Discussion
I promised on the BMW forum (on 'How crap are BMWs in the snow?') that I would report on sets of 'snow socks' I'd ordered after experiencing horrendous problems on Monday in a rwd BMW 318 + my wife having to abandon her car, a fwd Laguna, on Tuesday.
As it might easily be missed by non BMW drivers and given I now think they are a potential life saver I thought I'd add a note here. I have absolutely no involvement in any company selling these by the way! So, I quote from the other post . .
"Snow socks arrived today and are now fitted to my wife's Laguna and my BMW - and as I promised to report back, they are utterly brilliant!
A bit of a pain to fit - with my big clumsy hands I just couldn't get enough space to start them off properly and without my wife I don't know how I'd have got them on - and they went on her car and centered more easily. With my aftermarket suspension and so little room I jacked the car up (but also wanted to wind the dampers down) got them started then rolled back and forth and drove a bit to get them self-fitting as instructed. After a while they seemed a snug fit on both cars. We have them on the driven wheels only but that doesn't seem to be a problem.
I drove down to town in worse conditions than Monday when I had the issues or Tuesday (my wife had to abandon her car 1/2 mile down the hill yesterday and couldn't get back despite two tries). We must have 6 inches of snow on areas untouched and even where I dug the cars out etc. there was another 2 or 3 inches on top of sheets of packed ice. The road (steep with ups and downs in its overall point six mile drop of a couple of hundred feet, rapid gradient changes and most of it twisty) was horrendous (looking) and v. few have got up today but I had no issues at all today, bar one slight bit of touchiness from the ABS when braking up a steep slope. The traction control light which was demented on Monday only lit once when I ran through a pothole.
I'm confident I'm sorted now for winter (other than possibly getting stuck in others' jams) and really believe these could be a life saver. I honestly think we all ought to have either these, chains or winter tyres for periods like this."
As it might easily be missed by non BMW drivers and given I now think they are a potential life saver I thought I'd add a note here. I have absolutely no involvement in any company selling these by the way! So, I quote from the other post . .
"Snow socks arrived today and are now fitted to my wife's Laguna and my BMW - and as I promised to report back, they are utterly brilliant!
A bit of a pain to fit - with my big clumsy hands I just couldn't get enough space to start them off properly and without my wife I don't know how I'd have got them on - and they went on her car and centered more easily. With my aftermarket suspension and so little room I jacked the car up (but also wanted to wind the dampers down) got them started then rolled back and forth and drove a bit to get them self-fitting as instructed. After a while they seemed a snug fit on both cars. We have them on the driven wheels only but that doesn't seem to be a problem.
I drove down to town in worse conditions than Monday when I had the issues or Tuesday (my wife had to abandon her car 1/2 mile down the hill yesterday and couldn't get back despite two tries). We must have 6 inches of snow on areas untouched and even where I dug the cars out etc. there was another 2 or 3 inches on top of sheets of packed ice. The road (steep with ups and downs in its overall point six mile drop of a couple of hundred feet, rapid gradient changes and most of it twisty) was horrendous (looking) and v. few have got up today but I had no issues at all today, bar one slight bit of touchiness from the ABS when braking up a steep slope. The traction control light which was demented on Monday only lit once when I ran through a pothole.
I'm confident I'm sorted now for winter (other than possibly getting stuck in others' jams) and really believe these could be a life saver. I honestly think we all ought to have either these, chains or winter tyres for periods like this."
I have a set for my Mercedes SL500 and would recommend them in equally glowing terms. They are supposed to be better than winter tyres and almost as good as chains. I can believe it.
Two very minor downsides to the snow socks. First, they can be difficult to fit over big wheels where there is little clearance between tyre and bodywork. Second, they will not last if you drive fast on tarmac (but it says as much in the instructions).
In my view it is irresponsible to go out without equipment like this. I also carry a shovel, tow rope, blanket, water bottle, jerry can of petrol, de-icer, bottle of champagne and expensive chocolate.
On a side note, I have been amazed at how bad people are driving. I am heartily sick of driving along very icy or snowy roads with idiots attached to my back bumper; likewise, I have lost count of the number of morons who have shot out of junctions, unable to stop at the give way lines, presumably because they have approached with insufficient care. It is not down to the authorities to keep traffic moving: it is down to drivers to take responsibility for themselves.
Two very minor downsides to the snow socks. First, they can be difficult to fit over big wheels where there is little clearance between tyre and bodywork. Second, they will not last if you drive fast on tarmac (but it says as much in the instructions).
In my view it is irresponsible to go out without equipment like this. I also carry a shovel, tow rope, blanket, water bottle, jerry can of petrol, de-icer, bottle of champagne and expensive chocolate.
On a side note, I have been amazed at how bad people are driving. I am heartily sick of driving along very icy or snowy roads with idiots attached to my back bumper; likewise, I have lost count of the number of morons who have shot out of junctions, unable to stop at the give way lines, presumably because they have approached with insufficient care. It is not down to the authorities to keep traffic moving: it is down to drivers to take responsibility for themselves.
r129sl said
"It is not down to the authorities to keep traffic moving: it is down to drivers to take responsibility for themselves."
Couldn't agree more,what are some of these morons thinking?
There are too many out there who are absolutely panic stricken
because there's some white stuff on the roads...
"It is not down to the authorities to keep traffic moving: it is down to drivers to take responsibility for themselves."
Couldn't agree more,what are some of these morons thinking?
There are too many out there who are absolutely panic stricken
because there's some white stuff on the roads...
www.autosock.co.uk
Unbelievably, that site is down until 11 Jan for maintenace! However, I bought mine from the alternative, www.roofbox.co.uk. I ordered on 22 December and they were delivered next day.
I used mine again last night in the worst conditions I have ever driven in. They are amazing. My car was slipping on the flat in six inches of snow over ice. Parked under a bridge, on with the socks, and it was like driving on dry road. The car went up a normally impassable hill without even flashing the traction control light.
Unbelievably, that site is down until 11 Jan for maintenace! However, I bought mine from the alternative, www.roofbox.co.uk. I ordered on 22 December and they were delivered next day.
I used mine again last night in the worst conditions I have ever driven in. They are amazing. My car was slipping on the flat in six inches of snow over ice. Parked under a bridge, on with the socks, and it was like driving on dry road. The car went up a normally impassable hill without even flashing the traction control light.
Don't forget that your maximum speed on these is supposed to be 30mph/50mph - so don't think you can zoom along an icy motorway at normal speeds.
Where their 'literature' suggests that they're better than winter tyres, it refers to having these on OVER your winter tyres.
I still think they're a good idea to carry around a set though - although I think I'd use two sets for a RWD car.
Where their 'literature' suggests that they're better than winter tyres, it refers to having these on OVER your winter tyres.
I still think they're a good idea to carry around a set though - although I think I'd use two sets for a RWD car.
Edited by mmm-five on Thursday 7th January 12:18
mmm-five said:
Don't forget that your maximum speed on these is supposed to be 30mph/50mph - so don't think you can zoom along an icy motorway at normal speeds.
Where their 'literature' suggests that they're better than winter tyres, it refers to having these on OVER your winter tyres.
I still think they're a good idea to carry around a set though - although I think I'd use two sets for a RWD car.
That is the same model I bought and though I have 2 sets just in case (split between cars at the moment) I'm surprised but pleased to say that just one set on the driven wheel seems to be no problem.Where their 'literature' suggests that they're better than winter tyres, it refers to having these on OVER your winter tyres.
I still think they're a good idea to carry around a set though - although I think I'd use two sets for a RWD car.
Edited by mmm-five on Thursday 7th January 12:18
I took my wife and kids to school this morning in her fwd Laguna. The school is on a lane closed for the last 2 days and still a nightmare, thick sheet ice visible through a lot of now and mush in places. Most people parked up and walked in (which still looked iffy, my wife fell down there yesterday) but with these on I had absolutely no problems with steering, braking etc. They really are amazing.
So, if the cost of four (rather than just the one set) is a factor and putting people off I really do think it would be sensible to invest the £50 or £60 quid in just the one pair - could save a lot less expense (or worse) in the future? Certainly way better than just sticking with 'normal' tyres.
I have only one pair which I fit to the driven wheels (my car is RWD). As others have said, braking is improved as well as traction. OBVIOUSLY you still have to proceed very slowly and with enormous care. There is a 30mph maximum and they make a slapping noise if you exceed this. The point is, you can proceed where otherwise you would be stuck. Frankly I haven't got much above 20mph in the last week, anyway. I install them when I turn off the main roads. I was very sceptical about the merits of this product but have been blown away by how they live up to their manufacturer's claims.
Bought a pair for my wife's Rover 75, which was laughably unable to move on the merest snow-covered incline. Reckoned they'd be cheaper than a new clutch, and they work a treat. 38 quid or so all in from an ebay seller - described as 'Italian made' in their auctions though they are actually made in China, like everything else.
I ordered some of these before Christmas and they came within days. I went for weisssocks for around £60. I have to say i'm very impressed with them, although I have just used them to get me out of car parks, off the drive etc. I'm not sure I'd want to drive far on them.
My reason for getting them is that my wife is 38 weeks pregnant! I'd like to get to the hospital when required, rather than have the baby born somewhere on the M5 in a snow drift!
My reason for getting them is that my wife is 38 weeks pregnant! I'd like to get to the hospital when required, rather than have the baby born somewhere on the M5 in a snow drift!
After my dust up with the kerb monster I am keen to prevent this expensive event happening again so I have been looking for suitable snow socks !!
I'm having trouble finding snow socks that will fit my 5 series 275/35/zr19 alloys. Does anyone know where i can get some to fit this size wheel / tyre ???
Thanks
I'm having trouble finding snow socks that will fit my 5 series 275/35/zr19 alloys. Does anyone know where i can get some to fit this size wheel / tyre ???
Thanks
pil2255 said:
After my dust up with the kerb monster I am keen to prevent this expensive event happening again so I have been looking for suitable snow socks !!
I'm having trouble finding snow socks that will fit my 5 series 275/35/zr19 alloys. Does anyone know where i can get some to fit this size wheel / tyre ???
Thanks
Officially they don't fit. I have the same wheel size as you & worked out that the 697's from roofbox.co.uk would fit. I'm having trouble finding snow socks that will fit my 5 series 275/35/zr19 alloys. Does anyone know where i can get some to fit this size wheel / tyre ???
Thanks
They were out of stock when I needed to buy some so I ended up buying these instead.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVer...
They are a wee bit loose so limit your speed to a max of 10-15mph but when I used them in scotland a couple of weeks ago & they got me where I needed to be. The difference between using them or not was huge.
I hope that helps.
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