HOW TO CHOOSE SNOW CHAINS FOR YOUR CAR?

To choose your snow chains , you will first need to define several criteria: your needs, the type of tires on your vehicle, the installation and size and, of course, the price. Here are our tips for choosing the right snow chains.

Precisely define your needs

If you live in a mountainous area or go skiing once a year, your snow chain needs will obviously be significantly different. Generally, three cases are distinguished:

• You live in an area that is not very conducive to heavy snowfall and / or you need chains for (very) occasional use. In this case, snow socks may be sufficient. Compact, easy to install, they will help you out for your rare trips on the snow.
• You regularly go to the mountains, you are regularly confronted with snow or you do not have winter tires. It is then imperative to acquire snow chains . You will then have to define the most suitable model: classic or universal, manual or automatic tensioning, etc.
• You are in a heavily snow-covered region where you have frequent trips on snow-covered roads. You will have to turn to spiders , the must of snow chains.

Choose snow chains adapted to your tires

To choose the right snow chains for your vehicle, you must first and foremost make sure that they are suitable for the size, in particular the width of your tires . In addition, the chains will also need to be adapted to the rims of your car. Indeed, aluminum rims require chains with anti-scratch protection.

Best Snow Chains

For me, safety in the car is very important. That's why I get really frustrated when I go out to buy a supposedly reliable car snow chain that ends up breaking as soon as I use it for the first time. Here I will tell you about my experience with best snow chains.

Having my first car, I bought him a set of metal chains so as not to lose traction during the winter, but they turned out to be very poor quality. I installed them to pass the 6 km of the first snow that I experienced in the vehicle and they were a total disappointment.

The point is that the material was totally flimsy and one of the links gave way. So I had to leave the car stopped in the middle of the road and wait for the snowplow.

I tell you that I will never go through that situation again, so I started looking for the best on the market and I will share them with you. Here is my comparison and opinion on Best snow chains. Remember that Best snow chains that best suit your needs and budget.

What is the best snow chain?
This is my comparative list where you can find the least expensive models

and of better quality. I selected them first depending on the types of chains, which are basic, standard, premium and alternative drive.

All are suitable for cars, trucks and vans, except those with alternative traction, which work only for passenger cars. Although the harsher the conditions, it is preferable that the chains are more advanced.

Patterns influence traction and are available in diamond, square, ladder, or diagonals. Ideally, they should support speeds of at least 50 km / h, although some can reach 100 km / h.

In terms of price, there are other very affordable options that offer good results and it may be convenient to consider chains with textile covers included, in turn, chains that adjust the tension automatically are also a good option and try to always be easy to install.

Here are the best snow chains:

1. Non-slip snow chain for SUMUYA tires

Adjustable universal model

The next product that I can recommend to you in terms of high-end snow chains, are those of the Sumuya label , who have designed a set of 6 universal chains with adjustable straps for 185-295cm tires. They are resistant to less than 50 ° C, because they are manufactured with 100% pure Dichotomanthes, and they are really easy to install in a few minutes without the need to move the car.

The kit also includes gloves and an installation tool.

2. Set of 6 UNIAUTO snow tire chains

With snow scraper and gloves

For those who enjoy long car trips during winter with the intention of skiing in beautiful places, they know well the importance of carrying a kit to avoid traffic jams and slides in the snow.

Thinking about it, the Uniauto brand offers us an innovative, universal and adjustable design, made with extra-thick TPU. In addition, its system is highly resistant to abrasion, thanks to the zinc alloy buckles. Very simple to install.

3. Alpin 48708 snow chains
A convenient package

This package comes with 2 metal chains and with square steel joints, which guarantees its durability and good quality. These come in size 80, but are also available from 30 to 100.

Due to their size, they are ideal if there is little space in the wheel arches and they are easy to install, with a fast and stable assembly. In turn, all the mounting handles are in front of the wheel.

In addition to the two chains for the front or rear, it includes a pair of gloves, repair kit and instructions.

4. Snow chains KÖNIG THULE CB-12 104

Excellent quality and reliability

KONIG CB-12 104 Snow chains,

This model from the Konig brand also comes in a presentation of two chains for you to install them on the driving wheels or the rear ones. They are made of metal and have a fairly simple manual tension system that gives them good rigidity. It works with one stop for installation and another for tension adjustment.

Make sure that your rim has at least 12 mm of clearance between them and the body to be able to use this model, and it also has the O-Norm 5117, UNI 11313 and TUV certifications.

5. Sumex Hupr235 snow chain
Thicker for more traction

Now I bring you another package with two metal chains, this time made of premium steel alloy. Although the version that I show you is size 235, 210, 220, 227 and more are also available until reaching 270.

They are 16 mm thick and highly recommended for how easy they are to install and their good quality, since it comes with an instruction manual and they are quite robust. In turn, they have the European TUV and GS certifications.

6. iRegro snow chain
More convenient

This product corresponds to another type of chain, as they are 6 individual chain pieces with buckles made of zinc alloy and steel tendons and teeth. Each rim has 3 pieces.

One advantage is that they are a striking yellow in color, which adds greater safety on foggy roads.

They are capable of withstanding temperatures of -50 ºC and are quite resistant to wear. They're also easy to mount and uninstall, universal for 165-285mm tires, and work on slopes, smooth ground, snowfields, and more.

In addition, it includes a shovel.

7. Lilauto anti-slip car snow chain

Resistant and reusable

This is another good option that I found and it consists of 10 individual chains that must be placed 5 by 5. That is, the package will serve to cover two tires. In turn, they are easy to install and adjustable tension for rims between 175 and 295 mm. This is why it is ideal for cars, trucks, sports cars and more. Anyway, keep in mind that they support up to 3 tons.

They can also be installed on the rear or front wheels, they work in temperatures from -35 to 85 ºC and their maximum working length is 80 cm.

Remember that safety is essential when driving on roads with adverse conditions. For this reason, we recommend maintaining moderate speeds and choosing the right model for the situation. Therefore, if there is very heavy snow or ice, I recommend chains with diagonal or diamond patterns.

Also keep in mind that being metal products, they could have sharp edges that damage the tire tread, which could cause the tire to burst or puncture. Look for any sharp links or cutting edges. It never hurts to be mistrustful.