Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I used to love these chains. Unfortunately, two uses in (52 miles), and a fatal manufacturer's defect emerged. First the good: Installation/Removal: If you follow the instructions, then they are very easy to install and remove -- far better than traditional chains or cables. Tightening/Centering: Even better is the auto-tightener. With other devices, you have to stop after a short distance and re-tighten -- sometimes several times. It is also difficult to get other devices centered. These tighten themselves and center themselves as you drive. It doesn't hurt to check them, but they require A LOT less messing around with. Traction: I've used a number of devices, and these gave me the best traction. It was almost as good as having four wheel drive, and I fell very sure-footed and comfortable driving through heavy snow, and then thick ice. The Problem: I used these a year ago, on 1/1/2015, when we were hit with a major ice storm in West Texas. We were caught on I-20, with no one able to move. I put these on and got off a ramp, and we were able to take country roads around the problem for a few miles, then get back on the highway, and take them off. I used them again in Winter Storm Goliath in NM on 12/26. We got up the mountain without a problem, but then received 20" of snow while we were on the ski hill. We drove down the mountain without a problem, and in town the roads were very icy. We got through town, and halfway up the hill to our condo. On the way up, both tires started to make a slapping noise almost simultaneously. Closer inspection showed that two of the links that connect the chain to the cable that runs on the back side of the tire had slipped off -- not broken -- just slipped off. I believe that a small gap was left on these links that allowed the cable to slip through. The slogan printed on the box is "Built to Last - Easy to Use!" Well - mine lasted two uses (or just over 50 miles). I cleaned and oiled them exactly as directed, and stored them in a dry place, in the original box. This is a manufacturer's defect, not wear and tear. My advice to those that purchase is to inspect all of the linkages, and if you find a gap, contact the manufacturer to get them repaired or replaced -- I ended up stranded, with no way to get up to my condo, nor down into town. I have contacted the company about the problem -- will post an update with their response.