Tire sock: use and price
Content
Tire socks or snow socks are an alternative to chains. They are less expensive and easier to put on, but less reliable. But like a chain, a tire sock is an anti-slip device that allows you to maintain more grip on snow or ice.
🚗 What is a tire sock?
. socks, often called winter socks, is an anti-slip device for your car tires. They can be textiles (polyester fibers) or composite materials.
Socks are worn over tires in winter for riding on snow or ice. Their composition allows them better stick with to these surfaces, in particular by absorbing water to improve traction and traction.
Indeed, the loss of adhesion andplaning usually occur due to the presence of a film of water between the road and the tire. The toe of the tire absorbs and deflects it so that the surface of the tire does not come into contact with the snow.
❄️ Winter tire, chains or socks?
For driving on snowy or icy roads, socks are not the only solution. This is one of the proven devices to keep the grip on the road in winter. They have the advantage of being easy to mount to the rail, are inexpensive and compatible with systems such asABS orESP.
Socks are also allowed for compulsory wearing, which, in particular, is indicated panel B26... When it is necessary to wear an anti-skid device for driving on a certain section of the road, the use of socks is allowed.
. snow chains are another type of anti-slip device. They are shaped like a metal chain that must be slipped over the tire to ensure traction on snow. These metal links grip ice and snow better than textile tire socks.
In addition, the chains are more durable and have a longer service life. They are more suitable for frequent use than socks. And of course they are approved too. However, they have three disadvantages:
- Anti-skid chains more expensive ;
- Chains also noisier and less comfortable to drive;
- The assembly of the chains is carried out longer and more difficultespecially if they are not self-tensioning chains.
Finally, winter tire or snow tire are, as the name suggests, two types of tires especially suitable for winter driving. Their profile consists of deeper stripes, and their rubber is specially designed not to harden in the cold. This guarantees you the best grip on snow, ice or mud.
However, neither a winter tire nor a winter tire is designed for driving on thick snow or ice. In addition, the B26 panel requires you to wear either chains or socks: your snow or winter tire will not be enough.
Therefore, the choice between socks, chains or tires depends on your use. It is advisable to wear winter tires as soon as the temperature drops below 7 ° Cwherever you live and travel.
If you are traveling to the mountains or living in a cold area, bring a pair of chains or socks. If you have to travel a lot on snow, go for chains that require a lot of investment, but perform better on lightly heavy layers of snow and are also more durable.
🔎 Should I wear 2 or 4 splint socks?
If winter tires need to be fitted to all four wheels, you can only drive with two socks... In fact, first of all, it is necessary that they be installed on driving wheels... In most cases, these are two front tires. Be careful because these are rear wheels if your car is rear wheel drive, not front wheel drive.
👨🔧 How to put on a tire sock?
The toe of the tire is easier to install than the snow chain. However, you should make sure you park in a safe, level and clean area. Then you just need to slide the sock onto the tire, then push forward a little to finish putting it on the bottom of the wheel.
Required material:
- A pair of winter socks
- your car
Step 1. Install the car
Start by parking in a safe and level place (parking, chain space, etc.). Plan a free space a few meters away. Clear the ground at wheel level and remember to engage the handbrake.
Step 2: put the sock on the splint
By law, you must wear at least two socks, one for each drive wheel. Nothing stands in the way of putting in four for more grip. If you have a 4x4, you need to buy two pairs.
To put the sock on the tire, place it on the top of the tire and pull the elastic down to place the sock on the inside of the wheel. Adjust the toe with the straps.
Step 3. Complete the installation
Since you do not have access to the bottom of the tire that is in contact with the ground, move the machine forward slightly. Complete the operation by placing the toe on the bottom of the tire, then repeat with the second toe on the other axle tire.
💰 What is the price of a tire sock?
The price of winter socks is more favorable than chains. On average, count 80 € pair, even if this price varies from one model to another, in particular, depending on the size. For a pair of chains, count to 250 € about.
Now you know all the differences between a tire sock and a snow chain, as well as the benefits of socks and their fit. To get your car ready for winter, don't hesitate, go through our garage comparator!