from Konig. It's easy to see how they work, and there's nothing fancy here. It's just a design that is tried and true.

About the CB-12

This is a basic chain link model that comes in 12 different sizes, so you should be able to find a set that matches what you need. 

They are fairly simple to put on your tires, and you can actually get them on in only a couple of minutes. But, they instructions can be a bit lacking in detail. 

However, you can see how easy it is to put these bad boys on here: 

If you're looking for a quality manufactured traditional chain link model that's about as hassle free as it gets, the CB-12s are for you. And remember, they come in sets of 2 not in sets of 4. 

Pros & Cons

  • Case Included - You can keep these in your truck in case you get hit with an unexpected snowstorm since they come with a very handy plastic carrying case. 
  • Warranty - These come with a 5 year manufacturer's warranty. 
  • They Work - The most important thing is that you get something that does what you need it to, and these work extremely well. 
  • Scratches - They will cause some minor scratches to your wheels, so if you have expensive rims you might need to do some buffing after use. 

Security Chain Company Radial Chain Series

Another model from SCC, the radial series offer a serious bang-for-your-buck model. If you are on a tight budget, these are something worth taking a good hard look at. 

About the Radial Series

This is another cable model, and it's a rather simple design as you can see in the image above. Due to the design, you don't need much clearance between the tires and automobile. 

They aren't super simple or quick to put on, but they aren't difficult either. You should be able to have then on and be back behind the wheel in about 15 minutes. 

All-in-all, there's not much more to say than they will help you get moving, steer better, and slow down on snowy roads and won't break the bank in the process. 

Pros & Cons

  • Easy to Store - They come with a nice plastic storage case so you can keep them in your trunk for emergencies. 
  • Durable - They are made of high quality stainless steel so they can survive the road wear. 
  • Price - They are a very low-cost version when compared to more premium models, so you can even buy a second set to keep as a spare in case your first set gets damaged. 
  • Rust - They will rust if not dried off properly after usage. 

Glacier Chains V-Bar Twist Links

When you are looking for something a little more heavy duty, this model from Glacier Chains is a solid choice. Note, these are not going to be something for your Toyota Camry. These are meant for heavier vehicles like vans, SUVs, and trucks. 

About the V-Bar

These are not just snow chains. They'll help with all sorts of surfaces like ice, mud, and even sand. That means if you need something for your 4WD off-vehicle, these will more than do the job. 

They are touch and 100% chain. There are no cables or plastic to be seen making these ideal for taking a beating. 

They are fairly easy to get onto your tires, and they fit like a charm as long as you follow the manufacturer's sizing chart.

Pros & Cons

  • Super Tough - They are carbon steel so they will not only do the job and look good doing it, with a little care they will not rust very easily. 
  • Tight Fit - They come with tightening side cams to ensure you get a snug fit each and every time. 
  • 2WD or 4WD - These chains help get you through some tough conditions no matter if you have a 2WD truck or a 4WD one. 
  • Not for Light Coverings - They are meant for use when conditions are very bad. If there's only a dusting, these will made for a very uncomfortable ride.  

Konig XB-16

If you're not 100% sold on the Glacier Chains option above, Konig makes a set that's also good for heavier vehicles. They are on the higher end of what's out there, but they're worth every penny. 

About the XB-16

The XB-16s are some serious hardware. They are a bit lighter than the above model. but they are still touch as nails. 

But, like the other Konig model, though they are fairly easy to put on, it might take a little time to figure it out the first time. That being said, once you know how, you'll be putting them on and taking them off in a matter of minutes. 

Like all the others on here, they come in sets of 2. So, 4x4's and AWD vehicles will need 2 sets. 

Pros & Cons

  • Warranty - You can feel confident with your purchase because the manufacturer's feel so confident in their product that they give you a nice chunky warranty 
  • Case Included - Avoid messes and store them easily with the included hard case. 
  • Long Lasting - With a little TLC, they are going to last you quite awhile. 
  • Price - A bit on the higher end of the spectrum as far as cost is concerned, but they are so well made it's still kind of a value deal when you think about it.   

Final Thoughts

When properly attached, almost any chain or cable is going to improve your automobile's traction. The above picks are what we feel are just a solid combination of decent manufacturing and fair pricing. 

However, no matter which you choose, there are a couple of things to remember. For instance, just because you're going to get a little extra traction doesn't mean you should drive like it's a perfectly warm and sunny day with snow on the road. You will still have to drive slowly and cautiously. 

Many manufacturers suggest not driving any fast than 30 MPH. To be extra caution, you can cap your speed at 25 MPH. 

Additionally, even if the chains or cables you choose are supposed to fit your make and model car or truck, use common sense. If at any time while driving you hear them connected with your undercarriage, stop right away. Something is not right and continuing to drive in that circumstance is very dangerous. 

Lastly, driving in unfavorable conditions is dangerous no matter what precautions you take. Be careful out there.

Filed Under: Tools & Accessories

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Popular Reviews

5 Best Fiskars Splitting Axes Reviewed [2023]

9 Best Wood Splitting Axes & Mauls Reviewed [2023]

2 Best Truper Splitting Mauls Reviewed [2023]

Recent Posts

splitting axe vs splitting maul

Splitting Axe vs Splitting Maul: Know The Difference

4 Best Tools For Splitting Logs Reviewed [2023]

Axe Throwing: Fad or Trend?

3 Ways to Pass Time Around a Campfire

camping outdoors

Outdoor Camping Do’s and Don’ts

Disclaimer

Axeandanswered.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Copyright © 2023 · Sitemap

Scroll Up