I live in Alabama, we do not get much snow or ice, but every now and then we do. I am currently in a 2012 Nissan Murano with limited AWD. I want to keep something in the car for emergency snow, or ice.
there are 4 emergency type tire chains that I see. Does anyone have experience with these or might know how good they are? I am leaning toward the ones with actual chains on it that use a ratchet system to tighten. Because I think the 2 plastic options may be crap and will not do in a bind. I think the ones with the actual chain may be easy to put on if I am on the side the road and look like they may hold up a bit. The all chain ones, z chains, look good but may be to too much hassle or to difficult for a novice if its wet, snowy and I am on some dirt shoulder on the road. Any help you have on this would be great. All of them have good reviews on amazon but you never know I guess. Thanks... also I guess I don't know how to add photos, so I just listed these links. sorry.
Avoid option #1 & #2
#3 look like truck chains, and you might not be able to use them on your SUV. Look through your manual because it might tell you the maximum thickness of chain, or what kind of chains you can use.
#4 looks pretty good . Low profile. Sturdy.
They do make low profile linked chains for passenger cars in a diamond pattern that are pretty good. They look like this...
The only chains I ever used were the real tire chains with double stretchers on each wheel.
For emergencies, and short-term use, I would opt for Number 3. They look efficient and sturdy.
Just do not attempt to drive around with those - they are meant to get you out of tough places, and should be placed back into the trunk afterwards.
P.S. IMHO based on my own experience of driving 20+ years on snow and ice in Russia.
