Tire chain, cable, or autosocks

[Daeric23]

Hello,

I’m planning on making a trip to Colorado with my Michelin 19” A/S and I’m curious what’s the best route to go in regards to chains.

I’ve seen in the manual it says to use Autosock fabric snow chain (and only on the rear tires)? Any experience with those and why just the rear?

I’ve also read w/ low clearance vehicles, which I’m assuming stingers are (correct me if I’m wrong), that you shouldn’t use tire chains but tire cables.

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[vipeboy2000]

Hello,

I’m planning on making a trip to Colorado with my Michelin 19” A/S and I’m curious what’s the best route to go in regards to chains.

I’ve seen in the manual it says to use Autosock fabric snow chain? Any one have good experience with that?

I’ve also read w/ low clearance vehicles, which I’m assuming stingers are (correct me if I’m wrong), that you shouldn’t use tire chains but tire cables.

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

I don't have any personal experience with these items... but i'm definitely a youtube professional , and i've seen tests done and the fabric ones work quite well surprisingly, and probably are the least likely to damage anything. I don't know the regs there.. but especially if you only need to put them on when necessary that's what i'd do.

 

[vipeboy2000]

also i don't know why just the rear.... everything i've seen in more generic reviews/tests, you want them on all 4 obviously so you can have steering.. the manual in mine states if you can only use 2 , use them on the rear.. otherwise all 4

 

[7Andrei7]

I guess that recommendation might be different if you have AWD or RWD?

Normally you need to put the chains/socks on the wheels that provide traction.
In a FWD you would put the chains on the front but if you drive a little too fast your rear will quickly overtake you in the first corner. I think it's the same if you put them on the rear in a RWD. You need to adjust the speed to the grip level of your front tires so you can keep cornering.

During winter I always carry a set of snow-socks for my rear wheels in the trunk and, of course, use winter tyres. However, I've never had to use the socks as the tyres were always enough. So far at least.

 

[LordKOTL]

We tend not to get too much snow around my neck of the woods, but we can, and we also get ice storms.

I got my stinger this summer so I have no real experience with traction aides on a stinger proper, but I did get an autosock for all 4 wheels (AWD), just in case. If I need to use them I'll re-post here.

 

[Daeric23]

Normally you need to put the chains/socks on the wheels that provide traction.
In a FWD you would put the chains on the front but if you drive a little too fast your rear will quickly overtake you in the first corner. I think it's the same if you put them on the rear in a RWD. You need to adjust the speed to the grip level of your front tires so you can keep cornering.

During winter I always carry a set of snow-socks for my rear wheels in the trunk and, of course, use winter tyres. However, I've never had to use the socks as the tyres were always enough. So far at

What brand do you guys use/like for Autosocks?

 

[7Andrei7]

I have these things.

 

[AdrianG]

What part of Colorado?

 

[LordKOTL]

What brand do you guys use/like for Autosocks?

I got AutoSocks.

 

[Daeric23]

What part of Colorado?

Traveling to Keystone from Texas

 

[AdrianG]

Traveling to Keystone from Texas

Most of the drive would be pretty clear through Colorado, I'm in Colorado Springs and the front range is pretty decent. I haven't used those sock things but people seem to like them. I do have another possibility, but it would be a bit more complex for you, logistically. I have some Pirelli Winter tires which have a bit of tread left on them which I could sell you at a nominal price. I'm using my all-seasons this winter and they've been pretty good in the snow. I didn't know if I could get one more full season out of the Pirellis so I haven't bothered with them. Just let me know if you are interested.

 

[Skibum]

Funny you created this thread. I’ve been looking as well and made the decision on the Snow Socks. I didn’t know kia only recommended rear wheels only though so thanks for that. I would guess it has something to do with clearance when turning. If I pull the trigger soon on a brand, I will circle back. Please do the same.

 

[vipeboy2000]

Funny you created this thread. I’ve been looking as well and made the decision on the Snow Socks. I didn’t know kia only recommended rear wheels only though so thanks for that. I would guess it has something to do with clearance when turning. If I pull the trigger soon on a brand, I will circle back. Please do the same.

kia does not recommend rear wheels only for pre 2022 models.. .. it states in the manual only do rear only in emergencies... long term of rear only can cause damage.... but i got curious so i pulled up the 2022 MY manual.. and sure enough it does state only rear tires... but for short distances only... strange! 2022 model manual
but then later on pre 2022 and post 2022 manuals states the same rear wheels only.. so... I guess even they were confused... lol... carry on. probably good to do all 4 in really bad scenarios... if you have the clearance.. but probably just best to get some good snow tires anyway since the socks are only good for under 20 mph and for those emergencies to get out of a tricky situation... 2022 manual

 

[Skibum]

Thanks for doing the homework. It was on my list this week too. Looks like I am removing snow socks from my purchase list. Not worth the hassle and the AWD system is already plenty good. I’ll drive the 4x4 to ski country.

 

[7Andrei7]

Used the socks today for the first time. Can confirm they work as advertised and are easy to put on and easier to take off.

Had 3 unsuccessful attempts to go up this slope with my rwd. I have the Conti Winter TS860S on stock 19” (255 width). I tried both with TC on and off but either way I would get stuck 1-2 meters from the top. It was mostly ice under that snow.

Put the socks on and went up really easily on first attempt. Very useful!