Now that winter is coming...

theron · 6 Nov 2012 at 20:37

Hi guys,

Since the surprise snow at the weekend I have been considering buying snow chains as I have to cross several steep hills on my journey to/from work.

I was looking at Michelin Easygrips, but they don't seem to do them in my tyre size (195 45 R16).

It's a front wheel drive car (if that makes any difference).

Could you recommend me something suitable to use if I ever get caught out in the snow? (I'm most concerned about being stuck at work

)

Thanks, theron.

[TW]Fox · 6 Nov 2012 at 20:44

Snowchains are only effective on actual snow - not slush or icy tarmac.

They sound like massive overkill for somebody living in Wiltshire, there are very few occasions when you could actually use them. If you are desperate to have something then snowsocks might be more appropriate.

Mickie · 6 Nov 2012 at 20:45

what ever you do, buy four or else you'll go spinning off and you'll explode into a million peaces [/overclockers]

theron · 6 Nov 2012 at 20:57

[TW]Fox;23114207 said:
Snowchains are only effective on actual snow - not slush or icy tarmac.

They sound like massive overkill for somebody living in Wiltshire, there are very few occasions when you could actually use them. If you are desperate to have something then snowsocks might be more appropriate.

I know where you are coming from but the thing is that I travel to and from Bath daily working on an industrial estate and parking in a company car park that is never gritted.

I also pick up some friends who live on a steep (2nd gear) private road that is also never gritted.

I don't know a lot about snow socks, would they still be OK in both these situations?

Mickie said:
what ever you do, buy four or else you'll go spinning off and you'll explode into a million peaces [/overclockers]

Understood thanks

[TW]Fox · 6 Nov 2012 at 21:00

theron said:
I know where you are coming from but the thing is that I travel to and from Bath daily working on an industrial estate and parking in a company car park that is never gritted.

I also pick up some friends who live on a steep (2nd gear) private road that is also never gritted.

I don't know a lot about snow socks, would they still be OK in both these situations?

Snow chains are for use on roads where there is absolutely loads of snow, not roads the council simply hasn't gritted. If you use snow chains on the wrong surface you can damage things. Snow chains are very rare in this country for very good reason, it is very unlikely you will ever find yourself in the right circumstances to use them.

Personally I think the fact you live in Wiltshire means you should not worry about it - you don't live in Austria. It's a rare event - so rare it made national news when it happened at the weekend.

But if you DO feel you want something, then snow socks can be used in less harsh conditions than snow chains. They cost less, too, and are far less likely to cause damage.

theron · 6 Nov 2012 at 21:02

Ok, thanks.

Is there a recommended snow sock brand or type or anything?

Conscript · 6 Nov 2012 at 21:39

ASDA were selling sets last year for about £40 a pair. I think they were made by Autocare. I can't speak for their quality, but they shouldn't be hard to source.

EDIT: Quick Google - http://direct.asda.com/Tex-Chain-An...el-Covers/MASTERTexSnowChains,default,pd.html

Minstadave · 6 Nov 2012 at 21:41

Mickie said:
what ever you do, buy four or else you'll go spinning off and you'll explode into a million peaces [/overclockers]

Is this going to be your stock post in any winter thread?

Mickie · 6 Nov 2012 at 21:46

Minstadave said:
Is this going to be your stock post in any winter thread?

yes..

because i know how much everyone hates snow chains and or snow tyres on front or back wheels only..

so giving people a heads up so they dont get flamed..

problem?

Brookert · 6 Nov 2012 at 21:49

Snow chains? In the UK? Just get a good set of winter tyres, snowchains are inappropriate for this country, we barely get frozen/snowed enough to warrant them.

mjt · 6 Nov 2012 at 21:50

If you're genuinely concerned about getting suit in winter, buy a set of decent winter tyres.
If 15"s cover your brakes, get a set on steel wheels.

What car do you have? Check out the ContiWinterContact range; they are excellent.

Minstadave · 6 Nov 2012 at 22:33

Mickie said:
yes..

because i know how much everyone hates snow chains and or snow tyres on front or back wheels only..

so giving people a heads up so they dont get flamed..

problem?

U mad bro?

Skeeter · 6 Nov 2012 at 22:40

Snow chains in Wilshire. Lol.

Man up and just drive. I did 70 miles a day through both the recent snowy winters driving across Wiltshire and only once did I not make it to work.

Mickie · 6 Nov 2012 at 23:02

Minstadave said:
U mad bro?

no, im cool, and i have no problem saying things you dont like..

i'll continue to and hope you dont get to mad.. bro.

Catanonia · 6 Nov 2012 at 23:11

Snow chains are useless if everyone else has normal tyres as they will still block the roads.

Brookert · 6 Nov 2012 at 23:30

Can you imagine the state of the roads if people used snow chains, We barely get a sprinkle on the roads as it is.

rjk · 6 Nov 2012 at 23:47

Mickie said:
no, im cool, and i have no problem saying things you dont like..

i'll continue to and hope you dont get to mad.. bro.

Where is mad and how does one avoid getting to it?

acemastr · 6 Nov 2012 at 23:53

Try a RWD car, then you'll know difficulty in snow, FWD is easy

Fairly sure it's illegal to use snow chains on a gritted road, same as studded tures

theron · 7 Nov 2012 at 00:48

Brookert said:
Snow chains? In the UK? Just get a good set of winter tyres, snowchains are inappropriate for this country, we barely get frozen/snowed enough to warrant them.

Skeeter said:
Snow chains in Wilshire. Lol.

Man up and just drive. I did 70 miles a day through both the recent snowy winters driving across Wiltshire and only once did I not make it to work.

Brookert, that statement does not apply to the whole of the UK.

Skeeter, I live in Wiltshire but I don't work in Wiltshire, besides which I have family and friends etc outside of Wiltshire... do you honestly think people spend all their lives constrained within 1 county, never to leave it for any purpose?

Many of my colleagues have problems getting to work also, I would go as far to say that as much as 50% of the office was out in both of the snowy periods mentioned.

I want snowchains/socks to make sure I have all my bases covered and don't miss even 1 day of work.

Please give me your recommendations of these products or leave me and my thread alone, thank you.

Brookert · 7 Nov 2012 at 01:09

theron said:
Brookert, that statement does not apply to the whole of the UK.

Skeeter, I live in Wiltshire but I don't work in Wiltshire, besides which I have family and friends etc outside of Wiltshire... do you honestly think people spend all their lives constrained within 1 county, never to leave it for any purpose?

Many of my colleagues have problems getting to work also, I would go as far to say that as much as 50% of the office was out in both of the snowy periods mentioned.

I want snowchains/socks to make sure I have all my bases covered and don't miss even 1 day of work.

Please give me your recommendations of these products or leave me and my thread alone, thank you.

Probably should have said England, moreso than Scotlant and Wales. Even so, snow chains aren't suited to the UK, it isn't cold enough for long enough to warrant chains.

Your much better off investing in winter tyes (and using them all year round), and those sock things maybe.