The Most Popular Snow Tires Review Guide For 2023-2024
The Most Popular Snow Tires Review Guide For 2023-2024 – Winter tires will take you into the snow…but will they keep you going? If you do a lot of driving in areas with heavy snow, or maybe you want to visit an area that receives a large amount of snowfall, then other than just using a car snow brush, you should definitely consider getting a set of the best tire chains for your vehicle to cope with those winter conditions.
Snow chains for tires are an easy tool that can help you out big time on a road with snow and ice and is are lot cheaper than using snow tires – giving you better traction in the worst winter weather (even in rear wheel drive cars in snow).
More importantly, giving car owners a much safer drive wherever you go. To find out even more keep reading The Most Popular Snow Tires Review Guide For 2023-2024.
Security Chain Company SZ143 Cable Snow Tire Chains
The first choice on our tire chain reviews is the SZ143 from the Security Chain Company, but this set is not actually a set of snow chains, instead, they are snow cables.
These steel cables are great for two main reasons, firstly, they are good for vehicles with less ground clearance around the driving tires, unlike a lot of other tire chains, which makes it safer for most vehicles. Designed for cars, pick ups and SUVs that have limited clearance requirements.
Secondly is that a lot of winter tire chains are made for a specific type of vehicle. The SZ143 chains are great because they can be used for almost every vehicle type, making them more versatile. With built-in rubber adjusters that will eliminate the need to stop and retighten your snow chain.
The cable design makes it easy to put them on, allowing for installation without the need to move your vehicle. They are also more compatible with Anti-Lock braking than a lot of steel chains, giving them a higher safety rating for that all-important better traction required for snowy driving conditions.
Top Features:
- Cables instead of chains
- Low Clearance
- Easy to install
- Auto-Tightening Rubber
- Excellent traction
Konig XG-12 Pro Snow Chains Review
Konig has been one of the leading German manufacturers of snow chains for years.
This is a set of one of the best tire chains for snow and is designed for use as SUV tire chains. They are top-level snow chains on the market and do have a higher price point but this price is well justified though with several benefits for the SUV owner.
The best feature of these tire chains is the patented self-tensioning system, unlike the other brands that have manual tensioning. It allows for a quick, easy installation. This chain for tires essentially regulates the tension and cuts out manual tensioning on the chain to allow for top performance and traction control on the road.
Featuring on these tire chains are the anti-scratch nylon bumpers, they are the little nylon pads that stand as a barrier between the wheels and the chains. They have a 12 mm inside and on-the-tread tire clearance.
The traction is incredible as the chains have double traction plates along with a rugged chain pattern to give excellent traction in any winter conditions.
If you have an SUV and want the best tire chains, this is your best bet.
Top Features:
- Made for Autos’s and SUVs
- Easy to install
- 12mm clearance
- Anti-scratch pads
Konig CB-12 090 Tire Chain Set
Another nice budget and traditional tire chains set for you from Konig the leading German manufacturers of snow chains for years.
This straightforward tire chain for your car will give great traction on both snow and ice, and features 12 mm inside and on-the-tread clearance, the tension is done manually and this will mean that you will need to stop to tension but with the affordability that this tire chain offers that is a small price to pay, no pun intended.
Fitted with a locking device with wheel protections along with closed shortening hooks it is a set that gives the traction that you need for your car without all the frills.
A great set of tire chains for the car from a great manufacturer renowned in the industry for its snow chain range.
Top Features:
- Great traction in all conditions
- Affordability
- Long-lasting
- High Durability
Konig XB-16 247 Snow Chains Review
If you want no-nonsense, classic tire chains just to get the job done, then this is your best option, ideal for those that do not drive regularly on snow and ice.
Konig is one of the most trusted and best snow chain brands in the world and the XB-16 247 is their standard set of tire chains. It has a straight-forward design and is a high-quality set of tire chains for the everyday driver that wants better road grip and traction control in the snow.
It is a bit better on the budget which means it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles and does not have the self-tightening ratchets that some others feature and therefore requires manual tightening, you’ll be getting a solid set of traditional tire chains for that all important traction.
Top Features:
- Standard Design
- Very Durable
- 16mm Clearance
- Better Budget
Security Chain ZT735 LT Light Truck & SUV Tire Traction Snow Chains
This set of tire chains is the larger version from the Security Chain option reviewed above. This scaled-up version is designed to give a more optimal tire chain set for those with bigger wheeled trucks and SUVs
Easy to install, in fact the Security Chain Company makes the boast that they have the ‘fastest and easiest installation of any traction product’, with automatic tightening from the built-in rubber tensioner and overall great traction on the road.
Made by the Security Chain Company this was originally designed to save the wear for chains tires etc and was called a Radial Chain
The metal cable snow chain is used just the same as the traditional tire chain but is great for the vehicle that has limited clearance and has greater durability. Compatible with anti-lock brakes, traction control, four-wheel drives, and other electronically monitored control systems
They are one of the best snow chains for anyone with an SUV or light truck looking to gear up their vehicle this Winter.
Top Features:
- Light Trucks & SUVs
- Quick and easy installation
- Self-Tightening
- Compatible with ABS
The Most Popular Snow Tires Buying Guide For 2023-2024
Should I put snow chains on all four tires?
In mountain areas where tire chains are a requirement, it is only necessary to have snow chains for one axle, either installed on the rear axle for rear-wheel-drive vehicles or in the front for front- or all-wheel-drive.
However, four chains (two sets) are better for obtaining the best stability and traction. If chains are only installed in front, the rear tires can react unpredictably and if only the rear tires are equipped with chains, the vehicle’s steering could be jeopardized.
Can tire chains damage my car?
Tire chains are intentionally designed to avoid causing damage to your tires or vehicle. When cars sustain damage from tire chains it is typically caused by improper installation. Ensure the chains fit your tires properly and double-check that they are installed tightly and correctly.
Be sure to stop immediately if you hear them making any contact with your vehicle. Snow chains should be checked and tightened after driving a short distance, as they’ll adjust a little with movement.
Are chains or cables better for snow?
Snow chains are generally very durable and give greater control in snowy and icy conditions. Their downsides are that they’re more expensive, heavier and cumbersome to install.
Cables are lighter and easier to put on, but aren’t as long lasting and give less traction. Chains rarely break, but one benefit of cables is that they’re likely to do less damage to your vehicle if there is a breakage.
Are tire chains illegal?
Tire chains are legally required to travel on public roads in the winter in some regions, particularly those with high elevation mountain passes.
Other areas, however, have banned the use of snow chains because the metal can wreak havoc on pavement. Check your local laws before purchasing and installing.
Do chains ruin your tires?
Tire chains should only be installed on vehicles if the road is layered with snow or ice. Driving on bare pavement with chains will cause the chains to eat into the tires as they’d eat into ice or snow, wreaking substantial havoc on both them and the road.
Using chains on dry pavement can even cause a vehicle to slide during braking. If you reach a road that is plowed and clear, pull over and remove the chains.
How fast can I drive with tire chains?
When driving with snow chains or cables on the tires, accelerate slowly and then maintain a speed no faster than 30 mph. Recommended maximum speeds are found in the owner’s manual that came with your chains.
Conclusion:
Thanks for taking the time to read The Most Popular Snow Tires Review Guide For 2023-2024.
