SNOW SOCKS FOR CARS: WHAT ARE THEY, HOW THEY WORK, AND WHEN TO USE THEM

As the winter season approaches, the risks for drivers increase as they may encounter snow or ice along their routes.

To ensure safer driving, from November 15th to April 15^th in Italy, drivers must equip their vehicles with winter tires or have snow chains on board.

In 2023, however, the Italian Ministry of Transport introduced a significant new regulation by equating snow socks to chains, effectively making their use legal as “supplementary grip devices”.

But what are snow socks? When can they be used? Are they a valid alternative to chains?

Let’s explore these questions in this article!

Snow Socks: An Overview

Snow socks are safety devices mounted on cars’ drive wheels to improve traction on snowy or icy roads.

Made from high-strength technical fabrics like polyester or nylon, snow socks are highly elastic and easily adapt to the tire’s dimensions, making them a practical alternative to traditional snow chains.

Their functionality relies on the friction generated by the material between the ice or snow and the tire, enhancing the vehicle's grip on the road surface.

Snow socks are ideal for sudden snowfall, moderate snow conditions, or urban areas where roads are cleared more frequently, and generally, for all situations that do not require more aggressive solutions like chains.

To be legally used in Italy, these devices must comply with European standard UNI EN 16662-1:2020, which stipulates that the socks must not come off during use and must ensure improved traction both uphill and during braking, as well as better road holding when cornering.

Pros and Cons of Snow Socks

Snow socks are gaining increasing popularity among motorists.

To determine if they are right for you, it’s important to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making a purchase.

The pros include ease and speed of installation, making them extremely practical as no special tools are needed.

Additionally, they are lightweight and compact, taking up less space in the trunk, and therefore are easier to transport.

Another advantage is that they do not damage tires or roads, meaning they can be used without problems even on vehicles with alloy wheels without the risk of scratching or ruining their appearance.

However, there are also cons.

Snow socks are less effective in heavy snow or thick ice, reducing their performance in extreme conditions.

The speed must be carefully controlled: snow socks are not designed for high-speed driving, and when in use, the maximum recommended speed is 50 km/h.

Finally, the durability of snow socks can decrease significantly if used on dry asphalt, as the fabric tends to wear out quickly. Therefore, it is important to remember that to preserve their quality and integrity and to avoid administrative penalties, snow socks should only be used on snowy or icy roads and removed when driving on clean roads.

Snow Socks or Chains?

Talking about winter anti-skid devices, snow chains have long been the only option for Italian motorists.

Snow chains are metal devices mounted on tires to ensure greater traction on snowy or icy roads, and they are ideal for extreme winter conditions like deep snow or compact ice.

Chains wrap the wheel with steel links that create strong friction with the road surface, preventing slippage and allowing safer driving on challenging routes, especially in mountainous areas.

But what is the difference between snow chains and snow socks?

Both are designed to improve vehicle traction on snowy or icy roads but have very different characteristics.

As mentioned earlier, snow socks are lightweight and easy to install. They are very convenient to transport and quiet while driving, but they have a shorter lifespan and tend to wear out quickly if not used properly.

Economically, snow socks are generally more affordable.

On the other hand, chains are more durable and offer excellent performance even in extreme conditions. However, they are bulky, often difficult to install, and usually more expensive.

In conclusion, snow socks are the most practical and cost-effective solution for those living in areas with infrequent or occasional snowfall. Snow chains, by contrast, remain the safest and most reliable choice for tackling severe winter conditions or mountain routes, which justifies the higher investment required to purchase them.

Both snow socks and chains are extremely beneficial, practical devices and the choice between the two depends on personal preferences and driving needs.

However, using winter tires remains the safest and most recommended option for winter driving. These offer consistent grip on both snow and cold asphalt without the need for additional devices. Designed to optimize road holding and improve braking, these tires are ideal for continuously facing winter conditions, ensuring safety and comfort throughout the season.

Discover the wide range of winter tires and snow socks on CambioRuote’s website, where you’ll find models from the best Italian and international brands to prepare for winter.

If you want to know more or have any questions, contact us on WhatsApp or email us!

We’re here to help you find the perfect tires for you and your car!