Best Tire Chains & Traction Aids

Pros

• +Class S low-clearance design fits most modern cars, crossovers, and small SUVs
• +Built-in rubber tightener — no stopping to re-tension after the first hundred yards
• +Z-pattern cross members give continuous contact and better cornering grip than ladder cables

Cons

• −Cable chains wear faster than link chains — not for people who chain up daily
• −Less bite than a 12mm link chain on sheer ice or in deep, unplowed snow

Pros

• +12mm square-link chain grips ice and deep snow far better than cable designs
• +Self-tensioning ratchet with micro-adjustment: fit once, drive, and it tightens itself
• +Designed for vehicles with limited wheel-well clearance (check your manual's clearance spec)

Cons

• −~$300 — a premium that only pays off if you chain up often
• −Heavier and bulkier to store than cables

Pros

• +Self-tightening ratchet system — drive off and it tensions itself; no second stop
• +Diamond pattern keeps chain under the tire at all times for smoother ride and better lateral grip than ladder chains
• +Real link chain: far more bite than cables on ice and in deep snow

Cons

• −Heavier and bulkier than cable chains; takes up trunk space
• −The ratchet mechanism takes a minute to understand the first time — practice at home

Pros

• +Gets a car or SUV out of snow, ice ruts, and unplowed driveways without waiting for a tow
• +Reinforced nylon construction with aggressive teeth; lightweight enough for one person to place
• +Long boards (~42") give a full tire-rotation of traction

Cons

• −Softer plastic than premium boards — spinning the tire on it melts the lugs (this is true of every board; don't spin)
• −Bulky; two ~42" boards take real trunk space in a sedan

Pros

• +Installs in a couple of minutes with no tools, no kneeling in slush, and no re-tightening
• +Fits vehicles with virtually no wheel-well clearance — the only legal option for many sports and luxury cars
• +Accepted as an approved traction device by Caltrans and in many other chain-control jurisdictions

Cons

• −Wears fast if driven on bare pavement; lifespan is limited compared to chains
• −Less bite than link chains on sheer ice or in deep snow