Alex Ponce De Leon has this to say: . . . .
NOW CHAINS! FAQ and recommendations!
In today’s episode of buy this and not that…winter traction fun! Many of us love cruising on snow and ice. But chains are a must have accessory to really power through. Front-wheel drive is a great plus! It’s heavy up front and the inherent traction is rather good. Throw in KO2s and you have a good starting point. But chains are a reality many of us need to deal with. I actually do not mind throwing on chains and with the right chains, it’s rather fast! Over the last 8 years I have tested 3 products.
In today’s episode of buy this and not that…winter traction fun! Many of us love cruising on snow and ice. But chains are a must have accessory to really power through. Front-wheel drive is a great plus! It’s heavy up front and the inherent traction is rather good. Throw in KO2s and you have a good starting point. But chains are a reality many of us need to deal with. I actually do not mind throwing on chains and with the right chains, it’s rather fast! Over the last 8 years I have tested 3 products.
Z CABLES. First, is the Z cables many of us started with. They are usually cheap at around $75 and pretty easy to throw on. But not the easiest. I can no longer recommend them. I have owned 4 sets and 3 broke. One in a easy spot with no damage to the vehicle and 2 others did cause damage, although cosmetic and it’s been repaired. They are just not durable. I also noticed that the tensioning mechanism (black rubber strapping) hits the tire rims.
THULE SELF TENSIONING. Second, as the Thule/Konig Self Tensioning chains. These are spendy and cost $240-350 a pair. Easiest to get on. BUT they have a design flag that resulted in them breaking. I have owned two sets and have not been impressed on the durability. The chains come together using pieces that tend to break on the Travato. Oh and the warranty looked good on paper and it was NOT honored by the company. So hard no.
WINNER — PEERLESS CHAINS. Third, is the Peerless self tensioning chains. These are the winner! They are nearly as cheap at the Z cables but nearly as EASY as the Konigs to get on. Good durable design and so far holding up well! Good value at around $100. . ..
SCC Peerless 0231805 Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain – Set of 2
SOCKS? Not reviewed and NOT recommended in almost all use cases…socks. They are not reliable and they are too time consuming. In California they are useless and will NOT work. Socks were the rage for a hot second. But have TWO very SERIOUS shortcomings.
First, they must be removed at night and reinstalled in the morning. No thanks! (Source: AutoSocks corporate FAQ site). The last thing I want to do at 6 AM is dig out the wheels and put socks on the wheels.
Second, they must never be driven on surfaces WITHOUT snow. Whoops! SO completely useless in California (and other states). Our chain/snow checkpoints START sometimes MILES before the snowfall WE MUST have traction ON BEFORE we get past the checkpoint. I have had to drive on non-snow pavement for miles. Oh and I’ve seen a few socks along the road. So hard no. (Source: AutoSocks corporate FAQ site)
Closing with my favorite accessories related to snow chains…
First, get a good pair of LONG gloves to put on the chains. You will want these for any kind of chain. You’ll reach behind your tires and get dirty.
WESTERN SAFETY PVC Long-Cuff Oil-Resistant Gloves
Second, get an old yoga mat and cut it to protect your knees.
Third, a visibility vest off of Amazon.
Fourth, get a good headlamp for doing this in the dark.
Fifth, get yourself a snow shovel to clear the area around the tire.
Now you are a pro! Have fun in the SNOW