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How to Buy the Right Tire Chains article.

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Be Ready for Winter—Gear Up for Snow, Ice, and Cold Weather Challenges.

We don’t like to let winter weather slow us down. If you’re like us, we think you’ll find our snow gear to be necessary too. Grab a roof rack, hitch rack, cargo box, or cargo bag to transport your ski and snowboard gear safely to the slopes. Hook up your car, truck, or SUV with a new set of driving lights, tire chains, snow plow, or salt spreader to battle the snow and ice. Of course, your car shouldn't get all the goodies! We also have ice scrapers and shoe chains for you. Got a snowmobile? We’ve got covers, ramps, dollies, and batteries to help you store, transport, and keep that snowmobile gliding along. We also have car covers and patio furniture covers. And for those unexpected emergencies, we also carry jumper cables, starters, lights, flares, traction plates and recovery straps.

With over 75 years of assisting our neighbors and customers, over 1 million photos and videos taken to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need, and over 35 thousand installations completed, we’ve got the product know-how and experience to help you make the right choices for the job at hand.

How do I safely haul my skis and snowboards?

Tossing your gear in the backseat isn’t the best idea—wet snow melts, making a mess, and shifting gear can be a hazard while driving. A roof rack or hitch-mounted carrier keeps everything secure and out of the way, so you’re not wrestling with skis every time you stop. If you're using a roof rack, make sure the bindings face up to avoid damage, and always double-check that everything’s locked down before heading up the mountain.

What should I keep in my vehicle for winter emergencies?

Getting stuck in the snow is no fun, and it happens to the best of us. Having a shovel, ice scraper, and jumper cables is a no-brainer, but keeping a bag of sand or kitty litter can help you get traction if you're stuck. A warm blanket, extra gloves, and snacks can make a long wait more bearable if you're stranded. And don’t forget to check your battery before winter hits—cold weather kills weak batteries fast.

How do I pick the right tire chains?

First, check your owner’s manual—some vehicles don’t have enough clearance for chains, and you don’t want to find that out in the middle of a snowstorm. Next, match the chain size to your tire size and consider how often you'll use them. If you're regularly driving in snow, self-tensioning chains save a ton of hassle. If you just need chains for emergencies, an easy-install set that you can throw on quickly is the way to go. Always practice installing them before you actually need them—doing it in your driveway is a lot better than figuring it out on the side of the road in freezing temps.

Are snow socks as good as chains?

Snow socks are great if you need a quick, lightweight option for occasional snow driving, but they don’t grip as well as chains in deep snow or ice. They’re easy to put on and take off, and they don’t make as much noise or vibration as chains, which is nice. But if you're driving in serious winter conditions often, chains are the better choice for long-term durability and traction. Just be sure to check local laws—some areas require metal chains and won’t accept socks as a substitute.

How do I keep my windshield from icing over?

Scraping ice off your windshield every morning is a pain. A windshield cover makes life easier—just pull it off, and you’re good to go. If you don’t have one, raising your wipers before a storm keeps them from freezing to the glass. Spraying your windshield with a de-icer solution the night before can also make clearing it off faster. And if you’re already dealing with an iced-up windshield, letting your defroster run for a few minutes before scraping saves a lot of effort.