Alternative to snowsocks for "emergency" winter use
Discussion
Not that my snowsocks have left their packaging since I bought them, but this looks like a quicker solution to get you out if a sticky (or more specifically a not-sticky) situation.
Harry Metcalfe reports that it certainly works on his shoes....
other sellers are available
Harry Metcalfe reports that it certainly works on his shoes....
other sellers are available
mik_ok said:
Not that my snowsocks have left their packaging since I bought them, but this looks like a quicker solution to get you out if a sticky (or more specifically a not-sticky) situation.
How long do you need to fit a pair of snow socks? I talked my wife through the process in under 5 minutes when she was stuck on an icy hill a couple of years back - and she had no idea what to do at the start of the conversation.oldcynic said:
mik_ok said:
Not that my snowsocks have left their packaging since I bought them, but this looks like a quicker solution to get you out if a sticky (or more specifically a not-sticky) situation.
How long do you need to fit a pair of snow socks? 
ked if I know - mine are still in the packaging. 
I had some snowsocks, and even tried to use them once.
The biggest problem is the lack of clearance between the rear wheels and the bodywork. It is almost impossible to get your hands in far enough to get the snowsocks over the and around the back of the wheel.
On a normal front wheel drive car they work great as they are very easy to get on, but would need very thin arms to get them on, and trying to do it when it has been snowing and freezing cold was not fun! Luckily I only attempted to fir them on the drive up to the group of houses where I live, which has a nice uphill gradient which completely defeats the car in snow. In the end I left it at the bottom of the drive until the road was cleared.
I wouldnt recommend them.
The biggest problem is the lack of clearance between the rear wheels and the bodywork. It is almost impossible to get your hands in far enough to get the snowsocks over the and around the back of the wheel.
On a normal front wheel drive car they work great as they are very easy to get on, but would need very thin arms to get them on, and trying to do it when it has been snowing and freezing cold was not fun! Luckily I only attempted to fir them on the drive up to the group of houses where I live, which has a nice uphill gradient which completely defeats the car in snow. In the end I left it at the bottom of the drive until the road was cleared.
I wouldnt recommend them.
notransistors said:
What the heck is a snowsock? Are you referring to chains?
It's kind of the same principle as a chain except it uses fabric to get the grip. They are very effective apparently, however, if you then end up doing just a couple of miles with them fitted on tarmac then they don't last very long at all! As soon as they get you going and you reach the road where the snow thins out you'd need to remove them again.I had a pair for my SRT8 but never used them, sold them on.
Stef
notransistors said:
They are not marketed here. Chains are not common in New York City, except on buses and commercial vehicles. When the road is slick enough for chains, my GTO remains in the garage.
I wouldn't take my smart out in the sort of weather you have currently!! In fact I wouldn't go out period! 
S800VXR said:
notransistors said:
They are not marketed here. Chains are not common in New York City, except on buses and commercial vehicles. When the road is slick enough for chains, my GTO remains in the garage.
I wouldn't take my smart out in the sort of weather you have currently!! In fact I wouldn't go out period! 
Had to use my snowsocks for the first time at the weekend - to get out of our street.
Learnings.
1. They work great.
2. They aren't easy to fit to wide rear tyres in arches with little clearance. Took about 10mins to do both sides - and they weren't on properly. If I'd had to drive more than 100m to get to tarmac I'd have had to do more adjustments.
3. Don't be tempted to first try the "spray on snow chains" you bought as another "get you out of trouble" aid. (As per the original topic of this thread). It covers your tyres in sticky gunk, but I still couldn't move. Maybe it would work on sheet ice (?). Tyre surfaces covered in sticky gunk make #2 about 309% harder.
4. And don't then touch your mouth and discover you've put sticky gunk on your lips. Felt like the Matrix. Scrubbing your lips with soap and a nail brush is not fun.
Have just seen a vid on that. If they work and don't foul the callipers, then that is potentially a great "get out of trouble" solution.
clik for vid
clik for vid
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