Tire Socks

[Trevor]

Has anyone used tire socks on their Cmax?  Does it void the warranty? Do socks work? I'm driving from San Francisco up to Portland on I5 through a few passes, next week and it's often required to use traction devices depending on the weather.

 

I'd love some input. 

[fbov]

There's a thread on tire chains, as I recall; cable chains are acceptable, but not conventional link chain. Here's a link to some first-hand experiences. These socks look less intrusive than cable chains, so I'll wager you're fine.

 

But then, others have reported excellent traction with the OEMs, and I'll vouch for snow tires myself, especially after driving home last night - hoo-weee - I felt like the answer to the question, "what does the plow guy drive?" (The real answer is "to work before it starts snowing.")

 

Have fun,

Frank

[Jus-A-CMax]

Thanks Frank!

 

Never heard of "tire socks" used to describe tire chains/cables till now...

 

I would definitely recommend the z-cables, especially the slim ones. IT IS A FACT, there is hardly any room between the tire and the wheel well. I got regular hands and I need to call up the wifey (even in the snowy and blowing night) for her to help me hook the back end latch. Other than that, these work sensational...to a point. I say that because eventually, there is only so much snow a cable tire will work under before its too much and you need the snow plow to come by...

 

I always carry them to Mammoth, even when it's a "spring skiing" weekend - you never know, weather changes on a dime up there on the mountain

[obob]

I have a set cables from my last vehicle that are suppose to fit so I am not going to get something.

 

But I did some browsing.

 

Amazon has a bunch of socks for sale but most have only a few reviews.

 

This one

http://www.amazon.com/AutoSock-735-Winter-Traction-Performance/dp/B000ZJRQVW/ref=cm_rdp_product

is not for sale any more but it does have a lot of reviews (4 out 5)

 

Here is the most popular negative review.

http://www.amazon.com/review/R1NS1095628PPR/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#R1NS1095628PPR

In this review's comments snoclaw was recommended twice and it looked interesting, though at first glance they might cost a lot more than a snow sock.  ( not sure what model C-Max would use but it might be the $180 model )

 

snoclaw web page

http://www.flextrax.com/mycustompage0015.htm

It says -

"Both of these unique, built to last innovations, install easily over tires, without moving or jacking, even if the vehicle is already stuck!"

 

I was stuck going up an icy hill in a apartment complex once and AAA would come not out because they were too busy. Ironically I was trying to go home after a date that didn't work out that great. Since then I carry a set of cables though never needed to use them.  If I didn't have them I would look into these for when suck I want something easy to install for some of the actions needs to install chains may not be easily done with gloves on, and gloves off can be a super pain.

Edited February 18, 2014 by obob

[obob]

This is what I have

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GLBARG/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

which I have never used on the C-Max though the bag says they fit 225-50-17

 

This shows they fit 225-50-17

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/automotive/detail-page/Glacier_Pass_V-Trac_Fit_Chart.pdf

 

FYI

Amazon has one good used set for like $13, free shipping with Prime or with a $35 order.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004GLBARG/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

 

I am not saying they are the best choice, I am not saying they will work, though for around $13 if I didn't already have a set I would grab it.  WARNING, I did notice that the product page says they do not fit my C-MAX, though I think they probably will. (If they do not fit it is because of the clearance, but these are limited clearance chains.  "

• Meets S.A.E. Type "S" limited clearance, and state requirements for cable traction devices

"  )  (They are pretty heavy - may cost amazon more than $13 just to ship them.)

Edited February 19, 2014 by obob

[Nick]

Any actual experience with snow sox in use on a C-Max?

[bigqueue]

On 1/10/2020 at 12:33 PM, Nick said:

Any actual experience with snow sox in use on a C-Max?

 

I've never heard the term, but from what I see, they are just another form of chain....perhaps lower profile I guess. From the photos in the article below, they seem to come in different forms, and one looks to be almost a cloth of some sort...not sure. But I would say that type does not look like one that can stay on all the time and have the durability to do significant highway miles. They also look to be just as difficult to put on as chains, so they don't look like quick thing to add should the snow fly and you need them to get out of a situation.

 

For that, I like the idea of those quick to put on tire sized "zip ties"...but they are short term too, but might get you unstuck should a heavy snow hit

 

Here is the snow sock article:
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2016/01/snow-traction-when-you-need-it/index.htm

 

Here is the Zip Tie think I described, but it still looks like a nightmare.....but I still might think about getting snow tires...