Recommended Snow Socks For Ice for 2WD Miata Where Snow Chains Are Illegal

Question:

1997 Mazda Miata - in CT where snow chains are illegal. I have a steep long driveway going down-hill to my house on a back-lot. Sometimes in winter on cleared roads, I get home in the evening to an ice-covered or snow-covered down-hill driveway with a tree at bottom. I want to put something on my tires easily/quickly that will get me down the hill to my house. The snow sock looks like it might work, but how well will it work on ice? The reverse situation when I want to leave home also occurs. I plow my driveway, but it might not be clear to bare pavement, or there might be a light snow covering on my driveway. My AWD vehicle can make it, but my 2WD vehicle cannot. I want to put something on my 2-wheel drive car to get me out to the road and them remove it. Once to the road I am set. One other situation with the 2wd light rear end. On my drive home, I hit a steep up-hill road that might not be cleared/sanded yet. I usually make it, but it is touch and go. Will the sock do it? Would snow chains be better or will the sock work?

asked by: Steven Y

Expert Reply:

The ISSE Hybrid Snow Socks - Size 62 - 1 Pair, # TCH62, are a good option for you in CT where snow chains are illegal for road driving. They have carbon steel rivets that provide extra grip in addition to the polyolefin fabric that sticks to ice and snow creating friction to provide grip.

These snow socks will not give you the traction of snow chains, so if you don't need them once you get to the road, I would recommend the chains for entering and exiting your driveway. For an extremely nice and easy install, I'd recommend the Thule Self-Tensioning, Low-Pro Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - D Link - Easy Fit CU9 - Size 050, # TH04115050 for the 185/60-14 or the # TH04115060 for the 195/50-15. These chains are the easiest install with each chain taking around 12 seconds to completely install. They have a 5 year warranty and install with with stepping on a pedal. To remove, you simply depress two red buttons to remove just as quickly and easily. I've attached a video for you to view.We do have easy to install chains that will make it less of a hassle and I'd hate to have you stuck in your driveway.

For a more economic option, I'd recommend the Thule Self-Tensioning Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - D Link - CS10 - Size 060, # TH00204060, for your 195/50R15 tires or the # TH00204050 for the 185/60R14 tires. These chains self tension as you drive and have a external pull lever to release tension and remove chains with one hand. Color-coded connection points make installation a snap. These chains have icebreaker reinforcements to help bust apart ice underneath the tires. These too will provide superior traction to the snow socks.

expert reply by: Jason S