I'm thinking that Spikes Spider might be the solution to Prius Traction Control woes. They look easy to take on and off as needed. Any thoughts from the experts of the group? A review can be found here: Spike-Spider Winter Traction Package Review | The Truth About Cars The manufacturer's website is here: Spikes-Spider: Easier, Better than Tire Chains
Wouldn't you have to carry them with you? They look like they would take up a lot of valuable trunk space.
They would work for really bad traction issues, but in most cases, you aren't going to have the ground clearance to go through the sort of snow where you would need these. I would consider them as replacements for chains, as in the mountains, otherwise they would be more bother than worth. If you drive in snow, get good tires. Tom
10 or 12 years ago bridgestone invented the snow tire with their Blizzaks, the blizzaks are still around but Michelin also came out with X-Ice and Yokohama has their Ice-Guards. If you get stick in the winter with any of those snow tires than my friend you need a 4x4 SUV or pickup truck. Save those traction gizmos for the infomercials & get some steel wheels & snow tires for the winter.
First, snow tires have been around much much longer than you seem to think they have. I used to drive BFG snow tires on front wheel drive cars when I lived in the mountains. Never got stuck with them. Occasionally I got stuck without them. Without studs, they are no help in ice. With studs, you need to be very cautious in ice. Second, chains give much better traction in packed snow and ice than snow tires, better even than studded snow tires. Third, the point I failed to make was that these should eliminate the traction control paralysis many have faced on their Prius. These are easy to install when needed. The straps live in the cargo area when not needed and the wheel plates stay on all season. Also, you wouldn't take the MPG hit due to the sticky and thick snow tire tread. The only drawback to them that I can see is the price.
