Snow chains are the next best thing to specialist tyres for winter. What’s more, they’ll also save you a fair amount to buy. In fairness, it’s unlikely you’ll need snow chains in the UK, even though there is another cold snap on the way – roads are frequently gritted in winter, and we don’t tend to get much snow. But at least that gives us plenty of other winter driving products to think about.
However, if you frequent the alpine slopes of continental Europe, carrying chains in your car is a must. Not only from a common-sense point of view, but countries like France and Switzerland require chains to be carried in their mountainous regions by law.
You might think that only an ice scraper is needed for your winter car armour. But increasing numbers of European countries are requiring winter tyres to also be fitted during wintery conditions or between the months of November and March. If you are planning to head to Europe during winter, then you need to be familiar with local laws. If you find you need winter tyres as well as chains, consult our guide to the best tested winter tyres, too.
The best at a glance:
Editor’s pick: Konig CB-12 Snow Chains – buy from Amazon.
Best value: Sumex Husky Advance Snow Chains – buy from Amazon.
Best for SUVs: Konig XG-12 Snow Chains – buy from Amazon.
That said, some snow-shovelling circumstances may arise in the UK where you find yourself in need of snow chains. This is especially true for those who live in and visit rural and mountainous locations. Regardless of which case relates most to you, snow chains are useful things to have.
The best snow chains
Best value snow chains
Pros
- Great value
- Will do the job for short trips
Cons
- Not as good in extreme conditions
Most advanced snow chains
Pros
- Intelligent self-tensioning system for improved grip
- Very well-made
Cons
- Delivery times and availability isn't consistent
Best for SUVs
Rrp: £270.09
Rrp: £270.09
Pros
- Easy installation
- Anti-scratch design
Cons
- Not as many sizes as others
Most versatile snow chains
They're designed for intensive use, which will probably come handy, should you need to make a trip to the Alps this winter. For context, some of the other Michelin options are designed for either casual or regular use. There's also a light on each tensioning unit, meaning the visibility of your car will be increased during the night. Handy when other road users need to see exactly where your wheels are positioned.
Pros
- Comes with light for night/dark assistance
- Automatic tensioner
Cons
- Not available in really small sizes
What you need to know about snow chains
The first thing is to double and triple check what size snow chains fit your vehicle. Your car’s manual will have this information and so too will the snow chains you’re considering. Practicing attaching and removing them is also a useful tip. In theory, they are all relatively simple to attach but in practice, particularly for those unfamiliar with snow chains, they can be a bit fiddly. Make sure you’re well practised before you get to the snow.
Which wheels should I put them on?
It’s worth remembering that snow chains are fitted to the driving wheels of a car. For cars with front-wheel-drive (FWD), fit chains to the front wheels. Consult your car’s handbook to be sure, but many cars should be driven on chains with traction control systems turned off. When driving with snow chains, do not exceed 30mph and drive smoothly. Avoid sudden and hard braking or sharp steering.
Lastly, they are meant for roads with snow and ice only. Snow socks however, are designed for more casual snow driving. Once the frozen road is clear, remove the chains from your car immediately to avoid damaging the road surface. Once removed, wash them to avoid deterioration. Being exposed to that much snow, salt and grit on the icy roads can ultimately lead to corrosion, so always give them a thorough wash once you’ve completed your journey.
Aaron Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell.
Sign up to the Parkers Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews, news, and recommendations from the Parkers team.
Just so you know, while we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections – read why you should trust us
