Snow-chains, Socks and Cleats (or why are we the laughing stock of europe)

nightshade · #1 (**permalink**) 18-12-2010, 04:53 PM

In this day and age, especially with the lessons of last years snows, why are we still in the state we are in when the (EXPECTED) snow falls again!
There are very reasonably priced and easy to fit snow chains out there, along with quick to fit snow socks and simple pass through and fasten cleats.
I have used the cleats on the front wheels of my front wheel drive cars for years (and having the expertise made them myself)
There was a time when nearly all the utility companies had vehicles with chains, ok you cannot do motorway speeds but you could get from A-B.

faz · #2 (**permalink**) 18-12-2010, 06:05 PM

SNOW CHAINS trouble yesterdaygot me out of a lot of hills 25% up and then down i was driving on dartmoor from 0530 all day they got me out of some tricky spots, pain putting them on,

snow coverd chains while its snowing and -0 temps but yes well worth the cost

The Woodman · #3 (**permalink**) 18-12-2010, 07:46 PM

Agreed and here's to those that knocked 4X4's a while back.

nigel_b · #4 (**permalink**) 18-12-2010, 08:31 PM

I think if you have to travel good quality snow chains are a reasonable investment as long as you have clearance from the bodywork, steering and suspension components.

The longer and harder this sort of weather happens the more sense it will make to more people.

However, I still think the best advice is not to travel if you don't absolutely have to.

Kayleigh · #5 (**permalink**) 18-12-2010, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Woodman

Agreed and here's to those that knocked 4X4's a while back.

Well said..mine is a godsend..

All the cars with problems on snow were the rear wheel drives not made for snow and ice..

hex · #6 (**permalink**) 19-12-2010, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

Well said..mine is a godsend..

All the cars with problems on snow were the rear wheel drives not made for snow and ice..

its not the wheels drive as such...my other half drives a classic 1970 beetle...rear wheel drive but engine in the back so theres grip.
only problem is it tends to lose traction on the turn as theres no weight over the front wheels

it just dosnt make real sence for use to spend loads of cash on it...well it didnt in the past, its going to take a few more like this befor we do i think.

well were not the only ones that struggle with snow anyway. even the yanks have had a hard time of it...with all there money and puplic service power and infrastructure, minasota was realy badly hit, they couldnt handle it, but in typical american spirt they tryed anyway...did you see the videos of all the cars flying of the heighways as they tryed driving normal heighway speeds...not very smart

. so if a country like america thats used to adverse weather cant handle it its no wonder we cant.

i mean SNOW PRECAUTIONS weve just had to help the poor banks

The_Moaner · #7 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011, 11:37 PM

Well if the manufacturers stoped giving us rubbish tyres on our vehicles we might get a better grip on the roads.

Talking about better grip.. Methinks the Brits should get off of their backsides and do a Student Demo on this Government. We might get what we should have then, not what the Gov. wants us to have. Rant over.

Be Good

tom00_uk · #8 (**permalink**) 04-01-2011, 01:10 AM

winter tyres should be used more here, such a common site in most of europe when it falls below 9 degrees.

for chains you need compacted snow on the road to not damage the roads surface.

not used the 4x4 at all this winter, as the tyres are not suitable for it. been using a ax with no problems

Boddie · #9 (**permalink**) 04-01-2011, 06:45 AM

I am snowed in again this morning. Woke up to about 2 inches and the beemer is going nowhere. May have to rely on the generosity of my nurses again, and hope one of them puts me up.

I really must invest in some chains.

RobSutton · #10 (**permalink**) 04-01-2011, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

I am snowed in again this morning. Woke up to about 2 inches and the beemer is going nowhere. May have to rely on the generosity of my nurses again, and hope one of them puts me up.

I really must invest in some chains.

Or try snow socks - I've been using a set this winter and they're a lot easier to put on and off than snow chains. Presumably the beemer is rear wheel drive so whether it's worth putting an extra pair on the front tyres as well as the back ones is a question that might be worth asking of the suppliers.