The best snow chains for cars in the UK 2023

When it is cold, snowy roads become very slippery and dangerous. Driving safely with snow chains becomes essential. These devices attached to the wheels prevent the car from sliding and endangering the lives of its occupants and other motorists. To find the best snow chain for your vehicle, read this guide.

Pewag 37045 Servo RS 77 1
8/10

Editor's Choice

Pewag 37045 Servo RS 77

The best car snow chain

The Pewag 37045 Servo RS 77 is a high-end snow chain for use on passenger vehicles and is suitable for urban travel.

120 £ on Amazon

Pewag 37045 Servo RS 77 is a snow chain with innovative and patented technology, especially for vehicles with powerful engines. It features automatic mounting comfort without shifting, as well as reliability in all conditions thanks to its dense 3.2 mm thick link tread. It also has automatic chain tensioning, as well as rim protection with clips and, best of all, Önorme and TÜV certification.

Pewag 37045 Servo RS 77 is suitable for front-wheel drive cars, and provides optimum efficiency when driving in the city or on asphalt roads. Its pawl allows the chain to be tensioned automatically, without the need for re-tensioning. In addition, a self-opening inner lock allows for easy removal. This chain incorporates an innovative Starwave wave profile for perfect traction.

MICHELIN 008430 2
7/10

Best Cheap

MICHELIN 008430

The best entry-level car snow chain

MICHELIN 008430 is a snow chain size n° 100, specially designed for use on snow and ice, in traction, both in curves and in braking.

57,04 £ on Amazon

The MICHELIN 008430 snow chain is an approved equipment equipped with asymmetrical crosspieces to optimize the maximum grip. It is equipped with reinforced links of 9 mm square section, patented, adapted to the reduced wheel arch. It also has protective stops for the rims and anti-scratch polycarbonate hubcaps.

The MICHELIN 008430 snow chain has a pivoting flat hook closing system for easy and quick mounting on tires. It also incorporates a pre-tensioner box offering a self-locking tensioning system, as well as extreme grip chains, with the addition of color markings and a Night Vision Security reflective system to optimize the vehicle's night-time visibility. These are light-reflecting elements that enhance the vehicle's visibility at night.

MICHELIN Fast Grip 82008 3
9/10

Best High End

MICHELIN Fast Grip 82008

The best premium car snow chain

MICHELIN Fast Grip 82008 is an approved winter equipment specially designed for vehicles with special chains, especially those considered unchainable.

295 £ on Amazon

MICHELIN Fast Grip 82008 is a front-mounted snow chain in size 130. With automatic tensioning, this equipment has a quick and easy automatic front mounting, thanks to a universal nut attachment. It is equipped with a pre-setting of tension, so that it can be mounted without moving the vehicle. It is also suitable for 10 specific references covering more than 400 tire sizes.

MICHELIN Fast Grip 82008 features a galvanized steel tread with 9mm square links and polyurethane plates for optimum performance on snow and ice in traction, cornering, propulsion and braking. In addition, its rubber self-tensioning system contributes greatly to the reduction of dynamic detachment. Best of all, the chains provide optimal performance, regardless of use (regular or intensive).

Pewag 12363 4
8/10

Alternative

Pewag 12363

The premium alternative

Pewag 12363 is a snow chain for off-road vehicles with powerful engines, both on asphalt and unpaved roads.

135 £ on Amazon

Pewag 12363 is a snow chain with Brenta-C technology, specifically designed for 4x4 vehicles. The model is suitable for the different tire sizes of this type of vehicle, with an optimized mounting at standstill. It is a pair of fine link chains designed for extra long durability. This chain is reinforced so that it can be used on different vehicles, up to 3.5 tons, whether 4x4, SUV or LCV.

Pewag 12363 has a steel cable for easy assembly and disassembly without moving the vehicle. It is equipped with a simple and intuitive manual tensioning system to allow final tensioning only after 50 to 100 meters of driving. It is Önorm and Tüv certified and has a Starwave wave profile for optimal traction, as well as a strong inner hook closure.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best snow chain for car

Any specific needs?

The best car snow chain

The best entry-level car snow chain

The best premium car snow chain

The premium alternative

Your guide : Samuel

Rate this buying guide :
0/50 votes

By rating this buying guide, you are helping us to reward our best writers. Thank you!

Comparison table of the best snow chains for cars

THE BEST CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Pewag 37045 Servo RS 77 5
8/10
MICHELIN 008430 6
7/10
MICHELIN Fast Grip 82008 7
9/10
Pewag 12363 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Pewag 37045 Servo RS 77
MICHELIN 008430
MICHELIN Fast Grip 82008
Pewag 12363
The Pewag 37045 Servo RS 77 is a high-end snow chain for use on passenger vehicles and is suitable for urban travel.
MICHELIN 008430 is a snow chain size n° 100, specially designed for use on snow and ice, in traction, both in curves and in braking.
MICHELIN Fast Grip 82008 is an approved winter equipment specially designed for vehicles with special chains, especially those considered unchainable.
Pewag 12363 is a snow chain for off-road vehicles with powerful engines, both on asphalt and unpaved roads.
type of mounting
automatic
'-
frontal
Simple stop-mounting
automatic tensioning
yes
-
oui
-
asymmetrical cross braces
easy
easy and fast
-
-
particularities
-
yes
-
-
-
reflective system NVS -Night Vision Security
Galvanized steel bar tread
1 pair of chains, Extra long durability

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - snow chain for car

Primary Item (H2)Sub Item 1 (H3)

Why can you trust us?

Why you can trust us
Our mission
How to support us
We do NOT accept any sponsored posts or advertising.

We spend thousands of hours each year studying the major specialized websites, analyzing products of hundreds of brands and reading user feedback to advise you on the best products.

Our mission is to simplify your purchasing decisions.

We are a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your buying decisions. Our research and testing helps millions of people every year find the best products for their personal needs and budget.

We are a small team of geeks and enthusiasts.

To support us you can: use our links to make your purchases (which often earns us a small commission), share our articles on social networks, or recommend our site on your blog. Thanks in advance for your support!

How to choose your snow chain for car

In order to choose the right model of snow chain for your needs, it is necessary to define some important criteria of choice, namely :

#1 - The quality of the links

The quality of the links is directly related to the performance and reliability of a snow chain. Generally, snow chains are made of metal. This solid and robust material is perfectly suited for this purpose. The best performing models can be heat treated and anti-corrosive for added durability. There are also plastic link models, but they are less reliable and are not often recommended. Sheet metal rims will support any type of metal link. Aluminum alloy rims, on the other hand, should be equipped with snow chains with links that have specific protection to prevent scratches caused by friction.

#2 - The tensioning system

The snow chain tensioning system is an important point not to be overlooked. It can be manual or automatic. Manual snow chains must be tensioned manually and require a stop beforehand to perform the action. These are more difficult to mount. Automatically tensioned models are easier to mount and provide more convenience. The tension is applied while driving and does not need to be retensioned each time. This type of system is ideal for users who frequently travel on snowy roads.

#3 - Frequency of use

It is essential to know whether the snow chain will be used frequently or occasionally. If you rarely use your vehicle on snowy roads, you can choose the manual tension snow chains. On the other hand, if you use the equipment frequently and regularly travel on trails and roads with thick snow, it is recommended to choose an automatic tensioning or front-mounted model.

#4 - Positioning

The

installation or positioning of snow chains differs depending on the car. Therefore, it is necessary to know on which wheel to place this equipment. They should be mounted on the drive wheels of the car. For a front-wheel drive car, they are attached to the two front wheels. For a rear-wheel drive car, the 2 rear wheels must be equipped with them. But for optimal safety, it is recommended to install snow chains on all 4 wheels of the vehicle. And finally, for 4×4 models, all 4 wheels must also be equipped with snow chains.

#5 - The dimensions

It is imperative to know the dimensions of your tires so that you can choose a model perfectly suited to your vehicle. This information is marked on the sidewall of the tire. You can also consult your car's owner's manual to make sure of the dimensions. If you have narrow wheel arches, it is advisable to choose snow chain models with front mounting (spider type).

What is a car snow chain?

Snow chains are equipment used in winter time. They are mounted on the wheels of the car to give it more grip and optimal performance on a snow-covered road. They can be metallic or composite models that are placed around the driving wheels of the vehicle. There are a multitude of models for light cars, 4×4, but also for trucks.

These chains grip effectively on ice and snow. They allow the vehicle to progress safely on the surface, with maximum control. Depending on the model, snow chains can be mounted easily or more difficult. Some need to be tightened manually and others are tightened automatically while driving.

in the UK, the use of this equipment is imperative when the B26 regulation signs are present.

The different types of snow chains for cars

The snow chains available on the market are divided into 4 types, namely: metal chains with manual tensioning, metal chains with automatic tensioning, composite or textile chains and finally universal chains.

Snow chains with manual tensioning

Hand-tensioned metal chains are the most common type used by motorists on their vehicles. They are made of steel links. The thickness of these links varies depending on the model and brand. The tensioning of the chain is done manually and the installation of the equipment requires some skill.

Regular stops are required to re-tension the chains manually. The speed of the car is limited to 50 km/h when using this type of snow chain. This is impractical in some conditions. However, this type of snow chain is the most affordable on the market.

Self-tensioning snow chains

Self-tensioning metal snow chains have steel links. They allow the car to have perfect grip on snow-covered roads. The speed of the vehicle equipped with this type of chain is limited to 50 km/h. They are more practical because of their tensioning system without manual intervention.

This type of snow chain is self-tensioning while driving. The assembly is easy and saves time compared to a manual model. You no longer need to stop regularly to re-tension the chains. However, this kind of snow chain has a frequently high price.

The composite snow chain or textile chain

Compound snow chains or textile chains are easily installed like snow socks and provide the perfect grip of metal chains. Generally speaking, these snow chains are made of links made of high-strength fabric, such as polyester, and steel rings. These snow chains are homologated and can be used in the presence of a B26 panel.

The price is close to that of a metal chain with automatic tensioning. However, textile chains are not yet compatible with all tire sizes on the market. The speed limit is 40 km/h when using this type of equipment.

The spider or front snow chain

Spider snow chains are efficient and practical models. They stand out because of their installation method. Indeed, they do not pass behind the wheel to be fixed on the tire. They are placed on the tread. It is a front mount, easy to install and is quickly installed.

This type of snow chain offers optimal grip on icy roads, but also on snow. They are perfect for owners of alloy wheels as they do not cause any scratches.

Check if your vehicle is chainable

Check in the "Use and maintenance" booklet of your vehicle in the section "Snow chains" if it is chainable or not. We have snow chains and socks for cars that are not chainable.

Snow chains or tire socks?

Snow chains

Snow chains are equipment that provide grip to car tyres on a snowy road, in case the tyres alone are not able to grip properly and allow the vehicle to progress safely. They are suitable for most existing vehicles apart from those that cannot be chained. Some models are complex to mount. When used, the speed is very limited and strong vibrations are felt. They have a long service life.

Tire socks

Tire socks are easy to use and simple to mount. These equipments use specific textile materials to adhere to the snowy road. No vibrations are felt when using them. They should not be used on icy roads or roads with very thick snow levels. Tire socks are suitable for occasional use. They are fragile and have a short life span. However, they are more affordable than snow chains

Verdict

In conclusion, snow chains are the ideal solution for driving during winter periods on snowy roads with poor traction. Even though they are more expensive than tire socks, the difference in performance, reliability and life span more than justifies the high cost for a guarantee of increased safety.

Tips

Keep your snow chains within easy reach in the car

If you plan to drive on snowy roads, it's most convenient to have your snow chains handy so you don't have to waste time looking for them in your trunk. The ideal location would be under the seats. You will only need to grab them quickly when the B26 regulation sign appears or also in case you feel that the tires alone can no longer grip the surface effectively.

Use the right equipment to mount snow chains

Mounting snow chains on your tires does not necessarily require the service of a professional. In fact, you can do it yourself. In principle, you don't need specialized tools to perform this operation. However, for effective protection of your fingers, it is recommended that you put on thin DIY gloves. A flashlight is also an essential piece of equipment to facilitate assembly in the middle of the night. It is therefore wise to have these items in the car at all times to facilitate operations.

Keep the vehicle in a suitable place before mounting

Snow chains should be installed in a safe area. You must not obstruct traffic in any way. It is therefore imperative to place the car on an area that is safe for you, but also for other cars using the road. Place the vehicle on flat ground to avoid any surprises with snow after installation. If possible, choose areas where you can maneuver easily.

Carry out the assembly efficiently and safely

Before

mounting, it is imperative to turn off the engine. Put the handbrake on and if your vehicle is positioned on a slope. Then, place chocks on the wheels to bring them to a complete stop. Next, take the chains and untangle them. Place them on a visible area. Then place the hoop on the back of the tire. The two ends connect to the top of the tire. Arrange the cross braces over the entire tire area and assemble the structure using a turnbuckle that will cross over the outer part of the wheel.

Mount the snow chains on the vehicle's drive wheels

For

the use of snow chains to provide optimal results and allow the car to move efficiently, it is necessary to know the driving wheels of

the car.

For a front-wheel drive car, the snow chains should be placed on the front wheels. For rear-wheel drive models, this equipment should be placed on the rear wheels. But for more safety, it is wise to equip all 4 wheels of the car. And finally, for 4×4 vehicles, all its wheels must be equipped with snow chains to move in the snow safely.

FAQ

What is the best car snow chain?

The best car snow chain depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.

Should the snow chain be mounted on the front or rear wheels of a 4x4 vehicle?

Regulations state that snow chains must be mounted on the vehicle's drive wheels. 4WD vehicles use the rear wheels as drive wheels as default. The snow chains must then be fitted to these wheels. However, depending on the condition of the terrain to be cleared, the use of 4WD or 4-wheel drive may be useful. For greater convenience and efficiency, it is advisable to equip all 4 wheels of your 4x4 vehicle with snow chains beforehand. Especially since this operation offers you more safety and grip on snowy roads.

How many snow chains should be mounted on a car?

The regulations stipulate that the car's drive wheels must be equipped with snow chains. You can equip only one wheel, but this can make the car unstable and compromise safety. It is therefore necessary to fit this equipment to both drive wheels of the car. On the front wheels for traction and on the rear wheels for propulsion. For 4x4s and SUVs, the equipment can be mounted on the drive wheels by default. But if possible, it is preferable to fit all 4 wheels of the vehicle for greater efficiency and convenience.

When should I put on a snow chain?

The installation of snow chains is compulsory as soon as a B26 regulation sign is present. This sign is often located on roads with a high snow depth in winter. The appearance of a B44 regulation sign signals the end of the obligation to wear snow chains on your wheels. If you see this sign, you can remove this equipment to avoid damaging the asphalt, but also to prevent the chains themselves from deteriorating unnecessarily. Driving a vehicle without snow chains in an area where it is compulsory to wear this equipment will lead to a fine of €135 with the possibility of immobilisation of the vehicle.

What size snow chain is best for my wheels?

The snow chain models must conform to the dimensions of your tyre. If it is too big, you cannot fix it properly on the wheel. Elements or certain mechanical parts located in the wheel arch area of your vehicle will be damaged. If, on the other hand, the snow chain is small, you cannot mount it on the wheel because it will not fit due to the larger dimensions of the wheel.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , chaineneige.fr
  2. , avatacar.com
  3. , autoplus.fr
  4. , lamecaniquepourlesfilles.com
  5. , be-wak.fr
  6. , michelin.fr
  7. , blog.euromaster.fr
  8. , pneus-online.fr
  9. , bestdrive.fr
  10. , moniteurautomobile.be
  11. , feuvert.fr
  12. , amazon.co.uk
  13. , oscaro.com
  14. , chaineneige.fr
  15. , centralepneus.fr
  16. , norauto.fr
  17. , amazon.co.uk
  18. , lejustechoix.fr
  19. , carter-cash.com
  20. , heuts.fr
  21. , euromaster.fr
  22. , blog.chainesbox.com
  23. , auto.leclerc
  24. , lemeilleuravis.com
  25. , chaineneige.fr
  26. , paruvendu.fr
  27. , auto-ies.com
  28. , pole-accessoires.com
  29. , feuvert.fr
  30. , pneus-online.fr
  31. , m.auto-doc.fr
  32. , 123pneus.ch
  33. , autobacs.fr
  34. , chaine-hiver.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Pewag 37045 Servo RS 77 9
Pewag 37045 Servo RS 77
MICHELIN 008430 10
MICHELIN 008430
MICHELIN Fast Grip 82008 11
MICHELIN Fast Grip 82008
Pewag 12363 12
Pewag 12363

Lecteurs

Every month we help more than 1 000 000 people buy better and smarter.

Copyright © 2022 - Made with by buyingbetter.co.uk

Your reviews and buying guides 0% advertising, 100% independent!