Car tire chains

TireChain.com Car Tire Chains

Car Tire Chains for Snow, Ice, Hills & Winter Roads

Shop tire chains for passenger cars, minivans, sedans, crossovers, and small vehicles by exact tire size. TireChain.com carries cable chains, low-profile chains, diamond chains, self-tensioning chains, and winter traction chains for snow-covered roads, icy driveways, mountain travel, and emergency winter driving.

Shop Popular Car Tire Chains by Tire Size

Car tire chains are selected by the tire size printed on the sidewall, not just by vehicle make or model. The sizes below are popular passenger car and minivan tire sizes from our tire chain size data. If your exact size is not listed, check our FAQ page with the tire size from your sidewall.

Need Help Finding Your Size?

155-80-13 Tire Chains

165-65-14 Tire Chains

165-70-13 Tire Chains

175-65-14 Tire Chains

175-65-15 Tire Chains

175-70-14 Tire Chains

175-75-14 Tire Chains

185-60-15 Tire Chains

185-65-14 Tire Chains

185-65-15 Tire Chains

185-70-14 Tire Chains

195-55-16 Tire Chains

195-60-15 Tire Chains

195-65-15 Tire Chains

195-65-16 Tire Chains

205-50-17 Tire Chains

205-55-16 Tire Chains

205-55-17 Tire Chains

205-60-16 Tire Chains

205-65-15 Tire Chains

205-65-16 Tire Chains

205-70-15 Tire Chains

215-45-17 Tire Chains

215-50-17 Tire Chains

215-55-16 Tire Chains

215-55-17 Tire Chains

215-60-16 Tire Chains

215-60-17 Tire Chains

215-65-16 Tire Chains

215-70-15 Tire Chains

215-70-16 Tire Chains

225-45-17 Tire Chains

225-50-17 Tire Chains

225-55-18 Tire Chains

225-60-16 Tire Chains

225-60-17 Tire Chains

225-65-16 Tire Chains

225-65-17 Tire Chains

235-45-18 Tire Chains

235-50-18 Tire Chains

235-55-18 Tire Chains

235-60-17 Tire Chains

245-45-18 Tire Chains

245-50-18 Tire Chains

How to Read a Car Tire Size

Example: 205/55R16

Most car and minivan tires use a metric tire size format.

205 = tire width in millimeters
55 = sidewall aspect ratio
16 = wheel or rim diameter in inches

Match the Tire Sidewall

Choose chains by the size printed on your tire sidewall. Vehicle year, make, and model are not enough because cars can have different wheel packages, trim levels, and aftermarket tire sizes.

Which Car Tire Chains Should I Buy?

The best car tire chain depends on clearance, road surface, and how often you expect to use the chains. Passenger cars often have tighter wheel-well clearance than trucks, so low-profile chains or cable chains are common choices. Diamond chains and self-tensioning chains can provide smoother traction and easier installation.

Cable Tire Chains

Best for many passenger cars with limited clearance. Cable chains are lower profile and commonly used for occasional on-road snow and ice traction.

Diamond Car Tire Chains

Best for smoother ride, better side grip, and more consistent chain contact compared with basic ladder-style chains.

Self-Tensioning Chains

A good choice when easy installation and automatic tightening are important. Self-tensioning chains can save time in bad weather.

Low-Profile / Limited Clearance Chains

Best when the vehicle owner’s manual warns about limited chain clearance. Always check clearance before driving with chains installed.

Car Tire Chain Clearance & Fit Tips

Check the Owner’s Manual

Many cars have chain restrictions or require low-profile chains. Always check the vehicle owner’s manual before choosing tire chains.

Check Behind the Tire

Look for clearance around struts, brake lines, suspension parts, fenders, and plastic liners. Stop immediately if a chain hits the vehicle.

Install on the Drive Tires

Front-wheel-drive cars usually use chains on the front tires. Rear-wheel-drive cars usually use chains on the rear tires. Follow the vehicle manual for AWD vehicles.

Re-Tighten After Moving

After installing car tire chains, drive a short distance and re-tighten. Chains settle into place after the first movement.

Best Car Chains by Use

Occasional Emergency Use

Cable chains are a common lower-profile option for occasional winter emergencies and mountain travel requirements.

Smoother Winter Driving

Diamond chains and self-tensioning chains usually give smoother traction and better turning control than basic ladder chains.

Icy Driveways and Hills

More aggressive chains can help on ice, but many cars have limited clearance. Choose a chain style that fits the vehicle safely.

Pavement and Garage Floors

Avoid spinning the tires with chains installed. Chains can mark blacktop, concrete, and garage floors, especially if driven on bare pavement.

Car Tire Chain FAQ

Are car tire chains sold as a pair?

Most car tire chains are sold as a pair, meaning two chains for the left and right tires on one axle. Check the product page for exact package quantity.

Do car tire chains go on the front or rear tires?

Install chains on the drive tires unless the vehicle owner’s manual says otherwise. Front-wheel-drive cars usually use chains on the front tires, while rear-wheel-drive cars usually use chains on the rear tires.

Are cable chains better for cars?

Cable chains are often a good choice for passenger cars because they are lower profile and can fit vehicles with limited clearance. Always check the vehicle manual and product fitment.

Are diamond chains better than ladder chains for cars?

Diamond chains usually provide smoother traction, better side grip, and more consistent contact while turning. They can be a better choice for frequent winter driving when they fit the vehicle clearance.

How fast can I drive with car tire chains?

Drive slowly with tire chains installed. Many tire chains are intended for speeds around 30 mph or less unless the vehicle or chain manufacturer specifies otherwise.

Do I need to re-tighten car tire chains?

Yes. After installing chains, drive a short distance, stop safely, and re-tighten. Chains settle into place after the first movement.

Need Help Choosing Car Tire Chains?

Car tire chain fit depends on tire size, vehicle clearance, chain style, and how the vehicle is used. If you are unsure which chains fit your car, check our FAQ page before ordering.

Search by Tire Size

How to Find Your Tire Size?

Diamond Tire Chains

Easy Install
3.8mm, 4.5mm
Ratchet, Automatic
Tensioner

Cable Tire Chains

Steel Rollers or
Spring Rollers
Ladder or Diagonal
8mm, 10mm

Cable Link Tire Chains

Cable Sidechain
Link Cross Chain
Type S
More Durable than Cable Chains

Alpha Trax Tire Chains

Lightweight
Easy Install
Traction Pads
Alloy Steel Studs

Tire Chain Parts & Accessories Guide

Use the product pictures and titles on this page to find the part category you need. Choose the card that matches the part you are looking for, such as tire chain tensioners and adjusters, gloves, tools, ramps, replacement cross chains, quick links, bulk cross chain, cam side chain, cross chain hooks, shackles, cam tools, cross chain repair links, pin couplers, side chain fasteners, tarp straps, side chain repair links, shoe chains, hangers, accessories, or wheel spacers.

Tire Chain Tensioners & Adjusters

Tire chain tensioners and adjusters help keep chains snug against the tire. A properly tensioned chain is less likely to slap, shift, loosen, or contact fenders, brake lines, suspension parts, or body panels after installation.

Repair Links & Connecting Links

Quick links, cross chain repair links, side chain repair links, connecting links, and pin couplers are used to repair broken or worn sections of tire chain. Match the part to the chain size, style, and link thickness.

Replacement Cross Chains & Bulk Cross Chain

Replacement cross chains and bulk cross chain are used when the traction section across the tire is worn, damaged, or broken. Replacing cross chains can help restore traction without replacing the entire chain set.

Tools, Hooks, Shackles & Fasteners

Tire chain tools, cam tools, cross chain hooks, shackles, and side chain fasteners make installation and repair easier. Keep the right tools with your tire chains so repairs can be handled before a storm or at the job site.

Tire Chain Repair Links & Replacement Parts

A broken link, missing hook, damaged side chain, or worn cross chain does not always mean the whole tire chain set needs to be replaced. Many ladder chains, truck chains, tractor chains, ATV chains, forklift chains, loader chains, and grader chains can be repaired with the correct replacement part.

For Trucks, SUVs & Commercial Vehicles

Truck tire chain parts are useful for fleets, plow trucks, pickups, delivery trucks, service vehicles, and commercial trucks that use chains repeatedly in winter weather. Keep tensioners, repair links, gloves, tools, and replacement cross chain available before the storm starts.

For Tractors & Equipment Chains

Farm tractor, garden tractor, loader, grader, forklift, and equipment chains often need repair parts because they work in mud, snow, ice, feed lots, yards, fields, dock ramps, and rough surfaces. Heavier chains usually need heavier repair parts.

For ATV, UTV & Small Equipment Chains

ATV, UTV, lawn tractor, and small-equipment chains can need tensioners, repair links, cross chain hooks, or replacement cross chains after snow plowing, ice use, mud, trails, and off-road work.

For Winter Emergency Kits

Spare links, tensioners, gloves, tarp straps, tools, and storage bags are useful additions to a winter kit. Keeping parts with the chains helps you make small repairs before the chains are needed.

How to Choose the Right Tire Chain Part

Match the Chain Style

Ladder chains, diamond chains, V-bar chains, studded chains, cable chains, roller chains, and heavy-equipment chains can use different parts. Start by matching the accessory to your chain style.

Check Link Size and Chain Thickness

Repair links, hooks, shackles, and cross chain parts need to match the chain size. A part that is too small may not fit, and a part that is too light may not hold up on larger truck, tractor, or equipment chains.

Use Tensioners When Recommended

Tensioners are not a substitute for correct tire chain sizing, but they can help keep properly fitted chains snug and centered after the chains settle into the tire tread.

Inspect Chains Before Every Season

Before winter, check for worn cross chains, bent hooks, broken links, missing fasteners, rust, and loose side chain connections. Repair small problems before they become roadside problems.

Other Tire Chain Accessories

Gloves, Bags & Storage Accessories

Gloves help protect your hands during installation and repair. Storage bags and accessories help keep chains, tools, and spare parts together so they are easier to find when snow or ice arrives.

Ramps, Hangers & Wheel Spacers

Ramps can help with installation or vehicle positioning. Hangers help store chain sets. Wheel spacers may help certain vehicles gain additional clearance when properly selected for the application.

Shoe Chains

Shoe chains provide personal traction for walking on ice, snow, and slick areas around vehicles, shops, docks, yards, ramps, and winter work sites.

Tarp Straps & Fasteners

Tarp straps and fasteners are useful for securing, organizing, and supporting tire chain setups. Always choose parts that match the chain style, tire size, and use conditions.

Tire Chain Maintenance Tips

Clean and Dry After Use

After driving in snow, slush, mud, or road salt, clean and dry tire chains before storage to help reduce rust and wear.

Repair Before the Next Storm

Small chain problems are easier to fix in the shop than on the roadside. Replace damaged links, hooks, or cross chain parts before the chains are needed again.

Store Parts With the Chains

Keep spare links, tensioners, gloves, tools, and storage bags in the same truck compartment, shop shelf, equipment toolbox, or chain storage area as the chain set.

Avoid Running Loose Chains

Loose chains can wear faster and may contact the vehicle or equipment. Re-tighten after driving a short distance and use tensioners when recommended.

Tire Chain Parts & Accessories FAQ

What tire chain parts should I keep as spares?

Common spare parts include repair links, connecting links, replacement hooks, side chain repair links, cross chain repair links, tensioners, and the basic tools needed to repair or adjust your chains.

Do I need tire chain tensioners?

Tensioners are helpful when the chain manufacturer recommends them or when the chain needs help staying centered and snug. They do not replace correct chain sizing.

Can a broken tire chain be repaired?

Many tire chains can be repaired if the damage is limited to links, hooks, or cross chain sections. Severely worn or badly damaged chains may need replacement.

Are tire chain repair links universal?

No. Repair links need to match the chain size and style. Heavier truck, tractor, loader, grader, and forklift chains may require heavier repair parts than passenger car or ATV chains.

Should I repair chains before or after winter?

Inspect and repair chains before winter. It is much easier to replace worn links, hooks, or tensioners before the chains are needed in snow, ice, or mud.

How do I know which part fits my tire chain?

Match the part to your chain style, chain size, link thickness, and vehicle type. Product pictures and titles on this page are helpful for identifying the part category before choosing the exact item.

Need Help Finding the Right Tire Chain Part?

Tire chain parts depend on chain style, chain size, link thickness, vehicle type, and how the chains are used. Use the product pictures and titles on this page first, then check our FAQ page if you need help choosing the correct accessory.