Why it's important to select the correct vehicle and tyre size
Vehicle
There are a surprising number of vehicles that cannot use traditional snowchains, the types that put chain on the inside of the wheel as well as on the tread. This is usually because there is not enough space between the wheels and the shock absorbers; this can be a problem for ordinary SUVs and 4x4s as well as for high performance cars.
You will find this important information in your car handbook - please check this before using your snowchains! Our database is intended to do the basic work for you but, with so many new vehicles and tyre sizes, it should only ever be treated as a guide.
Tyre size
Please also check your tyre size - if you buy incorrectly-sized chains they will be either too tight or too loose.
Ladder track chains
The good news is that car handbooks usually only refer to "traditional snowchains". Ladder track chains such as the Polaire GRIP and Spikes-Spider range only put chain over the tyre tread, so are not subject to these restrictions. They are also ideal for use on rear wheel drives where there is minimal space between the top of the wheel and the wheel arch.

Snow chains and car snow socks for MG 3 five door (2013 to 2024) with 185/70-14 tyres
- No nonsense, well made 9mm snow chains
- Outstanding value for money - Maggi engineering and reliability for less than £30!
AutoSock SmartGrip
- are simple to fit and give extraordinary grip on ice and snow
- are a budget version of AutoSock, but have a similar performance and wear rate
- 12mm chain links
- Ideal for ski drivers who want the best budget 12mm chains available
- Strong 12mm chains
- Easy to fit and remove
- All you need for occasional ski-drive or UK use
There's not much more to say. They're really good chains! Full details are shown on the product page.
- AutoSock are simple to fit and give extraordinary grip on ice and snow
- Keep a set in the car and don't get caught out in the snow!
- Approved as a snowchain alternative throughout the EU, except Austria, and also in e.g. Norway and Switzerland
- 9mm chain links
- Simple and reliable self-tensioning system
- Excellent quality and value from Germany's premier chain manufacturer
- 9mm chains are often the maximum permitted
- The asymmetric diamond pattern improves traction
- Automatic chain tensioning saves time and effort
- an asymmetric diamond pattern to prevent the chain getting stuck in the tyre grooves and to improve lateral stability and, above all
- Konig's superb automatic chain tensioning system which constantly seeks to keep the chains as tight as possible and saves you the hassle of getting out of the car again after a hundred metres or so and retightening the chains. When you come to fit the chains at the bottom of the hill leading to a ski resort you’ll probably find several long lay-bys which are designed for "stopping again", but it’s not always so easy or convenient, especially in a blizzard!
- 10mm links
- An asymmetrical diamond pattern
- Automatic chain tensioning
- “Ice breaker" links
- Thule's unique quick removal system
- an asymmetrical diamond pattern
- automatic chain tensioning
- perpendicular "ice breaker" links
- an externally operated quick removal system. Taking the chains off the wheels is usually the trickiest and often the muckiest aspect of using snow chains – you have to position each wheel so the inner chain joint is uppermost, then slacken the outer chain, reach over the tyre, feel for and grab both ends of the inner chain hoop, and then uncouple them. Thule’s automatic system allows you just to pull hard on a toggle and the chain falls off the wheel.
- Ideal where there’s minimal distance between the wheel and the wheel arch
- No chain inside the wheel
- Always quick and easy to fit and remove
These chains are particularly suitable where there’s minimal distance between the wheel and the wheel arch, a typical feature of many rear wheel drives with large alloys. If you can't get your forearms into this gap then the K-Summit is your only König option.
They’re also easy to fit and remove and, because you don't have to put your forearms over the tyre, you shouldn't get dirty slush on your forearms or clothes.
- Second only to the Spikes-Spider SPORT as the "Best snow chains on the market"
- No need for a pre-fitted hub mounting plate; this is one 'Easy' feature
- D-shaped Nirosta stainless steel links
- Launch pricing!
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All our prices include VAT at 20%