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10 Best Snow Chains 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

AutoSock for Commercial Vehicles and Trucks AL84, Snow Socks for Tires, Pack of 2

The AutoSock AL84 is a textile snow traction device designed mainly for commercial vehicles like trucks and buses. It fits specific large tire sizes commonly found on these vehicles. Made from polyester, these snow socks offer a lightweight and flexible alternative to traditional metal chains. One of their major strengths is ease of installation — you can quickly slip them over tires without heavy tools or complicated setups. They also provide smooth, vibration-free driving and won’t damage tires or rims, which is great for preserving your vehicle. AutoSock is approved by USDOT and works well with modern vehicle safety systems like ABS and stability control.

In terms of performance, the fabric’s special grip helps improve traction on snow and ice, making it a legal and practical option where chains are required. The snow socks are reusable and durable enough to last for many miles when cared for properly. That said, compared to metal chains, they might offer slightly less aggressive traction in very deep snow or icy conditions. Also, they are size-specific, so you need to ensure the AL84 model matches your tire size exactly.

This product suits commercial drivers who want a lightweight, easy-to-handle solution for snowy roads without risking damage to their tires or rims. However, if you need heavy-duty traction for extremely harsh winter environments, traditional chains might still be preferable. The AutoSock AL84 balances convenience, safety, and decent traction well for commercial snow chain needs.

#2

AutoSock for Commercial Vehicles and Trucks AL79, Snow Socks for Tires, Pack of 2

The AutoSock AL79 offers an innovative alternative to traditional metal snow chains for commercial vehicles like trucks and buses. Made from durable polyester textile, these snow socks are designed to fit large tire sizes commonly found on heavy vehicles, ensuring good size compatibility. One of their biggest strengths is ease of installation: they are lightweight and can be quickly slipped onto tires without the hassle of dealing with metal chains. This textile design also means they won’t damage tires or rims and work smoothly with your vehicle’s safety systems such as ABS and traction control.

In terms of traction, the AutoSock provides reliable grip on snow and ice, with an outer webbing that helps prevent snow buildup and enables steady, vibration-free driving. They are reusable for many miles if used properly, which adds value and durability. Since these are fabric-based rather than metal chains, they may not offer quite as aggressive traction on extremely icy or rugged conditions compared to traditional chains.

These snow socks are specifically sized for larger tires, so they are not suitable for smaller passenger cars. If you drive a commercial vehicle in snowy conditions and want an easy-to-use, tire-friendly option approved for road use where chains are required, the AutoSock AL79 is a solid choice. For the harshest icy roads, metal chains might provide stronger grip.

#3

Mytee Products Pewag (Set of 2) 22.5" Twist Link Snow Tire Chain for Semi Trucks - Emergency Tire Traction Grip Chains - Snow Blower Single Wheel Chains for Trucks, Pickups, Auto Trac (Made in USA)

Rating
9.1
Size Compatibility
Traction and Performance
Durability

Most important from
31 reviews

Size Compatibility
Precisely sized to meet legal requirements, giving confidence in readiness for winter conditions.
Traction and Performance
The chains deliver authentic, reliable performance designed specifically for truck tires.
Durability
Exceptional quality that stands up well to snowy and icy conditions.

The Mytee Products Pewag 22.5" Twist Link Snow Tire Chains are made specifically for semi trucks with tire sizes like 295/75R22.5 and 11R22.5, ensuring a good fit if you have these standard semi-truck tires. Constructed from premium alloy steel, these chains promise strong durability and resistance to wear, which is important for rough winter conditions. The square link design provides solid traction on snow and ice, making them helpful for emergency situations or regular winter use on single-wheel setups like snow blowers and pickups. Being made in the USA adds a level of quality assurance.

These chains weigh 120 pounds, which might make installation a bit challenging, especially if you need to fit them quickly or often. The product’s style and material suggest reliable performance, but some users might find handling and putting them on a semi truck tire a bit demanding due to their size and weight.

If you drive a semi truck in snowy conditions and want sturdy, dependable chains that fit standard sizes, this set is a practical choice. Just be prepared for the physical effort needed during installation and removal.

Rating
9.1
Size Compatibility
Traction and Performance
Durability

Most important from
31 reviews

Size Compatibility
Precisely sized to meet legal requirements, giving confidence in readiness for winter conditions.
Traction and Performance
The chains deliver authentic, reliable performance designed specifically for truck tires.
Durability
Exceptional quality that stands up well to snowy and icy conditions.

Buying Guide for the Best Snow Chains

Choosing the right snow chains for your vehicle is crucial for ensuring safety and performance in snowy and icy conditions. Snow chains provide the necessary traction to navigate through winter roads, preventing skidding and improving control. When selecting snow chains, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure they fit your vehicle and meet your driving needs. Here are the key specs to look at and how to choose the best fit for you.
Size CompatibilitySize compatibility refers to the fit of the snow chains on your vehicle's tires. This is important because improperly fitting chains can cause damage to your tires or vehicle and may not provide the necessary traction. To navigate this, check your tire size, which is usually printed on the sidewall of your tires. Snow chains come in various sizes, so match the chain size to your tire size. If you drive a passenger car, light truck, or SUV, ensure the chains are designed for your specific type of vehicle.
MaterialThe material of the snow chains affects their durability and performance. Common materials include steel, manganese, and alloy. Steel chains are durable and provide excellent traction but can be heavy and harder to install. Manganese chains are lighter and more resistant to wear and corrosion. Alloy chains offer a balance of strength and weight, making them easier to handle. Choose the material based on your driving conditions and how often you plan to use the chains. For frequent use in harsh conditions, steel or alloy chains are recommended.
Type of ChainsThere are different types of snow chains, including ladder, diamond, and cable chains. Ladder chains are the most traditional and provide good traction but can be bumpy. Diamond chains offer smoother rides and better lateral traction, making them suitable for icy roads. Cable chains are lighter and easier to install but may not provide as much traction as the other types. Consider the type of driving you do and the road conditions you encounter. For regular city driving, cable chains might suffice, while for mountainous or rural areas, diamond or ladder chains are better.
Ease of InstallationEase of installation is crucial, especially if you need to put the chains on in cold and snowy conditions. Some chains come with self-tensioning systems that automatically adjust the fit, making installation quicker and easier. Others require manual adjustment, which can be more time-consuming. Look for chains with clear instructions and consider practicing installation before you need to use them. If you are not comfortable with complex installations, opt for chains that are known for their ease of use.
Traction and PerformanceTraction and performance refer to how well the snow chains grip the road and improve your vehicle's handling. This is important for safety and control in winter conditions. Chains with more cross-links or a diamond pattern generally provide better traction. Consider the typical road conditions you face; if you drive on icy roads, chains with more aggressive patterns will offer better performance. For occasional use on light snow, less aggressive chains may be sufficient.
DurabilityDurability is about how long the snow chains will last under regular use. This is important to ensure you get value for your money and reliable performance over time. Chains made from high-quality materials like alloy or manganese tend to be more durable. If you drive frequently in snowy conditions, investing in more durable chains is wise. For occasional use, standard steel chains may be adequate.

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