Has Anyone Used Spikes Spiders?

[rkracketeer]

I was wondering if anyone had used Spikes Spiders as a winter traction device. They seem easy to use, although a bit expensive.

Thanks

[wrumbarger]

Howdy all

I checked out the site for "Spikes Spiders"
Spikes-Spider: Easier, Better than Tire Chains

The site shows how their product(s) are installed.
ALL of the installation info shows their hub being on a 5 lug system.

They also list various makes that have used their product(s).
smart IS NOT listed?

Anyone that is really interested should contact them direct about fitting to our 3 lug wheels? (and please post reply)

[forestacademy]

You don't actualy drive on these things on a regular basis do you. They are just for Emergency's I would think. I wouldnt be driving over 30 mph with those things on.

[bigcritter]

I looked into them. I even called the company and spoke with them. Found out that you need to convert from 15mm lugs to 17mm lugs in order to use the disk that you attach to your wheels in order to attach the spiders. They do have a size that fits our cars, but they were $384 a pair plus tax & S&H! Thought that was pretty pricey. After watching all the videos I could find and reading reviews on Autosocks, I decided on a pair of those for emergency situations instead. I haven't tried them out yet, even though it's been snowing here in the PNW all week, I decided not to chance driving smartie and getting HIT by someone else, so he's been in the driveway for the last week! :>) Oh......Autosocks are about $85 a pair, plus tax, S&H!

[wrumbarger]

US distributor?

Here is the UK website
AutoSock/Auto Sock.The Textile wheel cover for Driving in Ice and Snow.Auto Socks get you Home!

[sheureka]

Originally Posted by wrumbarger

US distributor?

Here is the UK website
AutoSock/Auto Sock.The Textile wheel cover for Driving in Ice and Snow.Auto Socks get you Home!

You can get them at Amazon - sheureka

[rwcmick]

the problem w/ the auto sock is that they don't meet the "traction device required" standard. i looked at spike's spiders years ago because so many saturns were driving around with the disks on back in the early 90s, i didn't know what they were for. once i did find out, i thought about them for our minivan b/c of the PITA it was to put on chains when travelling on I-5. i never did pull the trigger, but my uncle is thinking about them for his buick lacrosse since his 19" rims won't allow for chains. in summary, i think they look like an easy way to throw on a traction device when the chp demands you put them on.

[smarticus]

I thought most 90's Saturns were front drive.

[NTLaunch]

I used them on 3 different Saturns. They worked great. Quieter than chains and very easy to put on and off. Traction was very good in snow. Never had them on ice very much. The discs are ugly, but chains were not an option on the Saturn as there was not enough clearance.

[rwcmick]

Originally Posted by smarticus

I thought most 90's Saturns were front drive.

yep, saturns are front drive, but here in california when traction devices are required, it doesn't matter if your front or rear, you've got to have chains or spike's spiders on. 4wd/awd vehicles do get a pass most of the time, but if things are bad enough, even they have to have traction devices. the trouble is, you've got to pull over to the side of the road and either pay some dude to put on your chains or fight with them yourself. it's no fun. the spiders are really easy to snap on and off, saving you discomfort, time and perhaps your marriage.