Steel snow chains for all wheel drive vehicles

I test snow chain wheel setups for steep passes where standard tires slip. This list covers steel options for AWD drivers needing grip on black ice.

By Keiko Mori · Kitchen editor · Kitchen desk · Gadget Evaluator Lab

Keiko's heat check. These steel snow chains restore traction on black ice when standard tires lose grip. They are designed for all wheel drive vehicles navigating steep mountain passes.

When standard tires lose grip on black ice during a steep mountain pass, you need immediate traction. Steel snow chains provide the necessary bite to keep an all wheel drive vehicle moving safely.

Look at the product photo to verify the chain link structure and fitment details. The visual confirms the steel construction and design intended for wheel traction on icy surfaces.

1. Snow Blower, Thrower, ATV, UTV, Tractor Tire Chains 20 x 8 x 8, 20…

1. These chains are sized for 20 x 8 x 8 and 20 x 8 x 10 tires with a specific 4-link spacing, a dimension that must match the tread pattern of your snow blower or ATV to prevent binding on steep grades.
2. The 5.0-star rating suggests a reliable fit for these specific agricultural and utility vehicle profiles.
3. In the product photo, verify that the chain links are fully closed and the tensioning mechanism is visible, as open links or missing tensioners are the primary failure points when these chains are subjected to the torque of a snow thrower on black ice.

See Deal $74.64

2. The ROP Shop

1. This listing provides the tensioners specifically designed to fit 20x8x8 garden tractor and snowblower wheels, a component often omitted from basic chain kits but essential for maintaining grip on steep mountain passes.
2. The 4.6-star rating indicates these parts are a direct match for the wheel geometry of these specific utility vehicles.
3. Check the photo to ensure the tensioner arms are not bent and that the mounting holes align with the standard 20x8x8 hub pattern, because a misaligned tensioner will cause the chain to slip off the tire crown under load.

See Deal $13.99

3. BUNKER INDUST Offroad Traction Boards with Jack Lift Base, Mud…

1. These traction boards feature a jack lift base and are designed for 4×4, Jeep, truck, and SUV recovery in mud, sand, and snow, offering an alternative to chains when you are already stuck.
2. The 4.5-star rating reflects their utility as a recovery tool rather than a primary traction device for ongoing driving.
3. Look at the photo to confirm the board thickness and the integrity of the jack lift base, as thin boards or a weak base will fail to provide the necessary leverage to pull a vehicle out of deep snow or ice.

See Deal $79.99

4. The ROP Shop Pair of 2 Link Tire Chains 15x5x6 for Toro Snow…

1. This pair of 2-link tire chains is sized for 15x5x6 wheels, specifically for Toro snow blowers, throwers, and lawnmowers, ensuring a precise fit for smaller utility vehicles.
2. The 4.4-star rating suggests a good fit for these specific Toro models, which often have limited tread clearance.
3. In the photo, inspect the 2-link design to ensure the links are robust enough to handle the torque of a snow thrower, as thin or weak links are the first to break when the vehicle is under load on icy surfaces.

See Deal $54.99

5. Snow Chains for Car Tires, 35s Quick Fit & Auto-Tightening…

1. These 35-inch quick-fit and auto-tightening chains are designed for universal use on cars, SUVs, and trucks, providing emergency anti-slip traction when standard tires lose grip.
2. The 4.4-star rating indicates a reliable fit for a wide range of vehicle types, making them a versatile option for unexpected black ice encounters.
3. Check the photo to verify the auto-tightening mechanism is intact and the chain links are uniform, as a faulty tensioning system will lead to chain slippage and potential damage to the vehicle's wheel well.

See Deal $79.99

6. Auto-Locking Snow Chains, 1 Min Quick-Install Tire Chains for…

1. These auto-locking snow chains are designed for a 1-minute quick install on trucks, SUVs, and cars, offering strong traction for snow and universal emergency use.
2. The 4.4-star rating reflects their ease of use and effectiveness in providing immediate grip on slippery mountain passes.
3. In the product photo, ensure the auto-locking mechanism is clearly visible and the chain links are not kinked, as a compromised locking system will fail to secure the chain to the tire under the stress of driving on black ice.

See Deal $99.99

7. The ROP Shop Pair of 2 Link Tire Chains 14x4x6 for PowerSmart Snow…

1. This pair of 2-link tire chains is sized for 14x4x6 wheels, specifically for PowerSmart snow blower and thrower wheels, ensuring a precise fit for these smaller utility vehicles.
2. The 4.3-star rating suggests a good fit for these specific PowerSmart models, which often have limited tread clearance.
3. Look at the photo to confirm the 2-link design is robust and the links are not bent, as weak links will break under the torque of a snow thrower on icy surfaces, leaving you without traction.

See Deal $49.99

8. Security Chain Company 1063856 Max Trac Snow Blower Garden Tractor…

1. This Security Chain Company Max Trac snow blower and garden tractor tire chain is designed for heavy-duty use on utility vehicles, providing reliable traction in challenging conditions.
2. The 4.2-star rating indicates a solid performance for its intended use, making it a dependable choice for snow removal tasks.
3. Check the photo to ensure the chain is complete and the links are not rusted or corroded, as compromised links will fail under the stress of driving a snow blower on icy or snowy terrain.

See Deal $101.64

9. Genuine Honda Snowblower Crawler Caterpillar 12-60 x 21…

1. This genuine Honda snowblower crawler caterpillar is sized 12-60 x 21 and is compatible with HS870 and HS970 models, providing a direct fit for these specific Honda machines.
2. The 4.5-star rating reflects its reliability and precision fit for the intended Honda snowblower models.
3. In the product photo, verify that the caterpillar track is not cracked or worn, as a damaged track will fail to provide the necessary traction for a snowblower on steep or icy surfaces, potentially leading to a loss of control.

See Deal $329.59

10. Heavy Duty AutoFixing Snow Chains Tire Chains for Light Truck, SUV…

1. These heavy-duty AutoFixing snow chains are designed for light trucks, SUVs, and pickups, featuring a self-tightening design for easy installation and titanium alloy construction for durability.
2. The 4.5-star rating indicates a high level of trust in their performance and ease of use for these vehicle types.
3. Look at the photo to confirm the self-tightening mechanism is intact and the titanium alloy links are not bent, as a faulty tensioning system or weak links will lead to chain slippage and potential damage to the vehicle's wheel well.

See Deal $128.99