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.