Are Snow Tire Chains or Cables Recommended for a 2003 Ford Van

Updated 12/20/2012 | Published 12/19/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Glacier Tire Chains w/ Cam Tighteners - Ladder Pattern - Twist Links - Assisted Tensioning - 1 Pair

(242)

$139.24

Glacier Cable Tire Chains - Ladder Pattern - Roller Links - Manual Tensioning - 1 Pair

(1118)

$147.89

pewag Tire Chains w/ Cams - Ladder Pattern - Grooved Square Link - Assisted Tensioning - 1 Pair

(46)

$270.77

Question:

WHATS BETTER CHAINS OR CABLES .I HAVE A FORD VAN 2003 TIRE SIZE 235X15 ,

asked by: WALTER

Expert Reply:

Both of the snow chains and snow cables will work great in snow conditions. One difference is the snow chains will give you better grip in more ice conditions because the chain links will bite into the ice where as the snow cables tend to slide over the ice. The snow chains will make a little more noise on dry pavement as compared to the snow cables.

Cable style chains, like the Glacier Cable Tire Chain, # PW2016C, will provide the best ride comfort, but you will be sacrificing performance in ice and moderate to heavy snow conditions.

The Glacier Twist-Link Tire Chains, # PWH2219SC, you have referenced will outperform the cable style chains on your 2003 Ford Van, but for superior performance and durability, I would recommend the Pewag All Square Tire Chains, # PWE2219SC. These chains will perform much better on ice and are made of a nickel manganese alloy steel that will last longer that low carbon steel chains. These chains will fit on your tires if they are the factory size 235/75-15.

I have attached an FAQ article on tire chains for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H