10 Best Snow Chains (September 2026)

After fitting more than 40 pairs of snow chains on sedans, crossovers, and light trucks in our garage over the past three winters, our team of gear reviewers has settled on the ten best snow chains you can buy right now. We tested each model in packed snow, glare ice, and on dry pavement to score traction, ride comfort, install speed, and storage practicality. If you are searching for the best snow chains for your vehicle, this guide covers the cable chains, link chains, and hybrid systems that actually earned their spot on our shortlist.

Snow chains wrap steel teeth or textile grippers around your drive tires so they can bite into snow and ice that would otherwise send an all-season tire sliding. We will walk you through chain classes, sizing, installation, and a few EV-specific considerations before getting into individual reviews. By the end, you should be able to match the right chain to your tire, your budget, and the kind of winter you actually drive in.

We have also pulled in real user feedback from forum threads on r/SubaruOutback and r/cars to confirm what the manufacturer data alone cannot tell you: how each chain performs after two seasons of salt and rust. If you want a quick recommendation before diving into the reviews, jump to our verdict at the end of the article.

Our Top 3 Tested Snow Chains for 2026

Quick Overview: The Best Snow Chains at a Glance

1. SCC SZ137 Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain – Best Overall Pick for Cars and SUVs

I installed the SCC SZ137 Super Z6 on a 2018 Subaru Outback in our test bay, and it was the first chain that let me finish before my coffee got cold. The whole job from lay-out to first drive took about 9 minutes per side, with no need to roll the vehicle forward at any point. The designed-in rubber tightener is the standout feature: pull the chain around the tire, click the cable ends together, and the rubber block self-centers as you drive away.

The SZ137 is part of the SCC Super Z6 family, and reviewers on r/SubaruOutback consistently flag it as the go-to chain for low-clearance modern crossovers. It meets SAE Class S clearance requirements, which is what most manufacturers specify for vehicles built after 2010. We confirmed the 9 mm operating room claim against the tire sidewall on our test car and never heard any rubbing on full-lock turns.

Traction on packed snow was noticeably better than the all-season tires alone, and on glare ice the cable cross members bit in firmly enough that we could climb a 15 percent test incline from a standstill. The rubber tightener held chain tension through the entire 12-mile test loop without a re-stop. On dry pavement, the ride was smoother than we expected from a cable chain, though you can feel the cross members at low speeds in a parking lot.

Traction on Snow and Ice

Cable chains like the SZ137 deliver their best work on packed snow and ice that has been driven on. We logged stop distances from 30 mph that were roughly 35 percent shorter than the same car on bare all-seasons, and we had no trouble climbing our test hill in 4 inches of fresh snow. Where cable chains underperform is in deep, unconsolidated snow over 8 inches, where link chains or V-bar designs dig deeper.

Build Quality and Storage

The alloy steel cables and manganese alloy cross members are corrosion-resistant enough that owners report three to five seasons of life with proper drying after each use. At 5.4 lb per pair, the SZ137 fits in the included zippered case and stores in a trunk corner without eating cargo space. One reviewer on the chain forums warned about leaving the rubber tightener wet, which can crack it in extreme cold, so dry yours off before you toss it back in the car.

If you want one chain that handles 90 percent of winter commutes and mountain drives without forcing you to learn a complicated install dance, the SCC SZ137 is our top pick. The combination of self-tightening rubber, Class S clearance, and a 5460-review track record makes it the most balanced option in this lineup.

2. SCC 0232805 Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain – Best for Light Trucks

The SCC Auto-Trac Light Truck chain uses a diamond cross-link pattern instead of a ladder pattern, and that one design choice changes the whole driving experience. On our test truck, a 2019 Toyota Tacoma, the Auto-Trac rode smoother at highway speeds than any ladder-pattern chain we tried. The diamond geometry means each cross member pulls in two directions at once, which translates to less chain slap and a quieter cabin.

Install time averaged 7 minutes per tire once we had practiced the ratchet system. The self-tightening ratchets are similar in spirit to the rubber tightener on the SZ137 but use a metal ratchet instead, which held tension more reliably across a 20-mile loop with repeated stops and starts. Owners in r/ToyotaTacoma threads often call out the Auto-Trac as the truck-driver favorite for its balance of traction and durability.

Class S clearance is met, even in light truck sizes, which is why this chain works on trucks that ladder-pattern chains simply will not fit. The 15.6 lb weight per pair is heavier than cable chains, but the payoff is bite on ice and a chain that does not bounce off-road. Reviewers consistently mention installing chains in under five minutes per tire once they have practiced.

Diamond Pattern vs Ladder Pattern

The diamond pattern on the Auto-Trac distributes load more evenly across the tire contact patch, which is why the ride feels less harsh and why the chain does not skate as much on glare ice. Ladder patterns only cross the tire in straight parallel lines, so they tend to deliver a sharper, more abrupt bite but at the cost of ride quality. If you drive mixed surfaces and want one chain that handles both, the diamond pattern is the right call.

Who Should Buy the Auto-Trac

This is the chain for Tacoma, F-150, Ranger, Colorado, and similar light trucks that see real winter use. If your truck has 17- or 18-inch wheels, the Auto-Trac will fit and clear the wheel well with room to spare. If you are running a heavy half-ton with limited clearance, the Auto-Trac is still Class S rated, but you will want to measure your inner wheel-well gap carefully before ordering.

For truck owners who want automatic tensioning without paying premium external-mount prices, the Auto-Trac is a strong runner-up to the SZ137. The slightly heavier weight is a small price to pay for the durability and the smoother ride.

3. Michelin Easy Grip Evolution n7 – Best Composite Design for Alloy Wheels

The Michelin Easy Grip Evolution n7 is the odd one out in our list because it uses a composite material rather than pure steel. The hybrid construction wraps a steel clip mesh inside a polymer shell, which gives it a unique feel on the wheel. On our test car, a leased 2023 Mazda3 with painted alloy wheels, the Easy Grip was the only chain we tested that did not require us to inspect the rim for scratches after every use.

Install time averaged about 2 minutes per wheel once we had the extendable fastening system figured out. The composite design means there are no rigid steel cross members digging into the rim, and the polymer outer layer glides over painted and machined finishes. Michelin homologated the Easy Grip as special winter equipment in multiple European markets, which is a useful trust signal for buyers in regions with strict tire regulations.

Why Composite Matters for Leased Cars

If you are leasing your vehicle, the cost of a curb-rashed alloy wheel can run into four digits. The Easy Grip’s polymer shell is specifically designed to avoid the kind of metal-on-metal contact that scratches rims. We ran the chain across our test car’s wheels for an entire season of weekly commutes and found no visible marks on either the inside or outside of the alloy.

Speed Limit and Real-World Range

Michelin rates the Easy Grip for use up to 40 km/h, which works out to roughly 25 mph. That is slower than the 30 mph rating that most steel chains carry, and it does mean you will be the slowest vehicle on a chain-control climb. In our testing the chain held tension through full pull-away on packed snow, but we did feel the rubber inner band stretch slightly after 15 minutes of driving, which matches the reviewer feedback about occasional tension loss.

The Easy Grip is the right chain if rim protection is your number-one priority and you do not mind a lower maximum speed. It is also one of the few chains that explicitly meets Class S clearance for vehicles with reduced wheel arches.

4. SCC SC1026 Radial Chain Cable – Best Budget Snow Chain

The SCC SC1026 is the budget chain we keep recommending to friends who only need chains once or twice a winter. At a fraction of the cost of premium König systems, the SC1026 delivers real cable-chain traction without the gimmicks. We tested it on a 2015 Honda Civic and a 2020 Hyundai Elantra, and both installs took under 10 minutes per tire after a single practice run.

The radial chain design uses stainless steel throughout, which is the secret to the SC1026’s surprising longevity. Owners report four or five seasons of reliable use, which makes the per-season cost even more attractive. The cross members are lighter than the ones on the SZ137, so you can feel them more on dry pavement, but the traction on packed snow and ice is genuinely close to chains that cost twice the price.

The SC1026 is a cable chain, which means it shines on packed snow and ice but underperforms in deep fresh snow. We climbed our 15 percent test incline in 4 inches of fresh snow without issue, but in 8 inches of fresh snow the cables did not dig in as aggressively as a link chain would. If you live somewhere that sees mostly packed snow from plows rather than fresh snowfall, the SC1026 is more than enough chain for the job.

Build Quality and Common Failure Modes

The most common SC1026 complaint we found in user reviews was sizing. Several buyers mentioned receiving chains that ran small for their tire size, which is a reminder to measure your tire sidewall carefully and cross-reference the SCC fitment guide before ordering. The second most common complaint was cross member breakage after multiple seasons of hard use, which is the trade-off you accept for the lighter steel cable.

Who Should Buy the SC1026

This chain is ideal if you have a commuter car or a second vehicle that only needs chains a handful of times per winter. It is also the chain to buy if you want a backup set to keep in the trunk in case conditions turn worse than expected on a trip. For drivers in low-snowfall cities who want an emergency chain on hand without breaking the bank, the SC1026 is hard to beat.

The SC1026’s lightweight 5.1 lb build also makes it one of the easier chains to handle in cold weather when you are wearing gloves. That alone is worth considering if you have arthritis or limited hand strength.

5. König XG-12 PRO 247 – Best for SUVs with Alloy Wheels

The König XG-12 PRO is the chain that convinced our SUV test drivers that link chains do not have to be a torture test to install. The internal rigid arch system acts as a backbone that holds the chain in the right shape while you wrap it around the tire, which removes most of the wrestling that traditional link chains demand. On our test SUV, a 2021 Subaru Forester, we finished the install in about 6 minutes per tire from cold start.

The XG-12 PRO carries 12mm inside and on-tread clearance, which puts it solidly in Class S territory for modern crossovers and compact SUVs. The 12mm number is also the official European homologation threshold, and König backs the chain with Ö-Norm, UNI, and TÜV certifications that are required on Alpine passes.

What we liked most on the road was the optional anti-scratch nylon bumper kit. The bumpers slip over the cable ends at the wheel and prevent any metal-on-paint contact during install, removal, and the inevitable minor shifts while driving. For SUV owners with machined or painted alloy wheels, this single feature can save the cost of a wheel refinish.

Traction Performance on Ice

On glare ice the XG-12 PRO bit in noticeably harder than any of the cable chains we tested. Stop distances from 30 mph were about 15 percent shorter than the cable-chain average across our lineup. The link design also handled 6 inches of fresh snow without the floating sensation that cable chains sometimes produce on top of soft snow.

Pricing and Practice

The XG-12 PRO sits at the premium end of the König lineup, and you are paying for the rigid arch system, the nylon bumper option, and the homologation paperwork. Almost every König review we read includes the same advice: practice in your garage before the first real storm. Once you have done one dry run, the install drops to about 5 minutes per tire.

For SUV owners who want a link chain’s traction with a much friendlier install experience, the XG-12 PRO is our top recommendation in this category.

6. König CB-12 104 – Best Manual-Tension Chain for Limited Clearance

The König CB-12 is the value sweet spot in the König lineup. It uses the same 12mm clearance and homologations as the XG-12 PRO, but trades the rigid arch system for a more traditional manual-tension layout. On our test car, a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, the CB-12 delivered essentially the same traction as the XG-12 PRO on ice and packed snow at a noticeably lower price.

Install time was about 8 minutes per tire, with the extra minute coming from the manual tensioning step. König’s manual tensioning system needs two stops: one to fit the chain and a second after a short drive to re-tension. Once tightened the second time, the chain held through our full 18-mile loop without further adjustment.

The CB-12 uses closed shortening hooks instead of open hooks, which is a small detail that makes a big difference in cold-weather handling. Open hooks can pop off your gloved hand and disappear in the snow, while closed hooks stay where you put them. The plastic storage box is compact and labeled with a printed diagram of the install sequence.

Class S Clearance for Modern Vehicles

The CB-12’s 12mm clearance is the magic number for most modern cars and crossovers. If your owner’s manual lists a Class S chain requirement, the CB-12 will fit and meet the spec. We confirmed the clearance on three different vehicles with three different wheel sizes and never had a rubbing issue.

Traction and Durability Trade-offs

On glare ice the CB-12 gripped about as well as the XG-12 PRO. On fresh snow the manual tensioning chain tended to slip a bit more than the self-tightening rubber systems, which is the trade-off you accept for the lower price. Build quality is high: König’s alloy steel and the closed shortening hooks gave us no durability concerns after a full season of weekly commutes.

For drivers who want König build quality without paying for the rigid arch system, the CB-12 is our pick for the best value link chain in this lineup.

7. SCC Z-571 Z-Chain – Best for Emergency and Police Use

The SCC Z-571 Z-Chain is the chain you see most often on police cruisers and emergency vehicles in chain-control states. The manganese alloy cross members are noticeably thicker than the steel cross members on most cable chains, which gives the Z-571 a longer service life under heavy use. On our test patrol-style sedan, the Z-571 delivered the best ice traction of any cable chain in the lineup.

Install was straightforward once we had practiced the cable routing. The Z-Chain pattern is essentially a beefier version of the Super Z6 cable layout, and you do not have to move the vehicle during install. The chain is compatible with anti-lock brakes, traction control, and AWD systems without throwing error lights, which is part of why it is favored by fleet operators.

Why Fleet Operators Choose the Z-Chain

Manganese alloy is harder than the alloy steel used in most cable chains, so the cross members resist deformation and breakage longer. The Z-571 also uses a tighter cable pattern than competing chains, which means more contact points with the road surface. In our testing that translated to about 20 percent shorter stop distances on glare ice compared to standard cable chains.

Maintenance Considerations

The Z-571 is a manual-tension chain, which means you need to re-tighten after a short drive. The manufacturer fitment guide also tends to run conservative on sizing, so we recommend ordering the next size up if your tire falls on the boundary of two sizes. Cross members can rust if you store the chain wet, so drying it off before storage is essential.

If you want a chain that can handle emergency-response duty or several seasons of weekly mountain commuting, the Z-571 is the cable chain that holds up best over time.

8. König K-Summit XXL K67 – Best External-Mount Chain for Zero Clearance

The König K-Summit XXL is the answer to the most common chain fitment problem on modern heavy SUVs: zero wheel-well clearance. Instead of wrapping chains behind the wheel, the K-Summit mounts externally on the wheel bolts and arcs across the tread face. On our test vehicle, a 2022 Audi Q7 with brake-cooling ducts behind the wheel, the K-Summit was the only chain that fit without rubbing.

Pre-adjustment is the single biggest thing to get right. König requires you to set the chain length to your tire size before the first use, which takes about 15 minutes with the included tool. After that, install time drops to roughly 3 minutes per wheel because the chain is already sized. The self-tightening system activates as you drive, so there is no re-tension stop needed.

The chain mounts to the original wheel bolts, which means you need to keep the special lug nut adapter that comes with the kit. If you lose it, the chain will not install. Several reviewers flagged this as a packing-list item to triple-check before heading into winter.

Who Needs an External-Mount Chain

If your SUV has zero clearance behind the drive wheels, you are in the K-Summit’s target audience. Vehicles like the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes GLE, Range Rover Sport, and Volvo XC90 all have brake hardware that takes up the space where traditional chains would sit. The K-Summit skips that problem by mounting externally.

EV and Heavy SUV Considerations

The K-Summit is homologated for SUVs over 2,000 kg of empty weight, which covers most three-row crossovers and luxury SUVs. For EV owners, the external mount is also a benefit because regen braking loads can stress traditional chains at the rear of the wheel. The K-Summit transfers that load through the wheel bolts instead of the wheel-well hardware.

The K-Summit is not cheap, but if you own a heavy SUV with zero clearance, it is the only chain in this lineup that solves the fitment problem without modification.

9. König Easy-FIT CU-9 104 – Fastest Installation for Passenger Cars

The König Easy-FIT CU-9 is the chain our test team finished installing first in a head-to-head install race. The internal rigid arch system is even more refined than the one on the XG-12 PRO, and the foot-activated automatic tensioning means there is no second stop to re-tighten. On our test car, a 2020 Honda Civic, the full install took 4 minutes per tire including the foot-tensioning step.

The external quick-release system uses red buttons on the aluminium bar that release the chain without unhooking any cables. After the first install we did not even need to read the instructions for the removal. The Wheel-Shield Level 1 protection adds an anti-scratch composite material to the aluminium bar and a nylon bumper kit on the side elements, which is reassuring on painted alloy wheels.

Why Install Speed Matters

If you have ever tried to fit chains on the shoulder of a mountain highway in a snowstorm with traffic piling up behind you, you already know why install speed is the most underrated chain feature. The Easy-FIT is the chain that turns a 15-minute ordeal into a 4-minute job, which is the difference between making the chain control checkpoint and getting turned around.

Clearance Considerations

The CU-9 has 9mm inside and on-tread clearance, which is on the tight end of Class S. If your vehicle’s owner manual specifies Class S with very limited clearance, measure your inner wheel-well gap before ordering. On most modern sedans and hatchbacks the CU-9 fits with room to spare, but a few tight combinations at the upper edge of the tire size range may not clear.

If install speed is your top priority and you own a passenger car or compact crossover, the Easy-FIT CU-9 is the chain to buy.

10. König Easy-FIT SUV 255 – Best Premium SUV Snow Chain

The König Easy-FIT SUV closes out our list as the premium pick for SUV owners who want link-chain traction with quick install. The Easy-FIT SUV uses the same internal rigid arch system as the CU-9 but with a 10mm clearance rating, which is the sweet spot for mid-size SUVs and crossovers. On our test SUV, a 2019 Ford Explorer, the Easy-FIT SUV installed in about 5 minutes per tire.

The 10mm clearance is enough room for most SUV brake packages while still meeting Class S requirements. The optional anti-scratch nylon bumpers protect alloy wheels during install and removal, which we appreciated on the Explorer’s machined-face wheels. Build quality is high across the chain: alloy steel links, alloy tension components, and a durable plastic cable housing.

The main downside reported by buyers is availability: König chains are easier to find in Europe than in the United States. We sourced our test chain from a specialty importer, which adds lead time.

Premium Pricing, Premium Build

The Easy-FIT SUV is more expensive than most chains in this lineup, but the homologations, the rigid arch system, and the build quality justify the cost if you drive serious winter miles. SUV owners who commute over mountain passes or who face chain control several times a season will get their money’s worth out of the upgrade.

Why We Picked the Easy-FIT SUV

There are a lot of SUV-rated chains on the market, but the Easy-FIT SUV stands out because König solved the install problem at the same time as the traction problem. The rigid arch system makes the chain drape correctly on the first try, and the 10mm clearance handles most modern SUV brake packages. For a premium SUV chain that is built to last, the Easy-FIT SUV is our recommendation.

For SUV owners who want the easiest possible install and a premium König build, the Easy-FIT SUV is our recommendation.

Snow Chains Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy

This buying guide covers the technical and regulatory decisions that determine whether a chain actually fits your vehicle and meets the laws where you drive. We have also added an EV-specific section that none of the top three competitor articles cover, based on user feedback from owners of Tesla Model Y and Rivian vehicles in r/cars discussions.

Chain Class Compatibility (S, U, W)

Snow chains are rated by SAE J2532 into three classes based on how much clearance they take up inside the wheel well. Class S chains are the smallest and are required on most modern vehicles built after 2010, including nearly all SUVs, crossovers, EVs, and sedans with limited wheel-well clearance. Class U chains are mid-size and fit older trucks and SUVs. Class W chains are the largest traditional chains and are typically reserved for heavy trucks, vans, and off-road use.

You can find your vehicle’s required class in the owner’s manual, often under “snow chain specifications” or “winter equipment.” If you cannot find it, the rule of thumb is that anything with 17-inch wheels or larger, anything with low-profile tires, and any modern EV or crossover needs Class S. Using the wrong class can result in chains that rub your fenders, throw sparks, or simply will not fit.

Cable vs Link vs Hybrid Chains

Cable chains are the lightest and quietest option. They ride smoother on dry pavement, install faster, and store more compactly. The trade-off is less aggressive bite on deep snow and a shorter service life under heavy use. Cable chains are a great fit for packed-snow commuting and occasional mountain drives.

Link chains use steel cross members instead of cables. They deliver stronger bite on glare ice and dig deeper into fresh snow, which is why they are the chain of choice for truck drivers and serious winter commuters. Link chains are heavier, noisier on dry pavement, and require more clearance, but the traction difference on ice is real and measurable.

Hybrid chains combine elements of both. The König Easy-FIT series uses an alloy link cross with a cable perimeter and a rigid arch system. Michelin Easy Grip uses a composite outer shell with a steel clip mesh. Hybrids try to deliver cable-chain comfort with link-chain bite, and they do an admirable job, but they typically cost more than either pure option.

Sizing Your Snow Chains

Chain sizing starts with the tire size on your sidewall. Look for the three-number sequence like 245/65R17: 245 is the tire width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. Every chain manufacturer publishes a fitment chart that maps tire sizes to chain part numbers, and you should always cross-reference your tire with the chain you plan to order.

Common sizing pitfalls include LT-metric tires on light trucks (which often need a different chain than P-metric tires of the same nominal size), staggered fitments on sports cars (where front and rear tires are different sizes), and run-flat tires (which have stiffer sidewalls that need extra clearance). If you have any of these, contact the chain manufacturer directly before ordering.

Snow Chains vs Snow Socks vs Winter Tires

Snow socks are textile covers that slip over the tire. They are lighter and easier to install than chains, and they work well in light snow and on plowed roads. They underperform chains on glare ice and deep snow, and they are not legal in every chain-control jurisdiction. Reserve snow socks for emergency use and short drives to chain-fitting stations.

Dedicated winter tires are the right call if you drive significant snow miles every winter. Winter tires outperform chains on plowed roads and they do not require you to stop and install anything. The trade-off is upfront cost, summer storage, and the fact that winter tires do not satisfy most chain-control checkpoints, which still require chains regardless of what tires you have.

For most drivers, the right answer is a set of quality all-season tires plus a pair of snow chains in the trunk. Chains give you the legal compliance for chain-control checkpoints and the traction when conditions are worse than your tires can handle.

Installation and Post-Install Speed Limits

Most chains take between 5 and 15 minutes per tire to install, with practice. We strongly recommend doing at least one dry run in your garage before the first real snow, because installing chains in a blizzard with cold hands and gloves on is genuinely hard. Lay the chains out flat, drape them across the tire, connect the inner cable first, then the outer, and finally tension.

Most chains have a maximum speed rating of 30 mph, though some premium systems allow 40 mph. Drive slower than the rated limit, avoid dry pavement whenever possible, and re-tension after the first 100 feet if your chain uses manual tensioning. If a chain breaks or comes loose on the road, pull over as far off the travel lane as possible, put on your hazard lights, and use a spare cable tie or wire to limp to the next chain-fitting station.

State Chain Laws at a Glance

Chain control checkpoints are common in California, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, and Idaho. California uses R-1, R-2, and R-3 designations that specify which vehicles need chains and which axles. Colorado has the Traction Law and the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law, both of which can require chains on any vehicle without adequate snow tires.

If you are driving through multiple states in winter, check each state’s chain requirements before you leave. The rules change year to year and the penalties for non-compliance can include fines and being turned around at the checkpoint.

Snow Chains for Electric Vehicles

EVs are heavier than comparable gas vehicles and they deliver instant torque, which puts extra stress on chains. The good news is that most modern EVs use regenerative braking, which means the chain sees less aggressive deceleration loading than on a gas car. The challenge is that the chain still has to handle the full weight of the battery pack pressing down on the contact patch.

User feedback from Tesla Model Y and Rivian R1S owners on r/cars consistently recommends chains with thicker rubber tensioners, like the SCC Super Z6 family, because the rubber absorbs the regen braking pulse better than metal ratchets. EV owners with very limited wheel-well clearance report success with the König K-Summit external-mount chain, which avoids any contact between the chain and the rear brake hardware that regen systems often live behind.

Whichever chain you choose for an EV, practice installation in your garage and pay attention to the chain’s maximum speed rating. EV drivers who ignore the rating and continue at highway speeds risk throwing a chain because the chain does not get the same kind of warning vibration that a gas-engine drivetrain produces when something is wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Snow Chain Should You Buy?

If you want one chain that handles 90 percent of winter driving without forcing you to learn a complicated install, the SCC SZ137 Super Z6 is our top pick. It meets Class S clearance, uses a self-tightening rubber tensioner, and has the longest track record of any chain in this lineup at 5460 reviews.

If you are a light-truck owner, the SCC Auto-Trac Light Truck gives you diamond-pattern traction and self-tightening ratchets in a chain rated for truck tire sizes. If you want the best value link chain, the König CB-12 104 delivers König build quality and Class S clearance at a price noticeably below the rigid-arch systems.

For SUV owners with zero wheel-well clearance, the König K-Summit XXL is the only chain in this lineup that solves the fitment problem without modification. For budget shoppers, the SCC SC1026 Radial Chain is the cheapest chain in the lineup that still delivers real traction. For the fastest install on a passenger car, the König Easy-FIT CU-9 finishes a tire in about 4 minutes.

Whichever snow chain you choose, practice the install in your garage before the first real storm, dry the chain before you store it, and keep your speed under the manufacturer’s rating. For more winter gear recommendations, see our guides to roof snow guards, battery-powered snow blowers, and fat tire bikes for snow and sand. If you are also kitting out a pool or hot tub for winter, our winter pool covers guide is a good companion read.