Do Snow Chains actually work?

Snow chains are highly effective at improving traction in snowy and icy conditions. The metal links bite into the surface, giving your tires a better grip than bare rubber and helping prevent slipping and sliding in winter driving.

While they greatly improve traction, snow chains are not a cure-all. In very deep snow, vehicles can still get stuck, and it’s important to drive slowly and cautiously even when chains are installed.

Benefits of Snow Chains

• Increased traction: Chains provide far better grip on snow and ice than bare tires.
• Reduced tire wear: Properly fitted chains can help distribute wear evenly across the tire surface.
• Improved safety: Better traction means better control and reduced risk of sliding.

Drawbacks of Snow Chains

• Noise: Chains can create noticeable road noise while driving.
• Installation effort: They can be challenging to install if you’re not familiar with the process.
• Road surface wear: Driving on bare pavement with chains can damage the road and the chains themselves.

For the best performance, choose chains that match your tire size using our Tire Chain Size Guide and consider accessories like a cam tightening tool or tire chain tensioners to keep them secure.

Browse our full selection of snow tire chains by vehicle type: car, SUV & truck, and specialty equipment like farm/tractor or loader & grader.