Best Snow Traction Device

[Don]

Assuming proper Winter Tyres and changing them over isn't happening. What's the best device for a Front Wheel Drive car to aid traction in snow and ice. Please comment as to why or what your experience has been with them if you would.

[Don]

davidspooner said:

What are these 'socks' of which you speak?

Things like this:

http://www.autosock.co.uk/

davidspooner said:

My opinion: best device is a non-idiot driver.

That's a given. But even a smooth, highly observant and anticipatory driver may have some trouble going up an incline on unsalted roads in, say, Basingstoke where we experience blizzard conditions with monotonous regularity as a total surprise to the roads team every single time. It might be handy, under these circumstances, to have something to assist grip.

Chains or Socks or what hitherto unknown technology?

[Don]

7db said:

Fit Don Palmer to the steering wheel.

I am not the only Don, I know.

[Don]

plasticpig said:

I would have thought studded tyres would give the best traction. Some non studded winter tyres are designed so they can be studded.

Whilst these are mandatory in Scandinavia they aren't road legal in the UK.

But good winter tyres are clearly good.

[Don]

FiF - I know winter tyres are the "right" solution. This thread is about having something in the car to help with sudden bad conditions. The sort of thing that happened in Basingstoke yesterday...

Interesting that you say studded tyres are road legal in the UK. I'll have a look out of interest, as my bro uses them in Sweden, and they are excellent but I agree that studless winter tyres are probably the best UK solution - but not if you haven't fitted 'em!