Chains or Socks

[djb]

Has anybody any experiance with snow chains, ie grip & potential damage to alloys,

equally any experiance on tyre socks?


thanks

 

[jackwall5]

Been using chains occassionally for a few years... only when needed and on certain known passes. They go on the winter tyres when the goings gets heavy.

They make a huge difference in heavy snow but I only use them where the plough has not cleaned the road and then usually when there's extra loose snow on top of the pack or there is no gritting done.

One needs to be sure they are the correct size for your wheels [rims and tyre combination]. Too small presents an obvious problem ... too big can really create a mess under the arch!

Putting them on the first time can be a fun affair until you learn ......

On hard pack, they can cause some vibration which is normal and they sound unique.

I drive with the same low revs, less of the gas and more time on smooth driving with less speed changes ...... as I would with just winter tyres.

I only ever used them on old steel rims as I keep my alloys for the summer ... I don't seem to be aware of any significant damage to the rims .. really there shouldn't be any... but on alloys, I'd be concerned too. I have no plastic rim covers on !

No experience of the socks.

Oh and with chains, drive slowly .... as told by a wise man, if you think you're going to fast, chances are you are!

Safe Driving

 

[youspurs1]

No personal experience, but I asked this question on a skiing site. The answer was chains.

 

[television]

MB say that with chains this can turn the ESP light on and give you more traction

 

[100%Bitch]

I prefer socks - chains have a habit of chafing your wrists and ankles. :Oops:

 

[jackwall5]

I prefer socks - chains have a habit of chafing your wrists and ankles.

Yep ... chains really ruin the inside of my brogues too and really mess with my pinky!:Oops:

Safe Driving

 

[hawk20]

Yep ... chains really ruin the inside of my brogues too and really mess with my pinky!:Oops:

Safe Driving

Anyone got a link to any brand of snow socks or another thread. Remeber some while back reading a thread where several owners said socks are really good, cheap and easy to fit.

 

[carloss]

I prefer chains and dog collar

 

[Rory]

Anyone got a link to any brand of snow socks or another thread.

Google AutoSocks - I've got a set, had since I first got my MB but thankfully never had to use them.

 

[moosehead]

Chains and make sure you get the type with the diamond pattern. Modern chains are dead easy to fit but make sure you have some old ski gloves and a torch in the car. A good quality set of chains will run on tarmac for short distances (I think max speed is 50Km) so if you are at a ski resort you don't have to keep taking them off and refitting when you pop down to the shops. Getting the correct size is critical. I've never damaged an alloy with the correct set of chains.

The problem with Sports Packs (245/40 17" set up) on some of our cars is that you don't have the clearance for chains so winter tyres are your best option. Even then if you have several inches of snow that has not been ploughed or a really steep incline chains are essential.

 

[hawk20]

Found useful thread: -
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/sh...t=socks&page=2

Plus socks: -
http://www.roofbox.co.uk/car-snow-socks/

Only £50 per set. Developed in Norway.
It says: -
AutoSock - textile wheel covers with an elasticated edge; you just slip them over the driving wheels when you find yourself getting stuck. ("Yes - it really is this easy" and "Yes, of course they work!") Be prepared for the winter by carrying a set of AutoSock in your car, happy in the knowledge that
• fitting them is easy. If you can pull a sock over your foot you can push a fabric cover over a wheel.
• fitting them requires no practice.
• they weigh less than 1kg and take up minimal space. It's sensible to keep them with the spare wheel, always ready for use.
• they are relatively universal, i.e. one size fits over 60% of cars.
• they're reusable again and again - providing value for money for years to come.
• they work!
• prices start at only £49.95!
Probably the most difficult part of the operation is remembering that they're there!


AutoSock provides an ideal "Get me Home" or "Get me to that meeting" solution - but only if you keep a set in the car! Although developed in Norway, they're particularly appropriate for the UK, where we experience sudden and sporadic snow fall, usually short lasting, but so often the cause of massive disruption and inconvenience while it lasts.