23.12.2010

Car: Jaguar XJRDrive: rearI bought the Auto Socks after reading several good reviews, however, these were all on front wheel drive cars, therefore, I was a little unsure as to how well they would work on my Jag.Several months ago I replaced all the tyres on the car with Pirelli P6000's and although great tyres in the wet and dry, they have proven useless in the snow. Now I work from home so I don't have to get out every day and the thought of buying snow tyres didn't hold any appeal so I thought for the price they were worth a go!First impressions where good. They do look different from some of the photos I've seen, being black rather than white but I think they look better.They also have a green florescent stripe giving the impression of green-walls. Think national Lampoons Summer Vacation haha...Performance: I was simply stunned at how well these things performed. My first outing was on an ice covered road with a covering of fresh snow. There was little to no wheel-spin and the car just ploughs on through. Even to the point whereby I was able to pass a BMW X5 who was stuck on a rather steep hill near my home. Needles to say, I was overjoyed at climbing a hill a 4x4 couldn't manage.Braking is also improved with the rear wheels really digging into the snow with excellent lateral grip. No more tail wagging on slippery bends and roundabouts. On several occasions, I really felt as of I was on a wet rather than snow covered road. There is a little rumbling noise on roads with a light snow covering, but nothing intrusive and far quieter and more comfortable than chainsFitting: This will vary from car to car but with the XJR's lower suspension I did have to put the jack under it to gain enough clearance around the wheel-arch so as to get my hands over the tyre. Nevertheless, this still only took about five minutes and I was rolling.Now there are a few drawbacks and part of the reason for 4 rather than 5 stars: First, I have driven in bad conditions which have required snow chains and there are occasions where I think the chains would be better. As good as the Auto Socks are, I think in extreme conditions they would not provide the same amount of traction as chains.Auto Sock v Winter Tyres: the other drawback is that you should remove them once to reach clear roads. Now, this was a problem for me recently because there was no safe location for me to stop for several miles. This is where dedicated winter tyres have an advantage. Same goes for those occasion when you are travelling between clear and snow covered roads. Therefore, if you have to drive in these condition extensively, then I would say winter tyres would be a better option simply for the convenience.Overall, I am very pleased with the Auto Sock. It does everything says and at a reasonable price

18.12.2010

I got these two days ago, just in time for the latest snowfalls. Not having tried them, I was a little wary about setting off on a 250 mile round trip to collect my daughter from Uni for the Christmas holiday. The roads were clear in the morning but heavy snow was forecast. As it turned out, I got all the way there and most of the way back before the snow got bad enough for me to think about the snow socks, by which time we were on an A-road about 10 miles from home. With traffic at a standstill while an HGV tried to get up the next hill, I took the opportunity to fit the snow socks. It took me a while to fit them, as it was quite tricky getting the retaining cord to slip all the way over the rim of the tyre,

24.3.2013

I purchased these following the heavy downpours of snow we had in the midlands during January (2013), but the snow had gone before I had chance to use them.Now, having had a heavy dumping of the white stuff late March, and having to ferry the wife to work, I put them on and ventured out into difficult conditions that would ordinarily would have presented me with a huge challenge in even making it off the driveway.Wow! What a difference. My C5 Tourer in standard form is absolutely useless in the snow, and back in January I got stuck numerous times despite the car being front wheel drive and having had new tyres fitted only one month previous.With these socks fitted,

3.10.2013

We bought these with the intention of taking it on our skiing holiday and using our holiday car we have parked up in Europe. They fitted perfectly onto our 2006 Fiesta Zetec S, and the change in levels of grip was amazing.Our front drive to the chalet is not steep, but has enough of a slope to ensure that if there is any snow or ice laid down, we cannot get more than a quarter of the way up....and this was proven again this time round.Since we had these in the case, and they packed down brilliantly for us to travel with, we thought well lets see how well they work....it took all of maybe 2 or 3 minutes to fit them without the use of instructions, it really is common sense to be honest,

23.1.2013

Bought these in October 2011, but until this week I've not needed them (No snow last year).Last week we had around 5-6 inches of snow round here. (More than was expected.)As I now live at the top of a hill with a farm track as a drive way. If it snows/ices up, it takes agood 4x4 to get up my drive. I own a "Normal" front wheel drive Skoda Roomster.Not a hope of getting up the hills round here when ice/snow is on the roads...NO theydon't grit country lanes.Basiclly I was marooned after such heavy snow. Remembered I had these. It took a good halfhour to get them on, Admittedly it doesn't help, I've little upper body strength.However. Once fitted.....I actually managed to drive my usually useless front wheeldrive car,

8.1.2011

I recently purchased a pair of ice socks for my transit van. Anyone who drives a transit will know how bad they are in the snow and ice. The first week of the snow I spent about 4 hrs digging the van out and came home tired, some of the other operators ( I work for a National company) could not even get out of there street. Our work involves going into housing schemes, which are usually last to be cleared of snow. I looked at some options and bought these socks for the van, a lot of operators were winding me up or having a wee dig until we went to work. It took about a minute to fit the socks and away I went "FANTASTIC" did not slip once, I even passed a 4x4 having trouble getting up a long slow hill.

19.12.2010

I bought these approx 2 weeks before the first batch of snow this year, as I live rural and when there is ice/snow I am usally stuck in the village, or have to walk a long way, as also I am on the bottom of a hill and the vehicle struggles. I bought these as an alternative to snow chains - I didn't think I could manage snow chains as I have to do this myself so this looked like a reasonable alternative. I bought them tried them on the car to ensure they fitted, and go on like a shower cap put on the top pull down as far as possible, then reverse the car and pull the remainder up. I fitted both on the front in less than 10 minutes. When I used in the snow, I got up the dreaded hill with no slipping or sliding or struggling,

1.1.2011

I bought these instead of snow 'chains' after the first heavy snowfall made it difficult to reach my elderly mother's house. They arrived really quickly and are easy to use (if a little cumbersome to apply / remove).They are shaped to fit the tyre and you pull them on to the drive wheels as far as possible then roll forward or back until the wheel is the other way up to complete the process. Check they are in position before setting off and again after 500 yards and only use on ice or snow. Simple enough! Sturdy plastic gloves are included to protect hands.So glad I made the purchase, as the second snowfall made everything so much worse.

5.1.2015

I had my doubts about this product until I got stuck in the mayhem in France over the Christmas period. We were travelling to La Plange in the French Alps when the heavens opened and left us stranded about 150 kilometres from our destination. All car users were advised to use their Snow Chains. I quickly put on these Snow Socks without any fuss or difficulty (unlike the drivers using chains). We proceeded on our journey, albeit slowly, arriving at the bottom of the mountain early in the morning, (2.30am) before the snow ploughs had arrived. We had no problem ascending the 21 kilometres and 21 hairpin bends. After this little jaunt, I checked the condition of the Socks, expecting them to be completely worn out.

16.12.2011

After the bad snow last year I tried to get these but nowhere had them in stock, so this year I decided to get prepared early and I'm so glad I did.These sock chains are fantastic! Honestly, I love them and can't imagine driving in snow without them now. I think the main thing they give me is confidence. I know when I have them on that my car will cope with any hill and all conditions.At first I was worried about damaging them on roads without any snow but it seems sensible to put them on, drive carefully and take them off when I reach my destination, rather than stopping at every road, taking them off and putting them on again. Just take your time, stick to 25mph and you'll be fine.

3.12.2010

As soon as I got the snow socks delivered I put them on the rear wheels of my BMW 320 as there was about 6inches of snow on our road. The back lane had about 12 inches of snow on it. I couldn't belive it - the car just went straight through it all. The socks are superb, went up to see friends in streets where cars hadn't been in days. Their neighbours were amazed and came out to see how I got up and examined the socks. Fitting wasn't as easy as described in the video etc but just jacking up the wheel made it a breeze. I would say it took 10 mins in total for both. Drove a bit on roads without snow for about 10 miles lately and there is no obvious signs of wear.

26.1.2013

bought these not really expecting miracles but I was blown away when I had to use them at 4.30 this morning couldn't go up or down a switch back section of slushy messy snow, bag out of the boot and in a couple of minutes I had them fitted, hill/slope start no problem long steep drop no problem,a 6 mile christening with a couple of miles on well snow ploughed tarmac (keeping to the slushiest bits) at 20-25mph honestly would not have known I was on such a slippy mess, removal needs a hefty pull and after a quick once over the tarmac bit hasn't ripped or damaged the socks to any degree. job done, well pleased I would and have recomended these snow socks to anyone (when used as instructed)

15.3.2013

Whats not to like. Absolutely brilliant, great traction even in an empty rear wheel drive Mercedes Vito Sport. Also got as set for a car which is front wheel drive which means you can break in the snow and stop with confidence.Loaned them to a stranded neighbour this week. She was busy polishing the snow on the steep aproach home, I put them on for her and said "off you go then".. She looked at me through her open window like I had two heads and then exclaimed "WOW" as she pulled away without a spinning wheel to be seen.Her hubby returned the socks a little later and said "she's on the internet ordering some"If I could I would give these 5 more stars for a 10/5 and are a bargain at the

8.5.2021

After getting stuck in the snow last January I was helped by a neighbor whose snow sock freed the car easily. I purchased these and a week later found myself stuck in snow on a shallow incline. Summer tyres! They were very easy to fit approximately 2 minutes each and enabled me to pull straight out. There was an incredible amount of grip on the front but care is needed as the back wheels are still prone to sliding. These are now part of my emergency winter kit. If you know you may get stuck best put them on in a safe place beforehand and think about where you can safely remove before you hit tarmac again. A lot cheaper than a tow truck

27.1.2013

I used them for the first time after getting stuck in snow on my way to work one word "superb" have to admit I was slightly sceptical but very happy to be proved wrong,I passed many abandoned vehicles that mine would have joined without the socks on,bit concerned after 2.5 miles out of the 7 I drove with the socks on were well ploughed tarmac but no damage visable. if like me you need to be able to "get there" in all weathers a must have addition to the car, honestly cruised with no drama roads that last year were VERY scary in my diesel focus £40 against £100s in repairs for a minor scrape no brainer buy them and be safe.

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