Best Snow Traction Device
Poll: Best Snow Traction Device
Total Members Polled: 118
Discussion
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?
I've just been reading up on this because after this week I was thinking that chains would be worth buying but I'm now going to buy a set of snow socks instead. Why socks instead of chains? Well, they're about half the price of chains, are much lighter and more compact to keep in the boot, won't potentially damage the wheels, are simpler to fit and remove, don't cause the vibration that chains do and, by all accounts, are pretty much as effective as chains.
A friend used them on his 500bhp Monaro in the Alps last year and said they were extremely effective, turning an undriveable car into one that could be driven with ease. As with chains, you're limited to 30mph with them fitted but in the conditions we've had this week that's the least of my worries!
A friend used them on his 500bhp Monaro in the Alps last year and said they were extremely effective, turning an undriveable car into one that could be driven with ease. As with chains, you're limited to 30mph with them fitted but in the conditions we've had this week that's the least of my worries!
Stevesh said:
Those socks look good in the company videos. I would be interested in hearing from someone who has used them for an impartial view of their effectiveness.
Steve
I've oredered a pair, which probably guarantees no more snow this winter! Still, if they arrive while there's still planty of snow around I'll report back.Steve
Don said:
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.
They aren't, though they are pointless for 99.9999% of the time in UK.
Modern studless cold weather tyres are a godsend and not just in snow but even clear tarmac cold conditions. None of this phaffing and farting about putting chains and socks on and limited to 30mph, that is, with respect for amateurs.
I have yet to meet someone who has tried proper friction tyres who doesn't wonder why they didn't do it years ago.
After this year's fiasco and farce I can see HMG introducing cold weather tyre legislation, partly to reduce the chance of them getting stick on road clearance / gritting and because the cost falls on somebody else. NB I don't agree with enforcing through legislation, but I can see it happening.
Yes I know I said I would leave the thread, but that was just a flounce for comedic effect. The above had to be said.
Edited by F i F on Wednesday 23 December 14:50
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!
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!
Don said:
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!
Snow socks are probably the easiest solution. The problem with chains is that they will damage the road surface if it is not fully covered in snow. They are a pig to drive on in intermediate conditions where you go in and out of patches of snow depending on whether the road has been gritted.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!
Don said:
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!
I know you know, but many don't.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!
There is an argument that sec 27 of Constr and Use Regs can be interpreted to mean that studded are illegal in UK.
"the tyre is not maintained in such condition as to be fit for the use to which the vehicle or trailer is being put or has a defect which might in any way cause damage to the surface of the road or damage to persons on or in the vehicle or to other persons using the road."
ie the inference is that the studs will wear the road and this is interpreted as damage etc etc etc.
Personally I do not agree with that interpretation. Yes if somebody were wheelspinning and sending sparks flying on clear dry tarmac then I can imagine a prosecution under some clause or other, but imho if someone were driving normally, even on clear tarmac, with studded tyres when the general weather conditions prevailing were such that it could be reasonable to use such tyres the I don't see a problem, CPS just wouldn't run with it.
Despite the developments in studs and retention technology as most cars even in Scandinavia run on clear tarmac 75% of the time, the downside is that studs do not work well on tarmac, and the grip is significantly less than studless, thus they are pointless in UK for 99.99% of the time.
However studless tyres, or friction tyres ARE worthwhile imho.
My Mrs car has 4 Nokian W+, £38 plus VAT incl delivery, £8 a corner for fitting balancing etc. So for £200 ish it's a different animal, btw insurance excess with daughter driving is £750.
Sorry I know you understand...
My daily driver is a Vivaro van, A couple of years ago I drove to the Alps with the family in the van and were required to carry snow chains (Just in case road conditions required them). I looked around at chain hire but in the end it was cheaper to buy a set of chains for the front driving wheels. I found them on eBay and bought New with a buy it now option.
Earlier this year in February we had the big freeze here in the south east. The Councils were not prepared for it and the roads were completely covered in a good few inches of snow.
I put the chains on my van and had absolutely no problem at all driving around.
The problem comes when you get to a road that has been partially cleared. You then either have to drive very very slowly 5 to 10 mph (at which point other motorists without chains overtake you) or you remove the chains. Then you get back in the deeper stuff and have to put them back on again.
I guess winter tyres would be a better option but many people do not have the storage space for a spare set of wheel and tyres + there's the added cost. If you do buy chains get the type that you can fit on the car without having to move the wheel, Carry an old pair of gardening gloves so you don't get your hands covered in dirty brake dust and salty snow, also carry something to kneel on while fitting them. And when you have finished using the chains wash them off with clean water to remove the salt and spray them with WD40, then they will be good for next season
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
PS On the days I was using the chains I saw a lot of very envious AA Van drivers
Earlier this year in February we had the big freeze here in the south east. The Councils were not prepared for it and the roads were completely covered in a good few inches of snow.
I put the chains on my van and had absolutely no problem at all driving around.
The problem comes when you get to a road that has been partially cleared. You then either have to drive very very slowly 5 to 10 mph (at which point other motorists without chains overtake you) or you remove the chains. Then you get back in the deeper stuff and have to put them back on again.
I guess winter tyres would be a better option but many people do not have the storage space for a spare set of wheel and tyres + there's the added cost. If you do buy chains get the type that you can fit on the car without having to move the wheel, Carry an old pair of gardening gloves so you don't get your hands covered in dirty brake dust and salty snow, also carry something to kneel on while fitting them. And when you have finished using the chains wash them off with clean water to remove the salt and spray them with WD40, then they will be good for next season
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
PS On the days I was using the chains I saw a lot of very envious AA Van drivers
Edited by fatboy18 on Wednesday 23 December 23:09
I did not think we were taken by surprise by the winter conditions which started last Thursday. On the few occasions in the last few years when I have experienced winter driving conditions in the UK I have always had warning from the met men, and been properly equipped (this week driving an old CRV, the tyres of which work very well on snow).
I have only twice had to use chains; I found fitting them a nightmare, driving unpleasant, and as mentioned they really have to come off as soon as you get to clear tarmac. So I add my vote for winter tyres, but in their absence would try socks, of which I have no experience.
BTW, I had a little play this week with very predictable results. On a medium snowy slope the CRV sailed up, a Fiesta struggled up, and my BMW could not start to move - though its traction control did its best, and I could not do better without the traction control.
I have only twice had to use chains; I found fitting them a nightmare, driving unpleasant, and as mentioned they really have to come off as soon as you get to clear tarmac. So I add my vote for winter tyres, but in their absence would try socks, of which I have no experience.
BTW, I had a little play this week with very predictable results. On a medium snowy slope the CRV sailed up, a Fiesta struggled up, and my BMW could not start to move - though its traction control did its best, and I could not do better without the traction control.
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