Snow socks where to buy

We would agree that they are easier to handle, but not necessarily to fit. Note: premium chains and those for limited clearance or large vehicles can be significantly more. In terms of meeting the legal requirements in places where chains are compulsory, socks are not always a recognised alternative.

However, this remains a grey area and we have received reports where the authorities have allowed people to pass with socks, equally there are similar reports of people being severely delayed because they are not allowed to pass with socks alone. Our snow chain tool can help you see a selection of cold-weather car accessories perfect for your vehicle. You can find our complete range of cold-weather car accessories online or at your local Halfords store.

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Mobile Fitting Services We'll come to you. Free 5 Point Car Check. Price Drops prices cut on motoring essentials. The fabric partially removes the thin film of water and create dry friction, when the outermost fibers of the woven fabric connect with the surface layer of snow or ice. Each thread on the woven fabric of a snow sock consists of numerous, small synthetic fibers, which becomes a large, frictional surface area to creates traction.

Alternative traction devices are usually cheaper to purchase and easier to install than snow chains, but they are more prone to damage on surfaces such as dry pavement or gravel. Snow chains are more durable and can be used on dry surfaces e. When driving with snow socks, the maximum speed of the vehicle should be reduced.

Socks are typically labeled with the recommended speed on the packaging. When snow chain laws are in effect, most snow chains are considered legal, while only specific brands of sock are considered legal alternatives. Both snow chains and snow socks are only intended for short stretches of road and inclement conditions but can be used for multiple uses.

Another advantage of fabric is that it can be machine washable, but their compatibility with studded tires varies between brands. Many automakers advise against using snow chains on newer vehicles due to the narrow space in the wheel well. Also, snow chains, unless properly maintained, risk corrosion. Like tire chains, snow socks are sold in different sizes and cover most of the commonly used tire sizes on the market. Snow socks are available for different vehicle classes, but most brands focus on cars and pickup trucks rather than semi-trucks or larger vehicles.

Since the largest variation of snow socks is in the market for cars and pickup trucks, unusual tires such as wide or low-profile tires are often covered. Buses, semi-trucks or larger vehicles require special snow sock models that can support the heavier axle load and larger wheel dimensions. Some brands also offer snow socks for specialized vehicles such as forklifts or airplane ground support equipment e.

Signs like above are now being replaced ones like below, thanks to companies like AutoSock. Buyer beware, not all alternative traction devices are made equal. The Scandinavian population used to pull wool socks over their shoes to avoid slipping on ice-covered surfaces, so the concept of using textiles to increase traction is fairly old. There is a story that claims Henry Ford used a carpet to get his car moving during the difficult winter months.

In , a Norwegian tire specialist recalled this story and started thinking about a solution that could continuously apply an equivalent traction on the wheels of the vehicle. Instead of placing the textile on the road, he came up with the idea of a textile that wraps around the tire itself.