Best Tire Chains and Traction Devices for Winter Driving

Tire chains provide traction that nothing else can match in deep snow and ice. In many mountain areas, they’re required by law during winter conditions. Even if you rarely need them, having a set in your trunk can get you out of situations that would otherwise leave you stranded.

This guide covers the best tire chains and traction devices for emergency winter preparedness.

Quick Picks

Types of Traction Devices

Traditional Tire Chains

• Best traction — Nothing beats chains in severe conditions
• Durability — Metal lasts many seasons
• Speed limit — Usually 25-30 mph max
• Noise/ride — Loudest, roughest ride
• Best for: Mountain driving, severe snow, commercial vehicles

Cable Chains

• Good traction — Nearly as good as chains, smoother
• Low clearance friendly — Works on most vehicles
• Easier install — Lighter and more flexible
• Less durable — Cable wears faster than chain
• Best for: Most passenger vehicles, low clearance cars

Self-Tensioning Chains

• Easiest install — Auto-tightening after mounting
• Good traction — Solid performance
• Higher price — Premium for convenience
• Best for: Those who hate chain installation

Textile/Fabric Chains

• Very easy install — Slip over tire like sock
• Moderate traction — Good for light snow/ice
• Limited durability — Wear out relatively fast
• Best for: Occasional light snow, last-resort backup

Recovery Traction Devices

• Emergency only — Gets you unstuck, not for driving
• No installation — Straps to wheel
• Very limited use — Move vehicle a few feet
• Best for: Emergency kits as backup

Top Tire Chains and Traction Devices

Security Chain Super Z6 — Best Overall

The Super Z6 is a cable chain hybrid that offers excellent traction with easier installation than traditional chains.

Specs:

• Type: Cable chain (Z-pattern)
• Clearance needed: Very low (fits most vehicles)
• Max speed: 30 mph
• Installation: Drape and connect

Why it’s the best:

• Works on low clearance vehicles
• Z-pattern provides aggressive traction
• Easier to install than traditional chains
• Built-in rubber tensioners
• Durable construction
• Wide size range available

Drawbacks:

• Still requires some practice to install
• Higher price than basic cables
• Need to check fit periodically

Best for: Most passenger vehicles, SUVs with limited wheel clearance.

König XG-12 Pro — Easiest Install

König makes the chains that professionals recommend for ease of use. The self-tensioning system eliminates re-tightening.

Specs:

• Type: Self-tensioning cable
• Clearance needed: 12mm (very low)
• Max speed: 30 mph
• Installation: No re-tensioning required

Why it stands out:

• Automatic tensioning—install and forget
• Extremely low clearance requirements
• Premium European engineering
• Very smooth ride for chains
• Quick mounting even in harsh conditions

Drawbacks:

• Premium price
• May not fit all wheel designs
• Overkill for occasional use

Best for: Frequent mountain drivers, those who value convenience.

Peerless Auto-Trac — Best for Trucks

For trucks and SUVs that need serious traction, the Auto-Trac delivers with self-tightening traditional chains.

Specs:

• Type: Self-tightening chain
• Clearance needed: Standard
• Max speed: 25 mph
• Installation: Self-adjusting tension

Why we like it:

• Traditional chain traction (best possible)
• Self-tightening eliminates retensioning
• Handles heavy vehicles well
• Durable for frequent use
• Good for commercial applications

Drawbacks:

• Requires more clearance than cables
• Heavier to handle
• Rougher ride than cables

Best for: Trucks, full-size SUVs, anyone needing maximum traction.

Quality Chain Quick Trak — Best Budget

A solid, affordable option for occasional use that gets the job done without breaking the bank.

Specs:

• Type: Cable chain
• Clearance needed: Low
• Max speed: 30 mph
• Installation: Basic drape and connect

Why it works:

• Very affordable
• Adequate traction for most conditions
• Low clearance compatible
• Lighter weight for easy handling
• Good entry-level option

Drawbacks:

• Less durable than premium options
• Requires periodic retensioning
• May need replacement sooner

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, occasional snow driving, emergency backup.

Trac-Grabber — Emergency Recovery

Not chains but an emergency recovery device. Trac-Grabbers strap to your tire to get you unstuck from snow, mud, or sand.

Specs:

• Type: Recovery strap
• Use: Getting unstuck only
• Installation: Straps around tire
• Speed: Walking pace only

Why to keep them:

• Works when chains aren’t enough
• Gets you out of stuck situations
• No chain installation required
• Fits any tire size
• Small, easy to store

Drawbacks:

• Not for driving—recovery only
• Limited to forward/backward motion
• Not a replacement for chains

Best for: Emergency kit backup, getting unstuck from deep snow or mud.

How to Size Tire Chains

Chains must fit your exact tire size. Find your size on the tire sidewall:

Example: P225/65R17

• P = Passenger tire
• 225 = Width in mm
• 65 = Aspect ratio
• R = Radial
• 17 = Wheel diameter in inches

Important: Match the chain size chart exactly. Chains that are too small won’t fit, and chains that are too large won’t grip properly.

Installation Tips

Practice at home first:

• Don’t wait until you’re stranded in a blizzard
• Practice in your driveway at least once
• Time yourself—aim for under 10 minutes

Basic installation steps:

1. Lay chains flat, untangled, behind the tire
2. Drive forward slowly, centering tire on chains
3. Connect the inner hooks first
4. Connect the outer hooks and tensioner
5. Drive 50 feet and check tension
6. Retighten if necessary

Keys to success:

• Wear waterproof gloves (your hands will get cold/wet)
• Use a headlamp (you’ll likely be doing this in the dark)
• Carry a small tarp to kneel on
• Keep instructions with the chains

When to Use Chains

Required by law (chain control):

• R1: Chains required except 4WD with snow tires
• R2: Chains required on all vehicles
• R3: Chains required, no exceptions

When to put them on:

• Before you need them (when snow starts)
• At designated chain-up areas
• When you see warning signs

When to remove:

• When pavement is clear
• At designated chain-off areas
• When they start damaging the road

Alternative Traction Options

If chains aren’t practical for your vehicle:

Related Guides:

• Winter Car Preparedness
• Vehicle Emergency Kit
• Winter Storm Preparedness
• Best Jump Starters for Cold Weather