WINTER tyres are an expense most people cannot justify with the cost of motoring in the country.
Snow chains and socks offer an alternative which can seem more cost effective but many have not even heard of them, here you can find out more.
Snow chains can make for safer driving for motoristsHandout
What are snow chains and socks?
The car accessories help vehicles to stay more in control when roads start to get snow and ice.
Snow chains can be placed on the outside of a tyre giving you an overall better grip.
They can be placed on all-four tyres but first, you need to check your tyre size, as they can range from small to XXL.
If you’re stuck on how to do this Halfords offer a step-by-step guide online to ensure the right snow chain size fits your tyre wall.
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You can also check your vehicle’s handbook to fit out more information and if they can be fitted to your car model.
Snow socks can also help motors cope with snowy and icy road conditions.
They are a cheaper alternative to snow chains and are a more lightweight option, being made from a textile material.
In Halfords, snow socks cost around £44.99 compared to £69.99 for snow chains.
The only downside to snow socks is that they have less grip on ice compared to snow chains and are more prone to wear and tear.
This makes them a better option for a thinner layer of snow.
Are they illegal in the UK?
In a short answer- no, however, there are certain requirements you have to follow in the UK.
UK laws insist that snow chains and socks must only be used for adverse weather conditions.
It is worth considering the following:
You can only use chains where snow or ice protects the road surface from damage.Tyres with chains on are wider so may contact bodywork, suspension or brake parts.Chains can affect the operation of electronic wheel sensors.Chains can be tricky to fit and remove
This means you cannot have them attached to your car if there isn’t any snow on the roads.
Using the car accessories during non-icy conditions could be deemed as an offence for the driver.
If you were to use them during non-snowy conditions it could damage your vehicle as well as road surfaces.
Countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Norway and Sweden, insist that snow chains are a legal requirement to have in your car.
Using them when there isn’t sufficient ice and snow can cause damage to road surfaces.
What can drivers do to prepare cars for snow and winter?
Drivers should look to switching to winter prone tyres which offer a better grip during colder weather conditions.
They make it easier for motorists to drive, however, there is no legal requirement to do so.
Getting your car serviced is also another way to prepare for the winter months.
During a service, a mechanic will check your tyres, lights, oil, battery, coolant and antifreeze as well as your windscreen wipes.
This will give you a better insight into what to look out for and prevent any further problems for your vehicle.
During this time of year, it would also be wise to pack a winter car kit.
This should include a scraper and de-icer, spare batteries, antifreeze and coolant to help ensure a safer drive.
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