What you should know about snow socks
No one can claim to be immune to the ethereal charm of snow, which transforms even the dullest landscapes into dreamlike scenery. At the same time, however, for those who must drive even when everything around is coated in white, snow represents a significant risk, as tire traction and control are compromised. In this context, snow socks offer a modern, lightweight, and incredibly practical alternative to traditional metal chains, becoming the perfect ally for those facing sudden snowfalls or icy road stretches. In this article, we explain what snow socks are and how to fit them.
Snow socks: what they are and how they work
Snow socks, technically called fabric anti-slip devices, are coverings made from high-strength synthetic fibers, usually polyester or polypropylene. Unlike traditional chains, they do not work by “digging” into the snow, but instead rely on the physical principle of sliding friction. The special weave of the fabric is designed to absorb the surface water that forms between the ice and the tire, allowing the fibers to “grip” directly onto the snowy surface.
Since 2020, thanks to the European standard UNI EN 16662-1, snow socks have been officially equated with metal chains. This means that if the product is approved, it is perfectly legal to use them in stretches of road where winter equipment is mandatory. They are particularly appreciated by owners of vehicles with non-chainable tires (i.e., where the space between the wheel and wheel arch is too tight for metal chains) and by those seeking a solution that does not damage alloy rims or electronic safety systems such as ABS and ESP, as they do not produce the vibrations typical of steel chains.
How to fit them: simplicity and speed
One of the main advantages of snow socks is undoubtedly their ease of installation, requiring minimal physical effort and only a few minutes, even in adverse weather conditions. Here are the key steps for correctly fitting snow socks:
- Slide the sock over the top of the drive wheel, making it adhere well to the tire surface like a “cap”;
- Once the top and side are covered, move the vehicle forward or backward about half a meter: this will expose the part of the tire that was previously on the ground;
- Finish pulling the fabric over the remaining part of the wheel. It is not necessary for the sock to be perfectly centered to the millimeter: thanks to its elasticity, the device will self-center after the first few meters of driving.
It is crucial to remove snow socks as soon as you reach a stretch of clean asphalt. Being made of fabric, direct friction with a dry road would cause premature wear, quickly damaging the device. Additionally, during use, it is recommended to maintain a maximum speed of 50 km/h to ensure optimal effectiveness and product longevity.
