Snow Chains or Autosocks?

[Michael Weitzhandler]

I recently purchased a 2019 RWD 2L base Stinger. I see that in the owners manual, Autosocks are recommended rather than chains for the Bridgestone Potenza all weather tires that the vehicle came equipped with. I went to Les Schwab tires in Portland, Oregon to inquire about getting chains & indeed they told me that they stock Autosocks & not snow chains for these tires. I purchased a pair and while they are much easier to place on the tires, I am skeptical about whether they’re as good on snow as tire chains. Does anyone have any tales to share / recommendations regarding Autosocks & RWD Stingers? Not a huge concern for me because snow is uncommon in Portland & my work generally gets cancelled on snow days .... but once in a while it snows unexpectantly during the work day & I like being prepared.

 

[Waynerm002]

Dump the Bridgestone and get some better tires (All Seasons) for the car. Check out tirerack.com for options, there are a number of tires you can find that will be better all around than those.

 

[Michael Weitzhandler]

Dump the Bridgestone and get some better tires (All Seasons) for the car. Check out tirerack.com for options, there are a number of tires you can find that will be better all around than those.

I agree the Potenzas are not good tires. As soon as they wear out I will replace them with better tires but I can’t afford to replace a new set of tires. When I replace them, I’d still likely want a set of Autosocks / chains.

 

[Michael Weitzhandler]

I agree the Potenzas are not good tires. As soon as they wear out I will replace them with better tires but I can’t afford to replace a new set of tires. When I replace them, I’d still likely want a set of Autosocks / chains.

FYI, the Potenzas on my Stinger are all weather tires; lowly rated, but all weather.....

 

[Waynerm002]

I've had them on vehicles before and for my driving style, they were not that great. This is from at least 10 years ago, with a lower powered vehicle. Tires are typically the first and at times the only "mod" I do to my vehicles. I have not always done it right away but as soon as I can, I find something better. My disdain for these tires are based on personal experience. If they work for you, keep them. However, if you are a spirited driver, you will get annoyed fast and be looking for replacements.

I tried Pirelli's P7 AS plus on my Optima hybrid, when new they were some of the quietest, most comfortable tires I have used on a car. While tirerack.com's later review say their wet weather performance wasn't great, they were still tops of the big brands and I only noticed reduced performance after 30k+ of usage. The same can be said of their winter performance. For the first 2 years, they were like using dedicated winter tires. First AS tires I have used that behaved that way, of course their price increased after the reviews they got. For a "cheap" tire to replace the OEM Kumho TA31 (or maybe 71, can't recall), which would spin the tires when in Sport (271 torques off the line will do that) mode if you put your foot in it, I went with the General G-MAX AS-05. These are Ultra High Performance AS tires and they grip quite well in all conditions but their winter performance, while good, isn't better than the Pirelli P7 AS+. At around $100 each at launch, for 225/50 17 (upgrade over the 215/55 17), they were a good investment and perform quite well.

When you do go for replacements, if you keep the 18" size, upgrade them to 235/45 18 or 245/40 18, which would be better for this size and weight of the vehicle.

 

[Michael Weitzhandler]

I've had them on vehicles before and for my driving style, they were not that great. This is from at least 10 years ago, with a lower powered vehicle. Tires are typically the first and at times the only "mod" I do to my vehicles. I have not always done it right away but as soon as I can, I find something better. My disdain for these tires are based on personal experience. If they work for you, keep them. However, if you are a spirited driver, you will get annoyed fast and be looking for replacements.

I tried Pirelli's P7 AS plus on my Optima hybrid, when new they were some of the quietest, most comfortable tires I have used on a car. While tirerack.com's later review say their wet weather performance wasn't great, they were still tops of the big brands and I only noticed reduced performance after 30k+ of usage. The same can be said of their winter performance. For the first 2 years, they were like using dedicated winter tires. First AS tires I have used that behaved that way, of course their price increased after the reviews they got. For a "cheap" tire to replace the OEM Kumho TA31 (or maybe 71, can't recall), which would spin the tires when in Sport (271 torques off the line will do that) mode if you put your foot in it, I went with the General G-MAX AS-05. These are Ultra High Performance AS tires and they grip quite well in all conditions but their winter performance, while good, isn't better than the Pirelli P7 AS+. At around $100 each at launch, for 225/50 17 (upgrade over the 215/55 17), they were a good investment and perform quite well.

When you do go for replacements, if you keep the 18" size, upgrade them to 235/45 18 or 245/40 18, which would be better for this size and weight of the vehicle.

I appreciate your thoughtful response. Thank you & I will keep it in mind when I replace my tires!

 

[Toddasaurus]

Good to see another person in Portland. I've been curious about autosocks as well, a co-worker of mine was asking about them too, but I've never used them before so I really don't know. I read some reviews online, and some people say they help, but I'm not sure if it's that big of a difference. Even so, I assume it's better than nothing. Luckily this winter has been pretty mild so far, and even if it does snow I don't anticipate it being that bad. Snow here is nothing compared to the last state I lived in!

 

[bpang1]

I am told that Autosocks are far better than chains and can see why.

Truckers prefer them because they are a lot easier to get on and off as well as being so much lighter and less bulky versus chains. I agree, for the one or two times a year you'll need them, you will be far happier with them. Just the weight and bulk alone is worth it because chains can be a pain in the ass to have in the car all winter.

 

[Hockster]

I am told that Autosocks are far better than chains and can see why.

Truckers prefer them because they are a lot easier to get on and off as well as being so much lighter and less bulky versus chains.

You've been told wrong. Socks are basically useless for trucks. I have no experience with them in snow for passenger cars, but on trucks chains are the way to go. Are they hard to put on? Only for rookies. But when you get into icy conditions chain is the only answer.

 

[TwiceStung]

I can highly recommend Nokian WRG4 all weather tires for RWD stingers. Price is reasonable and the grip is phenomenal. These can be run year round also. A little noisier due to the tread but not obtrusive.