Seattle winters are no joke. Sometimes your Subaru needs a little extra help to drive along icy roadways or up the mountain for a weekend ski trip. From snow tires to chains to socks and more, there seem to be endless options for getting your car around in the winter-but which is the right choice for you?
Here, we'll break down the difference between snow tires, chains, and socks to help you decide on a solution.
Snow Tires, Chains, and Socks: Which Is Right?
Driving in heavy snow or ice can be quite the experience. To make sure you're prepared, you'll want to invest in the right snow solution for your Subaru. Here are some of the options.
What Are Snow Tires?
Snow tires are perfect for winter terrain-and they are especially designed for use on snow and ice. Compared to summer tires, snow tires have a tread design with larger gaps to improve traction on snow and ice. You also have to be willing to spend the extra to own snow tires. On average, a set of snow tires for a car will cost about $250 to $600 for a set of four; on an SUV you can expect to pay between $600 to $1,200 for a set.
What Are Snow Chains?
Snow chains attach to your existing tires to increase traction and braking on snowy or icy surfaces. Some areas prohibit the use of chains, as they can deteriorate road surfaces, so make sure to check local laws and regulations before installing these on your tires.
What Are Snow Socks?
Snow socks are textile devices that wrap around the tires of your vehicle in order to increase traction when driving on snow and ice. Like a sock, the woven fabric covers the entire tire tread and connects the vehicle and the road. If snow chains are prohibited, snow socks without metal components are usually a good alternative.
But, of the three options, what's best for the Seattle winter? It depends on your car, how often you drive, and how much you're willing to spend on winter safety.
Suburb Service: Seattle's #1 Subaru Repair Shop
Need maintenance or repair on your Subaru near Seattle? Ready to install a set of snow tires? We love Subaru customers-it's why we've chosen to specialize in Subaru-only car repair, maintenance, and more. We've treated Seattle's Subaru customers to excellent service for so many years-and we can't wait to treat you too. Whether you need to make a regular maintenance appointments, schedule a repair service, or want to discuss installing a snow solution, contact us.