Snow Chains vs Cleats vs Snow Socks | What's The Best New Device To Get Traction In The Snow?

( www.alltfl.com/ ) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts!
( / tflcar ) Visit our Patreon page to support the TFL team!
Watch more videos from TFL Studios:
The Fast Lane Truck ( / tfltruck )
The Fast Lane Car ( / tflcar )
TFLoffroad ( / tfloffroad )
TFLbike ( / @tflbike )
TFLnow ( / tflnow )
TFLclassics ( / tflclassics )
TFLtalk ( / tfltalk )
TFL Podcasts:
TFL Talkin' Cars Podcast ( tflcar.libsyn.com/ )
TFL Talkin' Trucks Podcast ( tfltruck.libsyn.com/ )
#snow #winter #toyota

[@jreyman]

Those are snow cables, not tire chains. Tire chains are actually made of... (wait for it) ... Chain links. Unlike the first two traction aids you tested, snow cables and chains are the only long-term, multi-use traction aids. You should probably find a snow covered paved surface you can retest these traction aids on, as most people do not venture off paved roads, in the winter.

[@vivillager]

I agree. Interesting for someone traveling off-road in a non-off-road vehicle (I understand it's a RAV4, but this one is FWD only). But most people with non-off-road vehicles are trying to get to work, get to the pharmacy, the post office, the gas station (or charging station, depending on vehicle), etc... and nearly all of that is on paved (albeit snow/ice covered) roads. I'd be quite interested in seeing different tire chains (actual chains) on paved roads, but different configurations, such as diamond, 4 link, and 2 link, as well as V-Bar.

[@clarkleakins879]

ANY correct size CHAINS will always be the best choice. ESPECIALLY when Stopping!

[@chuckgilly]

This wasn't even a real test. This was just something they cobbled together for Clickbait-N-Merch.

[@Where2bub]

@@vivillager ahh, that's a really good point! road test them! absolutely!

[@phredmanson]

Maybe test actual chains compared to cables next time and get the correct size for each items you are testing.

[@thatdudeinblackshoes]

They even said those chains came with the vehicle. Also cables are more common for crossovers vs actual chains.

[@p.a.w.sthetravelinggamer6750]

@@thatdudeinblackshoes but they're still not chains. they look like springs.

[@prankmonkeyxs650]

Yeah, steel cables with washers on them seem pretty shit

[@funclejones6256]

@@thatdudeinblackshoes the rav 4 isn't a crosover

[@asura8236]

They put the cable chains on wrong that's why they're having issues lol

[@estelja]

The traction cleats are also an option for farmers that want to till their land with the wife's minivan.

[@andrewb325]

This I'd like to see😁

[@gmirsky1962]

I have a sneaking suspicion that Jim E has done that to his wife's minivan.🤔

[@theseb1979]

It would have been good to see some modern snow chains in the test, such as Konig (or Thule - same thing). Those ones look like something made out of scrap bits of wire found in the shed

[@TFLclassics]

we can do that!

[@frtjf]

@@TFLclassics also, not sure if these are available in the US, but maybe check out the MICHELIN Easy Grip Evolution.

[@andrej5861]

I agree...at least use PROPER cheap chains (eg chains satysfying eg austrian norm V5117 or V5119 )....that stuff they used does not qualify as legal in many european countries. There are also proper off road chains for suvs, trucks (heavier construction and even better performance then normal chains)...

[@georgejulien3286]

They don’t even have chains lol

[@Bdub1952]

@@TFLclassics Please do!

[@agentjwa]

I've been running the les Schwab diamond pattern chains for about 10 years on multiple cars and have never gotten stuck in our wi snow and ice. Used them on a 91 civic one year and was plowing through snow that was going over my hood as all my neighbors out shoveling stopped and stared in awe of this little car blazing a trail like a plow truck.

[@pjacksonconstruction]

Real old chain chains with the cam locks really tighten up and turn your auto to a snow tank. Recommend trying them next time.

[@georgek.papafilippou2583]

Guys if the snow chains don't fit tightly on the car's rubber, you can't trust that they're going to get you out of the difficult part of a snowy road. But if they're of the right size, they 'll be the best "partner" even in very muddy roads and potholes. Trust me, cause I have some 15 years of experience in bad Greek steep mountain roads, drivin' from common cars to semis. I wish you a very happy new year.-

[@mikekarena]

I’m laughing with everyone else that a couple of blokes in Colorado think that the cables are chains!😂😂 love the video anyway!

[@daemn42]

I've used a lot of cable and regular chains over the years and they should be *tight* to the tire tread. Yours were floppy and loose even when the bungee was fully tight, which means they were just the wrong size chains. Probably same issue as the sock. I recently picked up a full set of AutoTrac self tightening chains for my 4runner V8 and did some practicing putting them on while in the snow yesterday and could do all four corners in under 10 minutes. You don't have to roll over them to put em on, and they lay tight to the tire. I don't know how they'll hold up to prolonged use or higher speeds, but I did a legit steep offroad hill climb with em in 8 inches of snow, and they worked great.

[@desertsavagery]

Honestly if you live or regularly travel in areas that are hit with significant ice and snow I'd say go out during the summer once or twice and put them on as well. Once you need them you'll basically be doing it by muscle memory no need to worry about screwups.

[@matthewmortensen7401]

I have been using Auto socks for 4 years over multiple uses I-have never lost a sock. I have also never spun a tire in the sock. I am still using the same sets. I have four for our 4 wheel drive vehicle and another set for our rear wheel drive M3. They are perfect for meeting traction aid requirements in that they are so easy to deploy and remove. So easy to put on and off. They will load up inside with deep snow, so anything over 9 inches chains work better. Also I have never had the pleasure of applying traction devices in a heated garage. Usually it is done with tires completely fouled by snow. This makes chains nearly impossible to install quickly. But properly fitted socks always are easy.

[@Heinrich99]

They also make the snow socks for semi trucks, $220 bucks a pop for a set. What's keeping me from purchasing them is someone told me they break down or fall apart when you drive on asphalt. And most of the time dot makes you put your chains on before you start a descent or incline into the snow. Is there any truth to this? I have snow cables which work well, but I've had to drive half a mile or maybe longer to make it to a chain off area or off-ramp.

[@ckm-mkc]

Used live in a place that got 10ft of snow every winter. One of the people I knew had an old FWD Honda Accord with snow tires, which worked awesome. With chains, it was unstoppable. I had a series of 4wd and AWD vehicles and they could never compete. Helps if you don't care about the car at all.... IMHO, tires, driving experience and having a throw away vehicle are the biggest factor.

[@WilliamsonRidge]

I think your sizing on some of the traction aids makes a big difference in the outcome of the test, I am a mail carrier and we run the exact style chains on our trucks you were testing and they are much tighter to the tire when installed than yours looked in the video, but we run them all day multiple days in a row and never have them come off, even run on dry blacktop a lot of times as the roads get clear through out the day and they hang right on.

[@Marker-er3ro]

We have a similar pair and they also are much tighter on the tire, those look to big from my perspective.

[@landscapingspecialist]

I can see your definition of ‘pretty worn’ differs immensely from my definition of it. 🤣

[@shawnnicholas660]

I'd like to see the same test with snow tires just for comparison to the helpers

[@graemejohnson9025]

the aussie made, max trax would get you out easy... HeavyDsparks use them...

[@RAM-BAWN]

And studded snow tires.

[@breckfreeride]

@@RAM-BAWN blizzaks are better than most studs.

[@RAM-BAWN]

@@breckfreeride Around here people use studded snow tires. Best of both worlds.

[@breckfreeride]

@@RAM-BAWN it's winter 6 to 9 months out of the year up here in brokenfridge Colorado... And I've seen people switching to newer winter tires over the last few years more and more. Studs are just too much of a hassle unless your ice racing! Blizzaks are just as good if not better than studs in most situations

[@countryfriedgamer15o]

Would've been nice to see actual chains used not slinky springs that didn't really fit right. I actually bought sections of chains used like the cleats that attach by a ratchet strap through the wheel. I experimented just using one on each front wheel to get up a icy hill and it surprisingly worked well. They are easier than full chains to install however being in sections if they're too far spaced apart on the tire they give you a very rough ride and you might need suspension parts after you're done.

[@justis4men211]

It helps if you put the CABLES on right!!! And you do not have any chains. You guys are hilarious!

[@aaronsbarker]

Well, most of these guys videos are just them figuring out crap they have no idea about just to post content. Definitely suburbanite kids from suburbanite parents.

[@aaronsbarker]

@@karkule5919 That's the issue. TFL hosts ACT and POSE like they are experts.... but they clearly aren't, yet they are trying to inform even less qualified people with their half-assed ideas, opinions and how-tos. So those now misinformed people wander out into the wilderness in their front wheel drive shitboxes, armed with a set of poorly fitted cable chains and think they can drive in snow and ice conditions.

[@iffykidmn8170]

They came with the vehicle so they must be the right size🤨 Not they were to big for the tire size same as the tire sock. Perhaps try looking into using a tire size calculator to figure out your tire diameter and width before ordering again.

[@aaronsbarker]

​@@karkule5919 and they are more concerned with posting content regularly than with posting well-researched information. They bought three fairy cheap "traction devices", likely off Amazon, and then abused them exactly as the manufactures warn against. You, yourself just said "people who think they are experts". Generally, channels with 1.2 million subscribers would be considered knowledgeable in what they produce. Quite regularly these guys don't have the slightest clue. They just have cameras. They do a decent job with stuff like the fuel loop and the Ike Challenge, but many of their videos, like this one, are just stuffed with rushed content that fills space.

[@iffykidmn8170]

@@karkule5919 so most views for the money vs content with any actual value got it.🙄

[@jguil4d]

I’d like to see this again, in both snow and ice, and (rather critically) with properly fitted traction aids. Those cables looked awfully loose. This seems like a good video for Stubby, actually, since I presume that the little truck is probably rated to use traditional chains instead of only those thin cables.

[@tomoneal5627]

Normal Snow chains ⛓ are the best solution for the winter. They are more expensive but they are living longer and the traction on Snowy Roads , Ice and Mud is perfect ❄️

[@warbuzzard7167]

Tommy, you and your crew are to be commended for getting out in that cold (I worked in it last week in Northern Colorado and LET ME TELL YOU, it was NO JOKE) and working hard to provide us with valuableinformation. You and your team shrugged off the discomfort like it was nothing. Good job, people!

[@richardtaylor7457]

A useful video. I have used both chains (Pewag) on Defender and Auto socks on Transit Connect. Auto Socks are great to have onboard as a quick get you out of a fix. Certainly not to have on for mile after mile. As soon as you hit tarmacs, remove them as they tip to shreads. Chains though a faff are better for longer use in extreme conditions. Well done on producing a useful video in cold conditions 👍

[@mikekarena]

The trick with cable install is to drive up on a small piece of 2x4 and drape the cables over the top of the tire. This is a trick from the guy that helps stranded people on the way to Mammoth.

[@fordtechchris]

I really liked how well you simulated the average know nothing driver bringing their FWD car to the snow armed only with cheap Amazon traction devices... LoL.

[@misterpister3702]

Maybe you should try Mary Ann on the gas pedal. Not just Ginger. 😁

[@mikefoehr235]

Gilligan???

[@Silverback_GMT410]

Love the videos! I’ve never driven in snow, except for a small bit when I took a drive up to Angeles Crest and drove into a campsite. But I appreciate the info and real world testing. Really helps get knowledgeable!

[@robertwright5487]

Interesting comparison. I tried the chains on my 95 Firebird Formula many years ago. No matter how smoothly I tried to take off, I just shredded them. Pure junk. Ordered a rim/ snow tire package from Tire Rack. A lot less of a hassle. My work, winter car had inexpensive snow tires that were studded. Worked just great.

[@dillonk5573]

I got decent snow tires put on my Corolla I live in northern Nevada and we get a lot of snow and they work great. Recently I took my car over to California to save gas vs driving my truck and they made me chain up on donner summit and there was no snow on the road! It really depends where you live. Some places snow tires don’t matter they want 4wd or chains even if the roads aren’t even bad

[@Desertfox92308]

Loved the test. It brings back not so fond memories of "cable/chaining up" back in the early 80's going to Lake Tahoe in my GTI with Pirelli low profile tires on it from the factory 👍

[@wallie4204]

I have personally had the best results using snow tires with metal studs or " cleets" . Delivering the Morning Newspaper in my front wheel drive car , I hit the roads early .

[@freshturns_snowboarding]

The issue is that these are all basically case-specific devices. You can't just set and forget like with winter tires. Instead, you have to drive around on pavement on summer tires (all season tires without a winter rating are no better than summers - Roman even said the same thing the other day), hope that you don't hit black ice or lose steering, and be ready to get out of your car in a blizzard to chain up. You can't run any of these things at 60mph on the highway to the ski resort. Plus, I think it's worth reminding everyone that all-seasons and summers begin to harden and lose grip in temps as warm as 7°C (45°F) so even if you're on completely dry pavement, you're essentially driving on slick plastic instead of rubber. There's just no arguable real world application for these unless you're an ice road trucker or a farmer who needs it for a farm truck in their fields. If you get 4 years out of a $1400 set of winter tires, running them 6 months of the year, that's like, $2/day. If you're using those chains frequently then you might even get back that $2/day in fuel efficiency savings using winters instead. I know you're doing what you can while the weather is allowing you to do it, but an off-road hill climb in fresh powder honestly isn't very real world. I thought that clip early on, spinning the tires trying to get to the top of the brake test hill, that made the case for winter tires instantly.

[@BrettBreeden]

I’ve used the yellow cleat things once in pretty nasty weather and they worked really well on my 2WD Expedition. Got me up the mountain to the cabin on a steep winding mountain road that hadn’t been plowed. Then they got me back down on some icy roads. I used them up to 50 mph without issue other than the noise/rough ride. They survived and I’ll use again when necessary. I’d like to buy some of those plastic install gloves that go up to you elbow. Nice addition for keeping your hands/clothes clean and warm.

[@PatrickMcNelis]

Only place I've lived where you needed snow chains was Alaska. Maybe it was because Alaska, but the chains we had were actual chains, not wire cables threaded through metal beads. I could get up any hill with those chains. Those cleats look like they'd fail after just a few miles.

[@mtnboy95338]

Fun Video, however I do believe that all of the traction devices tested are meant to be used on paved surfaces only. But I could be wrong.

[@nickknee3515]

I plow roads for the DOT and I always have empty water trucks going up my route and they can get stuck on a dusting of snow. One day we had three or four inches of wet springtime snow and a water truck jackknifed in the narrowest, curviest, steepest part of my road. When I showed up him and the county sheriff were trying to put on them traction socks. I was interested on how they worked but was sadly disappointed when the truck didn't move and inch, and after a hour of watching him flounder around trying to get up the hill I just started shoveling salt and backing up the hill putting salt out and he got going no problem after the road bared up. For big rigs at least chains are the way to go, not the snow socks.

[@MoY206]

This is why I love watching TFL. Always fun, always interesting, always learning.

[@brettknighten1171]

Convert the sizes to sae then ignore the rim size you will find the proper diameter and width of the tire without having to be concerned with rim size because the auto socks have no idea what your rim size is. Also chains on amazon are sub $100 even for the actual chain style not the cable cheaper cable style

[@bem121]

i have used the cable chains and use 2 of the rubber bands to keep then tighter now as a old man in the 70's (rear wheel drive) i would keep set of bald tires with chain in the trunk for a quick change in snow it took about 10 minutes to change both tires out

[@fartman10284]

Those are cables. You should try link chains... try a Peerless Auto-trac

[@mikefoehr235]

I agree. I learned from watching HIWAY THRU HELL that there are chains made specifically for rocky mountain use like BC or COLORADO as 2 examples.

[@johnmiller7682]

Lets be fair here. Though chains are the noisiest and most uncomfortable, those weren't chains. Those were cables. And pretty sketchy ones at that.

[@willemsmith506]

It would be interesting to see how they perform in heavy, sticky snow vs soft powder.

[@mrsteve4313]

So clearly if I owned a front wheel drive Rav4 even though I wouldn't, I might buy the cheapest thing to get unstuck but I'd really just go to a junkyard for 4 steel rims and put winter tires on them and switch out each season.

[@f1y7rap]

I've run proper chains, snow cables (like they used) and the autosox. The sox are great for getting you out of that OhSh!t moment during a storm, but are not intended to be driven on for any length of time. They are literally for when the road hasn't been plowed or its coming down so hard the plows can't keep up. Like if you are going up to the ski hill or worse stuck in the lot at the end of the night. I've got a total of 100mi out of them over several storms. If you are expecting lots of travel over both plowed and unplowed roads, chains are the only answer. Be it actual link chain, modern cables or the antiquated style as used here.

[@SgtSweatySac]

Suggestion for next time: try the ISSE tire socks on the next round. They have a different design than the autosock, curious how they perform

[@stefanmuche2891]

Or use the right Autosock size first. Of course it is bad if your tire is not listed on Amazon, but you could always double check the manufacturers website. Putting traction decides of any kind onto a wheel without knowing it is the right size can be rather risky/ damage the tire house / car or even lead to accidents.

[@lettherebelight6910]

Yes !!! ⭐️I’ve been waiting for an upload like this! ❤Can you guys do a comparison between these devices and 3-peak snow ❄️ rated tires as a Control...🤔I think it would be helpful to see the difference in performance between proper snow ❄️ tires vs. gadgets 🤗

[@scottyellis3442]

Great idea.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

Agreed...

[@CARvideoshareit]

I agree. It would be very helpful to also try some 3-peak rated snow tires, like Nokian brand. You may find that they compare very favorably to traction aids. We have started running 3-peaks on all our vehicles. The added siping and overall design makes them excellent in snow, ice, and wet slippery surfaces. I've seen some reviewers that claim climbing traction in snow is almost in 4 x 4 territory. - After switching to these on a front drive vehicle.

[@amalfi460]

Would have liked to see how a high quality dedicated snow tire would have compared

[@johnsmith-gt3po]

Great review. I was wondering about this since so many options out there. Thank you. 👍😁

[@ThatCarGuy1000]

Test would have been more accurate using different tracks for tests. Braking downhill was compromised since the first test was snow/ice and after that there was more dirt which helped with braking

[@mattdavies3023]

@tfl worth noting many vehicles can not fit chains (manufactures dont like them it seem), there was a whole thread in the F150 forum about this - hence the market for these alternatives I feel.

[@poppyneese1811]

Years ago Sears put my Snow tires on the rear of my company Dodge Caravan front wheel drive, in fairness the tire guy was young and pretty new at the job. Enjoyed this so very much!!! Also when we have to cart the older guys to the old presenters home, TFL WILL LIVE ON👍👍👍

[@NatesHomeTours]

Those chains are not the right size. A newer set like Oreilly Auto Parts sells you don't have to roll over them to install either. The have clips on both side and you can drape it over the tire and hook up both sides without moving the vehicle. Tightened properly you will have very little slack and the tensioner will be stretched out in circular pattern closely following the the outer part of the rim.

[@mesanders1113]

As a southern Texas guy who might get transplanted to Colorado or Nebraska here in a few weeks this is a much needed vidjeo

[@garrettt6513]

I'd personally call the chains more cables than chains. I've seen they can be more finicky, but do well. The one time I had to run something similar a few years ago on my BRZ with stock tires in the Seattle area with 4-6 inches of fresh snow, they were great. It is all hills in this area, and I left downtown and drove 25 miles more of hills on backroads to avoid the freeways. If I'm not mistaken, they do say to check/adjust them after a short time to make sure they are tight. The brand I bought was Z Super, and they worked really well.

[@pauliewalnuts240]

I bought snow tires for the first time this year, and I've been really impressed by them in snow. For ice you cant beat studded tires. I'd consider all of these solutions temporary at best, for someone dealing with snow a handful of times a year. Kind of sketchy that they can come off unexpectedly.

[@saralindacarrasco2824]

Thank you for sharing this video! I’m planning on moving somewhere with snow and want to see what’s it like to drive in it

[@kennygp2004]

Great video guys! I'm doing a 2" strut lift on my 2016 Camry SE 4cyl along with 27" all terrain tires. We got 10" of snow in Arizona recently and I almost got stuck during the storm. Plus I'm bored with the car lol so it's time to mod it. I'm definitely going to run an aid even with all terrain tires and this video helps. Now I just have to figure out if I can fit a 14" rim on my Camry.

[@javaman2883]

Would be great to see winter tires in this same test, as winter tires can be used all winter and are ready when you need them without putting anything extra on.

[@karlmcnealjr]

I don't know how many states would allow the cleats today but in the 80's PA said no more studs due to the metal tearing up the roads. Hardly saw real snow chains except for city/municipal and police cars used, they just chased us on our snowmobiles. I had a 69 Ford F-100 4x4 with granny gear and studded snow tires that did 50 mph in 5" of fresh powder. Also made $25-50 a night pulling people up a pretty steep incline. Those were the days!

[@scottyellis3442]

Hat's off to the camera man. I've never seen snow chains like those but then again I live in the south where I might get 2 or 3 inches every few years, (thank goodness) The ones I've seen is on the mail trucks & they're actually chains & are extremely tight on the tire. Great video guys, very interesting.

[@djgislertxwx6182]

I live in Southern Texas. I don’t deal with chains at all. I just went to Colorado this week. I have a FWD suv with all season tires. Well it snowed 8 inches while we were up here and I needed chains so I bought a set of peerless auto-tracs. For someone that knows nothing about putting chains on a vehicle they were awesome! Easy to put on and our suv did great in the snow with them. I can’t recommend them enough!

[@Gwinchiatos67]

As a trucker, I used pewag chains, so I bought some pewag auto tightening chains for my wife's camry they were great, tightened up automatically, held their tension and gave awesome traction. A lot better than those cable "chains" that y'all used.

[@russellhancock9765]

Front wheel drive cars go pretty good in the snow as long as the Bottom doesn't drag with snow tires on them.

[@BigMacProDaddy]

Was in an afternoon ice storm in Edmonds Washington, just North of Seattle. The sun was setting and there was not much movement on the road. I remembered there was a Home Depot just around the corner, so i pulled my Vanagon to the shoulder and walked to the HD. Thinking about a solution during my walk i came up with manilla rope. I found a considerable roll in 3/8”. I tied loops with square knots around each wheel and by the time i jumped into the driver’s i had three other people warming inside with the gasoline heater blasting comfortably warm air. I picked up a couple more driver’s on top of the hill and got everyone home safe by dinner. Manilla twine. Worked great on ice and snow. Just need to make sure any loop tied won’t interfere with the brakes.

[@Si7088]

I would like to see a retest with different types of chains and cables. I haven’t seen those other fancy tractions aides widely available where I live.

[@Elmer_RedEagle]

Those cleats are not recommended for over 40kmh or hard breaking, most of that style is meant to be compact and get you out of a bad situation and not to be driven on like regular snow tires/chains. When used as intended those cleats can be a life saver.

[@chrisw3771]

Great video, I wonder how just nylon rope wound through the spokes across the tyres would do. That has always been my emergency option on a bike or if I've not put chains in the car (last time 3 weeks ago) always works for me

[@reallyemptypockets6509]

Every time Tommy says, interesting, you have to take a drink 🎉

[@ShukenFlash]

The cleats also seem like they'd be the easiest to apply if you've already gotten stuck. You don't have to drive forward like the others since they only go on 3 sections of the tire.

[@herbwheeler4470]

Chains are meant to PREVENT you from getting stuck

[@breckfreeride]

Your floor mat are even easier

[@fromthebeginningofvankind28]

I used some of those tire cleats last winter and as long as I was in the snow/ice they worked fine I went anywhere I wanted to go at 10mph , but I had to adjust and tighten them after every trip so at work before heading home Id better tighten them then again when I got home Id better tighten them again to go to work again the next day. and by the end of the season the cheap little ratcheting tool didn't hold up at all I was using a flat head screw driver by the time I took them off for the last time. The problem lies in the strapping if at any point you need to cross a cleared dry street it tears the strapping . I had one break and sling around and scratch the paint in a nice circular motion (before i could get stopped) on my truck. Also if your driveway is on a hill and its conrete as you dig in to get up the driveway plan on scratching up driveway with permanent marks. Just my personal experience. They did do what they are designed to do just plan on buying new ones every season ( maybe twice in a longer snowy region) because the ratchets will get rusty on you any way this was a good video. this is a great channel.

[@DCuerpoJr]

Thanks for confirming that all three of these traction devices are inferior to a good set of dedicated winter tires or even all-weather tires like the Michelin Cross-Climate 2’s. I have the Cross-Climate 2’s on my 2016 Toyota RAV4 with AWD and have not had any issues driving on snow or ice.

[@ajr5195]

Man those cables were sketchy. Next time use actual chains. Ive found Diamond pattern (titan is the brand i use from e-trailer) are very easy to put on and take off while providing excellent traction. Since you’re always on part of the chain they are also much smoother than other designs of chains. For all chains you should drive a few yards and get out to re-tighten. They always center themselves and slack some. To REALLY get the maximum fit air your tire down, install chain, drive, retighten, air tire back up.

[@rik999]

We call those "chains" cables. They were never as durable or effective as real chains. Second, love the veterinary cow examination gloves. Good for pelvic exams where you are in up to your elbows 😀.

[@kencramer1697]

For guys that live in Colorado you seem very under-informed on not only the type of traction aids you are utilizing on the vehicle, but also in the proper application, sizing and use of the traction aids. It has been 20+ years since I have lived up there and had to use traction devices, but even I could see you had improper fitment on the socks and on the tire cables that someone ordered out of the back of a 1980's boys life magazine. There was not one true quality traction aid that you tested.

[@MickeyMishra]

I get the Les Shwab Chains. Forgot the brand. But they are easy to repair yourself. They work GREAT in snow and a DREAM on ice. They also stay on the tire really well. Its pretty ruff when you get on hard pavement in places, but hold up pretty well. Those plastic things would be my go to for having them in the car. Simple easy and gets you out of a bind quick.

[@akulahawk]

On the whole, not a bad comparison. That being said, I suspect that the tire sock was a little too large and the tire cables (those weren't chains) were obviously too large as well. Well-fitting cables/chains actually are quite snug to the tire. There is a method to installing them and once they're properly installed, they can provide really good traction compared to a tire alone and they won't come off easily. Pretty much all traction aids I've ever seen have a max speed of 30 mph.

[@MogsAndDogs]

Great real world comparison! Comforting to have a Unimog in the background. 😊

[@brbadventurer]

0:59 -12 F is a good temperature for trying to drive in the snow as the tires bite on the ice crystals and aid in traction in a big way. The worst traction is in the snow that is just above freezing as the little bit of snow melt and water act as a lubricant in the snow and makes everything greasy to drive on. 20:23 Great after you get the chains on you are ready to give a cow a pregnancy test. 28:39 Really those traction aids are meant for winter conditions on the highway to prevent from being stranded in winter conditions they might get you trough a mountain pass but for the best traction for a longer drive would be the chains. We have just had some freezing rain here and there were many accidents because of the ice on the road, some of those aids may have been a blessing for some people.

[@xavier712]

I used the cables about 5 times in 20 years(SC). On both snow and ice. They can be a real PIA to remove when you’re hugging a cold filthy tire to find the quick disconnect. Last winter had to jack both sides and remove the wheels to remove the cables.🤬 ETA-other than that, they worked really well.

[@ffl1409]

Great video. Appreciate the team braving the cold for this.

[@Desertfox92308]

I had to laugh that no one over 30 was doing this test! Let the young guys pay their dues! Lol

[@DIZAZZO]

The brake test with a car with abs would be the definitive answer.

[@jonaramaa]

I love snow traction videos. Make 1000 I don’t care I’ll watch every one of them.

[@TFLcar]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@dtmfool789]

Those chains looked loose. Also the hook was suppose to be in the back I think. I have those chains and have used them for 3 years now on fwd Volvo and rwd bmw with no issues. They haven’t ever come off and I’ve never gotten stuck.

[@dalejones4322]

Very informative video guys. Not something I deal with but I've always been curious if these things work. Really cool that the cheapest worked the best. They all appear to be a kinda get you home thing not a drive anywhere you want with them thing. Thanks guys for getting out in the cold to do this video

[@mikethebeast1012]

Honestly having a properly functioning ABS system probably would have made a bigger difference than any of these gadgets.

[@jose01111990]

I enjoy listening to Case’s “S” sometimes with a light whistle 😅😁 Great job on vid guys😃

[@MyLifeThai371]

I just looked it up on ebay. You can buy regular tire chains for this man's car for only $75 brand new.

[@justinvetter5112]

them cables you boys have are actually for ice on sterling tires they will work on drive tires but they are more designed for lateral force to keep the vehicle on the road then rotational forces to propel a vehicle

[@brucefredrickson9677]

How about a good set of winter tires? What would the acceleration time be for that? Also, testing on dirt/grass is a lot different than hard-surface because the first two products would be junk after about one use.

[@loscaminosdeestavida]

Thank you. This is very helpful.

[@qin1992]

It would be interesting to see how much difference does different tread depth make.

[@fromthebeginningofvankind28]

There is a European company Koenig (Swedish I think) that has a tire chain system that you put over you tire and step on a locking system in the middle of the outside of the tire . Have you seen or possible done a review of them? If not I like to see a "real world" video on them. to see if they are worth their 500ish dollar price tag.

[@964tractorboy]

Assuming I have to fit them "in the field" and not in a warm garage, I'd vote for the socks: no fiddling or tools required and probably (?) good enough to get you out of a fix.

[@geezerpleasers_OG]

There is an issue with snow socks getting you out of a fix. If your vehicle is already in a situation where it can't move, you won't be able to install the snow socks. Installation requires that you fit the sock over the top and sides of the tire as much as you can, then move forward or backward a partial turn in order to expose the rest of the tire's surface, and finish putting them on. You have to put them on before you get into any slick stuff.

[@nwjohn]

Same goes for tire chains. That’s why it’s important to put them on before your stuck!

[@wolfgangjansen3628]

@@nwjohn From experience I can say for snow chains it is no problem to put them on after you are stuck. (The piece of chain which you cannot get under the wheel, will provide you enough grip to roll over, after which you can secure the chain properly. And anyway you have to tighten the chain again afer a few 100's of meters.) Of course it is better to put them on before you got stuck, but we all believe we can manage it 😀

[@javaman2883]

@@geezerpleasers_OG The cleats look like they may be able to get you unstuck. Putting three on the part of the tire that can be reached, they should be able to get traction.

[@08mario08]

Y’all are crazy being out there in this temps!

[@josephstanger873]

I’ve found the best deal is tire chains, where I live they can be found brand new at thrift stores, as people buy them, and never end up using them at all.

[@nathanimel6849]

You guys need to try the zip tie style snow chains. They are like plastic zip ties with spikes on them.u just zip them to ur tires. I hear they wrk well.

[@trcass1]

interesting segment. i like old school chains but the cleats were cool. havent seen those before. i think the braking distance got better as you drove the track and scuffed up the snow and got closer to the dirt. those gloves remind me of some a vet would use.....lol

[@jimmybobco]

Those are goodyear assurance tires. Some of the best all seasons I have used on an AWD daily driver

[@robgrune3284]

TFL has much to learn. What TFL calls chains are actually cables, and their condition is dubious. Real chains give much better performance.

[@timmyjan]

i saw someone use heavy duty zip ties with jagged edges on its back. wrap them around the tire as many as you feel is good and then drive on snow/icey road plz test it tfl

[@rpenm]

The size guide on Autosock's website recommends the AS695 for that tire size, not the AS697 you used. Kudos for the testing, though.

[@MrJordanwain]

Loving the snow videos!!

[@Alienking01]

Nice Unimog in that garage

[@kevinkilpatrick2536]

I have chains for my 4WD truck and use them only when needed but still several times a year just to make sure I will make it to work. They are now 5 years old, probably have about 100 miles on them and looks like they will last forever. BUT I can not put these on if I’m already stuck. I have to drive onto them. Seems like those yellow cleats could be thrown on if you’re already stuck. Which could save a life if stranded out in the middle of nowhere.