You can never do too much to make your winter driving as safe as possible. Driving on snowy, icy roads can be treacherous even if you drive at a safe speeds. If your tires don’t have enough traction, you’ll end up doing more sliding than driving. Even an SUV or light truck will slide all over the place if you don’t have enough traction when you need it.

If you’re looking for some good traction chains to add to your list of winterizing items for your vehicle, add Security Chain Company’s (SCC) Super Z LT SUV and Light Truck Traction Chains to that list. These traction chains are designed to use with any type of vehicle, including SUVs, trucks, ATVs, snow blowers, garden tractors, forklift machines, airport transporters and passenger cars.

The chains have a “designed-in” rubber tightener that eliminates the need for stopping and re-tightening the chains on the tires. They are more durable than conventional tire chains and are much easier and less time-consuming to install. SCC’s Super Z LT traction chain line offers better all-around traction performance and better compatibility with all-wheel drive, traction control, anti-lock brakes and other electronically monitored control systems. There is also less potential for damage to the body of your vehicle and its mechanical components.

All of the traction chains in the Super Z LT line all meet Class S clearance requirements for vehicles with low or limited clearance. This is an important buying consideration because you want your traction chains to fit within the space around your tires as well as the tire itself. If you drive an SUV, 4×4, all-wheel drive or pickup truck equipped with  an ABS, these chains may the ideal choice for you. They come complete with rubber tighteners, a step-by-step guide for installation and removal and waterproof gloves.

The quick and easy installation is what impressed all of the buyers, with many at Amazon rating the chains 5 stars! You lay the chains on the ground in front of or behind the tires, move the chain in a sweeping motion underneath the tire (or drive your vehicle onto the chains), drape the chains on top of and over tires and fasten the chains at the back and outside of the tire. You should be able to install the chains on all four tires in less than 15 minutes. It may take longer the first time you do it, but if it takes more than an hour, you’re doing something wrong.

While these traction chains get an “A” for use on icy/snowy roads, you may need to switch to heavier traction chains if you drive up and down a lot of hills. Users who were less than pleased with the these  chains reported having little to no traction when going uphill or downhill, having more traction after removing the chains, and getting stuck despite having the chains on the tires. Operator error may be a contributing factor.

None of the users stated how fast they were driving or what type of vehicle they drove. These chains are designed for use on light trucks and SUVs, not larger heavier trucks, the weight of which could stress the chains and cause them to break. Making tight turns on bare pavement may also risk breaking the chains. Going above 30 mph or driving on bare pavement can also cause the chains to break, which could damage your tires and your vehicle. Be sure to check your warranty. SCC has a one-year limited warranty which becomes void if the chains became damaged or broken due to not staying below the recommended 30 mph speed limit when using the chains. If you tend to lean heavy on the on the gas pedal, these are not the traction chains for you.

Overall, the Super Z LT SUV and Light Truck Traction Chains are well worth their price tag of a little over $100. If you install them correctly and use them according to the manufacturer’s instructions, you should be quite pleased with their performance.