Snow Chains

Snow Chains / Tire Chains / Ice Traction

Winter driving inside California often means rain, but mountain locations (above 2000′ elevation) means deep snow, black ice, abundant curves, plus steep hills, so your vehicle may need chains on the tires for proper traction. If a winter weather advisory is issued for the mountains, make sure you bring at least one set of snow chains when driving to the mountains.

Best Winter Driving TIPS:
“slow and steady wins the race”
quote from Al Quiring on Highway thru Hell

Do not drive fast or aggressive; no sudden moves, nor sharp turns, nor hard breaking; give more than ample space between you and the driver in front; drive slower than normal; keep speed consistent and steady while climbing hills and USE your low gears. Be patient and aware; drive with caution when roads are wet, icy, snowy or during white-out conditions. Always carry a tarp, blankets, food, bottled water, extra set of warm clothes, plus cell phone, flashlight and (to be on the safe side) road flares, spare tire and a jack.
snow

CHAIN CONTROLS: This is a term that news outlets and authorities use for requiring chains on all tires on a given roadway. On the Sierra Passes and in the North State, the CHP can require vehicles without winter specific snow tires to ‘chain up’.

And AWD (all wheel drive) or 4WD (4×4) vehicles can often bypass the headache of installing snow chains, with proper winter tires. HINT: we like to run Mastercraft Glacier Trex

Lassen Highway 36 E

Driving on Packed Powder in 2023

Metal Snow Chains

Winter Snow Chains

Snow Chains for Trucks

Security Chains

Security Chain Company

SCC QG3229CAM

Real Chains vs. Cable Chains: If your vehicle’s wheel well is roomy and can accept real chains, it is advised that you choose this type of traction tool. These look like real chains (metal) and are much heavier-duty than the cable type. Perfect for all types of trucks, SUVs and many passenger cars.

However, if your car has low profile tires or tight spacing with limited space in between the tire and wheel well (body) then the cables chains are suitable. Although, you can find slimmer, real chains that may fit your vehicle and that will give you better traction.

Take note, Security Chain is the best rated brand of snow chains.

snow chains chart

Helpful chains chart on sub-brands. Click to expand

camp maps

Total Escape does not advise any new fangled plastic traction devices, nor the tire socks – no matter how cool, inexpensive and convenient they appear.

DanaMite has personally watched hundreds of people pulled over on the side of the highway, messing with crappy, plastic, anti-slip tire accessories.

Generally, plastic is known to break in cold temperatures and under stress. Avoid these plastic chain set-ups at all cost (no matter how easy they are to install). The newer tire socks do not last long, especially on rougher roads, driveways and dry roadways.

all wheel drive

AWD – all wheel drive vehicle on snow

check maps

Subaru DOES NOT recommend snow chains, nor cables, and actually suggest installing winter tires instead. Many of Subaru’s vehicle manuals explicitly state that snow chains are not recommended.

Snow Cables for Cars

Snow Cables for Cars

Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain

Chain Tensioners

Helpful for preventing the slack and slop on your snow chains. If chains are loose, rattling around and making noise when driving, then these rubber bungee things are inexpensive and easy to install (in addition to the chains).

Tensioners

Tighteners

Rubber Tensioner

winter road conditions

Winter road conditions can be dangerous, even in Southern California.

NEW for 2024: a Snow Tires page

off road tips

When off roading (off of pavement) 2 sets of snow chains are best – for traction on all four tires. No fun in sliding off a cliff. Putting chains on at night will require a decent headlamp (for hands-free maneuverability) or light source. Work gloves and a thick tarp or blanket to kneel on.

SUV in snow