Hi,
I live down south and it snows and ices rarely - not enough to get chains. I just came across the "autosock" from volvo (https://accessories.volvocars.com/en...CC-516492/2020). Has anyone used these and have any comments for or against them?
Thanks.

 

I have never seen, let alone touched / examined one of these so I have "no right" to say the following:
Get a set of mounted snow tires. Seriously, are you going to whip out and mount-up 4 of these things on a surprise icy day?

 

Well, OK, but are you gonna change to snow wheels/tires on a surprise icy day? Same logic applies...

 

I know that this is old, but I have heard that the CO State Patrol (CSP) uses those, instead of chains. I'd also heard that they use cables instead of chains (15 years ago). I have a few Trooper friends, but when I see them, we don't talk about chains.

Cables are more fragile, than chains, but you don't get as bad a "Thump-Lump" when you drive. You can drive faster, easier on cables.

I don't know what the purpose of the wheel bags are. Chains are for when the snow gets deep...say 3" or more and to get you started and stopped, when icy and snowy. The only time I put them on is when hunting.

We don't get much ice out here. But, when we do, it is B-A-D

I had a Grand Junction PD acquaintance who was a Commander (their coefficient of Captain, I think). He drove a Crown Vic. I wanted to know what they did to theirs in the snow, he didn't know. I had one, it was the worst thing ever, in the snow. It had Posi and would therefore spin both wheels in the the snow at the same time...instant 45 deg slide.

 

I've used Autosocks for years, albeit not on a Volvo. They are super easy to put on and I'd definitely recommend them. They will get you out of trouble 8 or 9 times out of 10 - certainly solve the problem with 2-3" of snow or ice on the road where a usual tyre would get no grip. Obviously with deeper snow you are better off with chains - but they are good.