Snow Sox - Alternative to Snow Chains.

msej449 wrote:I've just put my winter tyres on my car. Like you, I can't take chains. My owner's manual says they only fit on the 15" rims, and not on the 16"/17"/18". Beware chain retailers who say "it should be OK". I finally went for winter tyres because, if you think about it, it actually doesn't cost any more than the swap-over charge (around £50 for all four). The softer winter tyres are better in the cold anyway, even in the UK. Only problem is you may still need chains to (a) convince French police and (b) when you have to handle icy slopes or very deep snow. The ideal option is a set of winter rims plus winter tyres plus chains (this is why you see flash cars in the Alps with grotty wheels - they're on their winter rims).

Jan I Stenmark wrote:All,

From a personal point of view I certainly found that driving my E55 up to Verbier even with a very light dusting of snow without chains was impossible :oops: The humiliation of a Fiat 500 zooming past on skinny wheels certainly made me realise that 400+ hp is only good some of the time :|

Now whilst I can’t add anything to the issue of availability of chains / their sizes / one brand v another, I would like to suggest some practical things that may make chain usage easier.

1. Maybe the best trick (and probably the quickest in the long run for the beginner) is to jack each wheel up before trying to install the chain. This will allow you better access to the wheel and also allow you to ensure the chain doesn’t foul any brake pipes / suspension parts etc before driving off. As a further point this trick requires a jack (no surprises there!) but in many cases the jack will be under the luggage space in the rear of the car. So as you dash from the baggage collection conveyor to the car hire desk, keep repeating “Take the jack out before putting in the suitcases.” Equally, do the same if you are driving your own car out to the mountains, that is, remove the jack and handle etc. (You may be excused the mantra!)

2. Point 1 is totally useless if you don’t follow point 2. Never, ever, ever (even a little bit) wait until you are stuck before trying to put on the chains. The best plan is to drive until things are starting to look a bit iffy and then turn around and drive back the way you came and find a petrol station with a canopy and good lights. Now you have flat ground, light and protection from the weather (oh, and somewhere to wash your hands when you’ve finished). Sure, you may have to drive a little way in conditions that don’t require chains, and sure you may have to drive slower (a sensible max is probably about 50km/h) but when you pass the poor fools who are struggling in heavy snow in the cold and dark you will thank me! Also, using a car jack on anything but flat, dry ground is probably going to end your happy holiday quicker than you had planned.

3. On this occasion forgo fashion and think practical. I recommend a pair of rubber washing up gloves, (my wife introduced them to me some years ago …) they allow you to retain good tactile feeling whilst stopping you freezing your fingers off. Oh, colour not important.

4. Not always possible for hire cars but if you buy your chains at home, PRACTICE. Pick a warm day (this may not be possible in England) and go out and try the things on. Every second you spend doing this will be paid back 10 times in the mountains.

5. If you are hiring a car and are lucky enough to get chains, do not get out of the car and just lunge at the task. I recommend you sit in the car, explain to the other people (if any) that this will take a little while and that no one (esp. children or partners) should ask “How long are you going to be?” at about 5 minute intervals! I am fairly sure you will find that this tip pays dividends. Now open the chain container, often easier said than done and just look at the chains. On initial inspection they will look rather like a bad day in a torture chamber but most chains are colour coded and the instructions should be relatively intelligible. Take time to identify the various elements of the chain and be sure that you fully understand the instructions. Note that at this point you have not left the car and should still be warm, dry and sane.

6. In my experience the most likely group of motorists to totally ignore point 5 will be a group of (mostly) males aged between 18 and 25. For them the mountain holds no fear and stupid instructions are for wimps. Funny how many beers I’ve received, having fitted chains for them, from groups of shivering, angry, frustrated would-be holiday makers fitting the above description.

7. Lastly, the art of removing the chains is not one to be overlooked. Don’t be too hasty to take them off. Keep driving until you can be sure you don’t need them anymore. Then, again, try and find a petrol station. You shouldn’t need to jack the vehicle up this time but some careful positioning of the clip at the top of the wheel will make things easier. Now unclip the first chain, ensuring that NOTHING is still endangering the nice parts of your car and drive off until the chain is between the front and back wheel. Repeat for the other side. Again the rubber gloves will be a boon here as the wheels, chains and wheel arches will be cold and full of snow and ice.

8. Print this message out and read it during your flight and you may arrive in resort just a little dryer, happier and safer.

Happy motoring,

Jan