The 5 Best Car Snow Chains in 2025: Comparison and Buying Guide
If you live in an area with harsh winters or travel to places where snow and ice are common, having snow chains In your car, it's a necessity. Choosing the right ones can make the difference between driving safely or getting stuck on the road.
In this guide we present to you The 5 best car snow chains in 2025, highlighting their features, advantages, and the best options for each model. We also include key tips on how to choose them and answer frequently asked questions about their use.
Key Factors When Choosing Snow Chains
Before purchasing chains, consider the following aspects:
- Compatibility: Check your tire size and manufacturer restrictions.
- Type of chains: Metallic for greater traction, textile for comfort, hybrid for a balance between the two.
- Frequency of use: If you only use them occasionally, textiles may be the best option.
- Easy installation: Textile and some hybrid ones are easier to assemble than metal ones.
The Best Snow Chains in 2025: A Detailed Review
After analyzing different options, we have selected the best snow chains in terms of value for money based on personal experience, user reviews and their features.
Peerless Auto-Trac Snow Chains – Best Overall Choice
The Peerless Auto-Trac snow chains are one of the most popular and user-friendly options on the market. Their standout feature is the self-tightening Auto-Trac system, which automatically centers and tensions the chain as you drive. Once installed, there’s no need to stop and re-adjust, making them far easier to use than traditional chains.
They use a diamond-pattern alloy steel design that provides stable traction during acceleration, braking, and cornering. The chains are Class S compatible, meaning they work well with many modern cars, SUVs, and light trucks that have limited wheel-well clearance.
Pros:
✔ Self-tightening and self-centering system
✔ Very quick and intuitive installation
✔ Strong traction on snow and ice
✔ Class S clearance for modern vehicles
Cons:
✖ More expensive than basic manual chains
✖ Not comfortable or suitable for dry asphalt
Who is it ideal for?
Drivers who want excellent winter traction with the least possible hassle. Perfect for occasional snow, mountain trips, and emergency use.
SCC Super Z6 Cable Chains – Best for Low-Clearance Vehicles
The SCC Super Z6 chains are designed specifically for vehicles with tight wheel clearance, such as sedans, EVs, and newer SUVs. Instead of thick steel links, they use hardened steel cables combined with traction coils, resulting in a much thinner and lighter setup.
Despite their slim profile, the Super Z6 still deliver reliable traction in moderate snow and icy conditions. The built-in rubber tensioner keeps the chains snug once installed, and the overall ride is smoother and quieter than traditional metal chains.
Pros:
✔ Ultra-thin Class S design
✔ Lightweight and easier to handle
✔ Quieter and smoother than full steel chains
✔ Good fit for modern cars and EVs
Cons:
✖ Less aggressive grip in deep snow
✖ Not ideal for extreme mountain conditions
Who is it ideal for?
Drivers with limited wheel-well clearance who still need legal and safe snow traction without risking damage to their vehicle.
König Easy Fit Snow Chains – Fastest Installation
König Easy Fit chains are all about speed and convenience. Their external mounting system means you don’t need to reach behind the tire or move the vehicle during installation. You simply place the chain on the front of the wheel, lock it in place, and drive forward slightly.
The chains automatically tension themselves while driving and use a high-quality alloy steel diamond pattern for balanced traction and control. König is known for premium European engineering, and these chains reflect that with excellent build quality and smooth performance.
Pros:
✔ Extremely fast installation (often under 2 minutes)
✔ No need to reach behind the wheel
✔ High-quality materials and finish
✔ Excellent balance between grip and comfort
Cons:
✖ High price
✖ Overkill for very occasional use
Who is it ideal for?
Drivers who value comfort, speed, and premium quality—especially those who don’t want to struggle with cold, snow, or limited space during installation.
Thule KÖNIG K-Summit Snow Chains – Best Premium & Luxury Option
The Thule KÖNIG K-Summit chains are a unique high-end solution that mount entirely on the outside of the wheel. There is no contact with suspension, brakes, or inner wheel components, making them ideal for luxury cars, sports cars, and vehicles with extremely limited clearance.
They use reinforced metal arms and carbide traction plates that bite firmly into snow and ice. Installation is surprisingly straightforward for such a robust system, and once mounted, they offer exceptional stability and control.
Pros:
✔ No inner-wheel clearance required
✔ Excellent traction and stability
✔ Premium build quality
✔ Ideal for luxury and performance vehicles
Cons:
✖ Very expensive
✖ Heavier and bulkier to store
Who is it ideal for?
Owners of luxury or performance cars who need snow chains but cannot use conventional systems due to clearance or suspension limitations.
Michelin Easy Grip Evolution – Best Textile Snow Chains
The Michelin Easy Grip Evolution are modern textile snow chains designed for quick installation, driving comfort, and compatibility with vehicles that have very limited wheel clearance. Instead of metal links, they use a high-performance composite fabric that wraps around the tire and provides grip through friction and water absorption.
Installation is extremely simple: the chain slips over the tire and is secured with an elastic outer band, automatically centering itself as you drive. Compared to metal chains, they are much lighter, quieter, and more comfortable, making them a popular choice for occasional snow and city driving.
Pros:
✔ Extremely fast and easy to install
✔ Very lightweight and compact to store
✔ Quiet and smooth ride compared to metal chains
✔ Suitable for cars with very limited clearance
✔ TÜV and EN 16662-1 approved
Cons:
✖ Less durable than metal chains
✖ Reduced traction in deep snow or on ice
✖ Wear faster if driven on asphalt
Who is it ideal for?
Drivers who want a comfortable, easy-to-use snow solution for light to moderate snow, especially in urban areas or for occasional winter trips. Ideal for modern cars, hybrids, and EVs where metal chains may not fit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Snow Chains
When is it mandatory to carry snow chains in the car?
In the United States, snow chain requirements vary by state and are enforced through roadside signs and local regulations. In states with mountainous or snowy regions, such as California, Colorado, and Washington, drivers are required to install snow chains or approved traction devices when signs indicate “Chains Required.” Even when not legally mandatory, carrying snow chains during winter is strongly recommended if you plan to drive in mountain areas or during snowstorms, as conditions can change quickly and enforcement can be strict.
Do snow chains damage tires?
If installed correctly and used only on snowy or icy surfaces, they shouldn't cause damage. However, if you drive on dry pavement with metal chains, they can wear down both the tires and the suspension and brake systems.
When should I use snow chains?
When road conditions require it and there is specific signage requiring its use.
Are textile chains as effective as metal ones?
It depends on the situation. For light snow, yes. For ice or extreme conditions, metal tires offer better traction.
Can chains be used in cars with ABS and ESP?
Yes, but make sure the model you choose is compatible.
How do you install them correctly?
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and Practice assembling them before needing them on the road.
Conclusion: What is the Best Option?
The best snow chain will depend on your needs:
- If you're looking for maximum traction: RD9 Metal Chains
- For a quieter and more comfortable ride: ARCOL Textile Chains
- If you drive in extreme conditions: Sumex Husky Professional
- For easy installation: Goodyear Ultra Grip
- If you want a versatile hybrid model: Michelin Easy Grip Evolution
If you plan to travel to areas with snow, have a good set of snow chains It will give you security and peace of mind on the road.
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